[Nfbv-announce] Deadline is Today: We Need You!

[NABS President]

Final reminder for those interested in transforming the lives of blind youth across Virginia!

Calling all volunteers who have a niche for mentoring through leading by example:
 
As Project RISE continues to expand across the Commonwealth, the need for positive and successful blind role models becomes more and more apparent. As many of you know, our Project RISE program began as just an idea, then touched the lives of 17 Northern Virginia students in the spring of 2018, and now developed into a state-wide program serving 32 blind and low vision students.
 
While we certainly have outstanding mentors in the Northern Virginia area catering to our monthly programming, there is a need for mentors across the state. These volunteers will ensure our students receive consistent education and mentorship throughout the year, rather than during the quarterly programming. Below, you will find additional information. Please send a brief paragraph outlining why you are interested and qualified to serve as a mentor to Kathryn Webster (nfbprojectrise at gmail.com) by Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
 
Responsibilities & Expectations
This is a unpaid, volunteer position from January 15, 2019 to July 15, 2019
Each mentor should expect to work with 1 or 2 students between the ages of 14 and 21, with some overlapping personal or professional interests
We ask that each mentor spends roughly an hour a month talking to each of their students via telephone or in-person, except for the months where we have state-wide programming
These conversations will be tailored to the individual, but the coordinators will provide guidance to facilitate these discussions in the most effective manner
Informal notes should be provided to the Program Coordinator (Kathryn Webster) and Deputy Coordinator (Arielle Silverman) proceeding every state-wide programming weekend, so we can assess each student’s growth in an individualized format
Mentors should plan to attend both state-wide weekends on January 26-27 in Arlington, VA and May 10-12 in Baltimore, MD
All travel, lodging, and food expenses will be provided during the Project RISE weekends (those dates listed above)
If selected, mentors must sign and abide by NFBV’s Code of Conduct, as well as any other releases required by the policies set forth in the Project RISE program
There are no age restrictions to serve as a mentor
Mentors will be selected by mid-January
Since this is a volunteer position, all mentors have the right to withdraw from their role at any time
 
To apply, send a brief paragraph to nfbprojectrise at gmail.com, outlining your qualifications, interests, and anything else we should know by Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
 
Please email me if you have any questions (nfbprojectrise at gmail.com). I will be out of the country from December 21-31, but Deputy Coordinator, Arielle Silverman, will be checking email during my absence.
 
Thank you in advance for considering this incredible opportunity. I am confident that your contribution and positive perspective will bring success to our students.
 
Best,
Kathryn Webster
Program Coordinator
Project RISE
Resilience, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Employment
(203) 273-8463
nfbprojectrise at gmail.com
 
Kathryn C. Webster
President | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
Work: 410-417-8360
Nabs.president at gmail.com | www.nabslink.org | @nabslink