Global FC Mentor Opportunity!

Mentorship at Global FC has evolved to continue engagement with youth in various safe ways. Mentors have become a much needed voice of encouragement and accountability in the midst of the loud noise of fear. Some ways that mentors are engaging online right now include:

• Maintaining strong lines of communication allows our team to be aware of the immediate need for food and to ensure resources get to the most vulnerable as fast as possible.
• Sharing important information about how to stay physically safe and mentally strong during this pandemic.
• Offering an ear to listen as a person of support and accountability to ensure our kids can be successful in this new learning climate.
• Coming up with creative challenges or new ways to engage the group of youth in a positive and fun way
• Reciprocal cultural exchange – learning about youth and their rich cultures as you teach them about yours.

We must stay mindful of the reality that First Generation Immigrant and Refugee Youth (FGIRY) have experienced complex traumas including war, resettlement, persecution, and loss of loved ones. Unhealed wounds and trauma are often unaddressed as youth are forced to adapt and survive in their new host culture in America. Outlets such as school and soccer provide an escape from responsibilities beyond their age and to simply be a kid. With both of those outlets temporarily and abruptly removed, traumas and behavioral issues may quickly resurface. Positive and encouraging mentor voices are needed now more than ever. YOUR voice can be a force for transformation, healing, and to breathe life into our city! Consider joining our ENGAGEMENT team at Global FC Community. For more information, please reach out to patricia@branch-global.com.

Online Tutors:

Our Education Program has quickly jumped into action by asking the questions, How do we evolve our efforts to ensure our youth can succeed in the transition to learning from home? And how do we ensure our youth are being held accountable to their studies? Volunteer support and our strong family engagement efforts have proven invaluable during this crisis, harnessing credible relationships with students and strong lines of communication with families. Therefore, we have taken our partnerships with Kansas City Public Schools and various charter schools to the next level by locking arms to bridge schools and homes. We are still learning and adjusting as we carry out online engagement, but here are the responsibilities our online education team is taking on while checking in with students three times a week:

• Provide accountability ~ Tutors are part of a village of volunteers surrounding each student, continually reinforcing the importance of their studies, staying on top of their workload, and asking for help. In addition to the credible voice of volunteers, we also leverage the game of soccer to ensure youth are being held accountable to their studies. Soccer will begin again; we remind them of that. 🙂

• Ask for an update on what’s going on in their life currently ~ How is home? Schoolwork? Health? Food? Interests?

• Restate expectations

1. Students check the chat AT 2 pm every MWF

2. Complete the activity provided by our Curriculum Developer

3. Ask for help if needed

4. Respond to messages

• Ask about the activity ~ Have students started? Where are they in the process? What have they learned so far? What parts make them curious?

• Assist with schoolwork ~ As students and tutors interact over various points of the check-in, youth are voicing their needs and concerns about schoolwork, and tutors are readily available to provide guidance.

Consider joining our ONLINE TUTORING team at Global FC Community. For more information, please reach out to celeste@branch-global.com