Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance Standards of Certification
The following standards are intended to support mentoring organizations to
create impactful, enduring mentor/mentee relationships that make a positive
impact on the Charlotte’s quality of life. Mentoring is one of the most important
investments one can make to Charlotte’s future. The Mayor’s Mentoring
Alliance recognizes the value of holding its members to evidence-based
standards ensure responsible practices to develop caring and supportive
relationships.
Standard 1: Recruitment
Mentor Recruitment
1.1 Program engages in recruitment strategies that realistically portray the
benefits, practices and challenges of mentoring in the program.
1.2 Program has a written statement outlining eligibility for mentors
Mentee Recruitment
1.3 Program recruits youth whose needs best match the services offered by
the program
1.4 Program has a written statement outlining eligibility for mentees and
parents/guardian
Standard 2: Screening
Mentor Screening
2.1 Potential mentors must complete an application
2.2 Program must provide background checks of potential mentors,
including checking the sexual predator database
2.3 Potential mentors with at least 5 years of residency in CharlotteMecklenburg may be screened using a Citywide background check (offered
free of charge through MMA)
2.4 Potential mentors with less than 5 years of residency must have a
national background check performed
2.5 Program must conduct a face to face interview with potential mentors
2.6 Program must require personal and professional references for potential
mentors
2.7 Mentor must commit to participate for a minimum of one program year
with at least on average one hour face-to-face time per month
Mentee Screening
2.8 Parent/guardian must complete an application and provide written
participation of consent to participate
2.9 Mentee and parent/guardian agrees to participate for a minimum of one
program year
Standard 3: Training
3.1 Program must provide a minimum of 2 hours in person training (one
hour can be provided by MMA)
3.2 Program must utilize evidence based training materials
Standard 4: Matching
4.1 Program considers its aims as well as the characteristics of the mentor
and mentee, including, but not limited to interests, proximity, availability,
age, gender, race, ethnicity, personality and expressed preferences
4.2 Program arranges and documents an initial meeting between the mentor
and mentee
4.3 Program staff member is on site and/or present during the initial
meeting of the mentor and mentee
Standard 5: Monitoring and Support
5.1 Program contacts the mentor and mentee at a minimum frequency of
once per month
5.2 Program documents contacts, including, at minimum date and nature of
contact
5.3 Program provides mentors access to resources to help negotiate
challenges in mentoring relationships
Standard 6: Closure
6.1 Program has a procedure to manage closures, including a system for
mentor/mentee rematch
6.2 Program conducts an exit interview of the mentor/mentee, when possible