unya news

A little bit about UNYA and our Kinnections Program

Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years. As a respected non-profit, charitable organization, we recognize Indigenous youth as experts in their own lives, and strive to provide youth with programs and opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to them.

UNYA’s Kinnections program connects Indigenous youth, ages 16 to 19, with volunteer mentors in the community. With the support of positive role-models, youth have the opportunity to realize their strengths and work towards future goals. Our aim is to empower youth and provide them with the tools they need to make positive choices and changes, helping them grow into strong, capable, confident adults.

Volunteer Position Description

We are seeking committed volunteer mentors, from all backgrounds, to engage in meaningful and supportive relationships with 16 to 19 year old Indigenous youth.

Volunteer mentors meet with their youth throughout the month, and participate in one-on-one, fun, consistent and goal-oriented activities together. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are encouraged to apply.

“There are days when I’m having a bad day but after seeing my mentor, I feel good again.”

“There are days when I’m having a bad day but after seeing my mentor, I feel good again.”

Qualifications

• You are over the age of 21;
• You are a mature, positive role-model;
• You are energentic, and able to relate well to youth;
• You are goal-oriented, and motivated to work with youth on skills development and confidence building;
• You successfully complete a Criminal Records Check, specific to working with the vulnerable sector;
• You are able to commit to a mentorship lasting a minimum of 1 year, but preferably long-term;
• You are able to devote 2-4 hours per week to meet with your mentee.

Benefits

• Mentor training session prior to beginning your mentorship;
• Ongoing support, assistance, advocacy, and guidance from program staff throughout your mentorship;
• Opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships with youth;
• Cross-cultural experience and training;
• Develop a deeper understanding of challenges faced by urban Indigenous youth;
• Free monthly group activities;
• Tickets to sporting, arts, and cultural events;
• Potential references to post-secondary institutions or employers after six successful months of mentoring.

Accountability

Volunteer mentors report to UNYA’s Kinnections Program Manager.

Become a Mentor Today

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out our Kinnections Volunteer Form and send a cover letter and resume to UNYA’s Kinnection Program Manager at [email protected].

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the program, call our Kinnections Program staff at 604-329-8249.

Learn More

Want to know more about what it’s like to volunteer with our kinnections program? Visit our Impact page to read about the experiences of some of our current volunteers.