Indigenous Mentorship – Information for mentors

Mentoring comes with the responsibility to always act in the best interest of the students. The following is a list of mentor requirements.

Follow the school’s policies for non-student volunteers

On an ongoing basis, your teacher lead will advise you about the specific guidelines at their school. These policies will help guide:

• the choice of locations where activities are permitted
• notification requirements to the school supervisor and parents
• guidance for conducting one-on-one meetings
• physical contact between you and students
• social media contact
• transportation

Establish trust

Building a strong mentoring relationship

Activities

The program engages students by involving them in a number of activities. To learn more about how to be an effective mentor, visit our activities and resources page.

Training

Support

You can depend on the following sources of support as you take on this exciting volunteer position:

Reporting and evaluation

Mentorship team leads update their regional coordinator and CPA Canada on program progress throughout the school year.

On program completion, your mentorship team and school representatives will complete an evaluation scorecard. Students also complete a year-end evaluation.

Is a mentor the same thing as a coach?

No. Coaching is shorter term and functional in nature. Mentoring is longer term and relationship oriented. A mentor is an experienced and trusted one-on-one advisor. In Indigenous culture, the traditional learning model is for elders to share knowledge and wisdom with young people. When a good relationship is established, the mentorship relationship flourishes, producing great benefits for both the student and the mentor.

How are mentors chosen?

Our program works with accounting firms, government organizations and other employers. Mentors are recruited through their employer and are invited to the program based on strong personal and professional credentials. 

What is the time commitment needed?

Mentors must plan, organize and participate in group activities, which take place three to eight times a year, depending on the program. When school policies permit and encourage it, some mentors also maintain regular contact with their students – about one contact per month during the school year (6-8 months), either by email, telephone or in-person meeting. These interactions are always conducted in accordance with the school’s policies.

Do I need a police check?

Generally yes, police checks are required by most boards for all volunteers working with students. Most schools and school boards have established processes for this with their local police and will arrange for your background check.

What behavioural, ethical and other policies must be followed during the mentorship?

Care, trust, respect and integrity are at the core of all good relationships and should define your behaviour as a mentor.  The expected behaviours are defined in the CPA Mentor Code of Conduct. The policies of the school will also guide your interactions with students. Your teacher lead will advise you on specific guidelines for your school.

What do I do if I am unable to answer a question from a student?

Depending on the question, you can:

• answer candidly that you don’t know the answer, but will try to find out
• refer the student to a teacher or parent

It is not your role to provide solutions to all challenges facing the student. Never hesitate to speak with your mentorship team lead or teacher lead if you need guidance.