The How and Why of Mentoring Activities.

Members of Friends of Ukraine provide an informal network for volunteers serving in Ukraine and for those volunteers returning to the USA. As members with a shared bond, Peace Corps Volunteers can be a tremendous resource to one another. There is strength and energy in numbers. There is also lots of great experience people can share to make one another's lives easier. Members of Friends of Ukraine have opportunities to mentor like-minded people.

Contact Friends of Ukraine to:

Adopt a PCV - Mentor a PCV - or - Mentor a RPCV

This is an outstanding opportunity to help others without ever leaving home.

Adopt a PCV and provide a little touch of home for a lonely volunteer serving in Ukraine.  Most PCV's have family and friends who send little touches from home from time to time, but some volunteers sit in their little village and never receive a letter or card from home. Contact Friends of Ukraine and find out how to help those lonely PCVs.

The mentoring program is another way to serve.  Mentor new PCV's who really have no idea what to do when the Mayor tells them "No" and the school system says "You can't teach that way."  Mentors are the old pros. They know how to deal with cross-cultural issues, fundraising, isolation and all the challenges of PCV life in Ukraine. RPCVs can provide current PCVs with realistic help or advice. Or they can simply listen and act as a sounding board. Mentors can be available to answer questions when they come up. Mentors can guide and direct the new PCV along the rocky road ahead.  Mentors can use their own experiences to make life easier for the new PCVs.

RPCVs need mentoring too! After a few years abroad, life in the USA seems pretty strange! Acclimating is not always easy. It does not matter where RPCVs came from or what they did during their service, coming home and looking for a job, a home, a town or just a school can be a daunting task. A friendly ear or a few positive words can make all the difference during this difficult time. RPCVs can help people cope during the challenging transition. Guide them as they pick up the pieces and get on with their and they can provide insights and encouragement - RPCVs are a valuable resource for a returning PCV.

It's all about giving back, isn't it?