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Programs

Shared Journeys Birthparent to Birthparent Mentor Application

Birthparent-to-Birthparent Mentorship Program

At Shared Journeys, our Birthparent-to-Birthparent Mentorship Program is built on a simple belief: the best support comes from someone who has lived it too. In doing so, we will help birthparents become more comfortable talking about their feelings around their adoption by creating a safe and empathetic space, enable birthparents to achieve goals within their adoption and become better connected to the Shared Journeys community in order to receive ongoing support, fostering a community which shares responsibility in growth and support of its members.

Birthmom-to-Birthmom Mentor Application

Please answer all questions. The more information you can provide, the better we will be able to pair you with an appropriate mentee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

By submitting this application, you agree to the terms of the program and commit to being an engaged participant. Our mentorships typcially start around  March 1st and run through November 15th, however, we recruit our mentors throughout the year.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Case Management, Jennifer.

Birthparent-to-Birthparent Mentor Application
First Name *
Last Name *
Country
Address Line 1 *
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
Month
/
Day
/
Year
Is your adoption:
Did you place in a transracial adoption?
Are you currently or have you ever been in therapy?
Do you attend Shared Journeys retreats, virtual support groups, or events?
How do you prefer to connect with your mentee?
What time zone are you in?

In order to be considered for the Shared Journeys Mentorship Program, you must agree to the following guidelines:

  • Be available to meet with your mentee at least once a month for the duration of the mentorship, at a mutually agreed upon time
  • Participate in mentorship training prior to being matched
  • Communicate with Shared Journeys staff if your availability to serve as a mentor changes
  • Listen actively and provide emotional support
  • Allow for balanced dialogue — mentors should not be doing the majority of the talking or sharing
  • Be objective and refrain from offering unsolicited advice or biased opinions
  • Be mindful of stigmas and microaggressions and not perpetuate them
  • Respect boundaries and set limits when needed
  • Respect the confidentiality of your mentee at all times
  • Not give money to mentees, or gifts valued at more than $15 (you may let your mentee know this is a Shared Journeys policy)
  • Not attempt to convert your mentee to your religion or religious beliefs
  • Complete a monthly progress note
  • Utilize the Shared Journeys Birthparent-to-Birthparent Facebook group for informal support and check-ins with fellow mentors
  • Ask Shared Journeys staff for help when needed
  • Alert case management immediately if a mentee is in danger or if there is a safety concern
  • Bring any issues or concerns to the attention of our Director of Case Management, Jennifer, at jennifer@sharedjourneyscollective.org
Do you agree to the guidelines of the program?
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