Be a Youth Mentor

Are You Looking for a Way to Support Others with Alopecia Areata?

NAAF’s Youth Mentor Program connects children living with alopecia areata to dedicated young adult mentors to formulate lasting bonds while providing support and guidance on dealing with the day-to-day challenges stemming from alopecia areata. 

We are accepting Youth Mentor Applications! 

If you are between the ages of 16-30, and motivated to help children living with alopecia areata, and you are willing to make the commitment, you can mentor! You can help children and their parents by sharing your experience about how you navigate the world living with alopecia areata and what type of coping skills you use. You can also share time and fun activities that bring about a sense of “normalcy” so that kids just get to be kids! 

Enroll As A Youth Mentor Today!
 

“Nothing can prepare you for losing all of your hair, especially when society and the media make it seem like a necessary part of being beautiful. It’s easy to compare ourselves to the models in magazines and to see being bald as imperfect. However, with the right support system and great resources it’s also totally possible to push the negative thoughts aside and to instead focus on the power and beauty we each have thanks to alopecia…. It might be an uphill battle filled with several obstacles, but discovering your strength and confidence through your unique beauty is possible.”  

—Angelina, Youth Mentor 

FAQ’s about the Youth Mentor Program

Where Do The Youth Mentors Come From? 

Youth mentors are people living with alopecia areata, between the ages of 16-30 that would like to share their experience and be able to support others. Many of our mentors have been part of the NAAF community for years, attending the NAAF Patient Conference, NAAF support groups, or other NAAF community activities. Others are new to NAAF and are now part of an ever-expanding network of young adults who want to give back by sharing what they have learned has helped them to cope. 

How Does the Youth Mentor Program Work? 

Youth mentors and mentees connect through a platform where mentors provide a short bio about themselves for parents and kids to review. Once the mentor/mentee connection is made through NAAF, the conversations and process would happen over skype, phone calls, and face to face. This is something that would primarily happen outside of the NAAF conference, year-round. We ask that youth mentor’s agree to mentor 2 mentees per year, and commit to spending a minimum of 2 hours a month with each mentee.   

How Do I Become a Youth Mentor? 

To become a Youth Mentor, you must submit an application and go through an interview and screening process.  You will also be required to take NAAF’s youth mentor e-training course. Once you have completed the application, screening and training process and are accepted, we will include your information on the mentor match platform and help you get matched!  

What Screening Process Do You Use to Allow a Volunteer to Become a Mentor? 

NAAF’s youth mentors submit an application, have an interview, reference check and background check. They are also required to participate in a 2- hour training. 

What If My Mentee No Longer Needs Me? 

We understand mentees get busy with life, school or may simply no longer need a mentor. If this is the case, we will work with you to connect you with a new mentee that needs help navigating life with alopecia areata.  

How Much Does the Program Cost? 

There is no fee to join the program. However, activities that are scheduled between the mentor and mentee may cost money and payment shall be worked out between the mentor and the mentee’s parents/guardian. (Such as the cost of a meal, or bowling.) 

How Long Do I need to be a Mentor? 

We ask for a one-year commitment from participants; however, this can be extended upon agreement from mentor/mentee. 

What Are the Hours For The Match Activity? 

This schedule is to be determined between mentor/mentee families. Typically, activities would take place on the weekends.
 

If you have any further questions, please contact us at support@naaf.org