Mentorship Programs

Join us for the 2024-2025 Also-Known-As Mentorship Programs! The Also-Known-As Youth and Teen Mentorship Programs are for adoptees, particularly intercountry adoptees.

The Youth Mentorship Program includes children aged 7 to 12 years old. The Teen Mentorship Program includes children 13 to 18 years old. Each month, the two programs meet separately and participate in a group activity in the New York City area along with their adult adoptee mentors.

The goals of both programs for participants are:

To foster interpersonal relationships with peers and adults who have similar life experiences and/or backgrounds
To develop a positive sense of self as part of a community of adoptees and with the support of the mentors
To promote an appreciation of diversity

To accomplish these goals, Also-Known-As Mentorship Programs foster a safe and inclusive environment where mentees and mentors can thrive. Participants have the opportunity to be part of a community group reflective of their life experiences; discuss important topics related to adoption such as identity, family, and belonging; and participate in exciting activities in the New York City area.

Program

The program will run from September 2024 - May 2025 in an in-person format, unless significant changes occur and it becomes unsafe to meet in person, at which point the program will shift to a remote setting. Both Youth and Teen programs meet monthly on a Saturday at a specific site in NYC where mentees and mentors participate in that activity. Additional info as follows:

Mentees and adult mentors meet monthly on a Saturday afternoon, generally around 1PM - 4PM
Events generally run for 2 - 3 hours
Each event is at a different location in the New York City area; activities could include: ice skating, trapeze, cooking, bowling, and more!
A simple lunch is provided for all participants

Program Dates

September 21, 2024 (Kick-off Picnic)
October 19, 2024
November 16, 2024
December 14, 2024
January 18, 2025
February 15, 2025
March 15, 2025
April 12, 2025
May 17, 2025

Information for Mentee & Families

Youth Mentorship is open to children aged 7-12 years old who are intercountry adoptees
Teen Mentorship is open to children aged 13-18 years old who are intercountry adoptees

Parents/Caregivers must complete an application and submit a payment here.
The cost is $500 (this amount includes a required $50 annual family membership to Also-Known-As, Inc) and covers all events and collateral costs in the year. Additional children are $450, since they would already be covered with family membership. Make all payments to Also-Known-As Mentorship Program, or use this link to make on-line payment (Flexible payment options are available. For more information, please contact Adam Goodman via email: agoodman@alsoknownas.org)
If you are unsure about your membership status, please reach out to Adam

Information for Mentors

We welcome adult adoptees who are part of the AKA community and the larger NYC adoptee community apply to become a mentor. It is a wonderful opportunity to get more involved with the adoptee community and support youth adoptees.‍

Details

The role of mentor is on a fully voluntary basis
Mentorship positions are limited and as such not guaranteed
To be considered prospective, mentors must complete an application and potentially an interview

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old
Commit to the all AKA Mentorship program dates and times
Must complete and submit an application
Past experience as a mentor or in a similar role is highly preferred, though not required

Contact

If you have any questions about the Youth and/or Teen Mentorship Programs please reach out to Adam Goodman via email: agoodman@alsoknownas.org