Also-Known-As: Mentorship Program

September 2008 to June 2009

Also-Known-As, Inc.’s Youth Mentorship Program is targeted to young intercountry adoptees ranging in age from 7 to 14 years. The goal of our program is three-fold:

(1) to foster personal relationships with people who have similar life experiences.

(2) to develop positive self perception through role modeling and companionship with adult international adoptees and members of the minority community.

(3) to facilitate an appreciation of the diverse cultures and races and their contribution to the global family.

In order to accomplish these goals, Also-Known-As provides a safe and exciting opportunity for younger intercountry adoptees to be in a community reflective of their life experiences; to have discussions of issues faced by the intercountry adoption community – race, cultural identity, adoption, and family; and to become active participants in the community through various cultural and voluntary activities.

Information for Parents

For adoptive parents and our future mentees, this is an opportunity to become involved in a dynamic, young organization of other international adoptees.

Requirements:
-be an Also-Known-As member;
-be between the ages of 7-14;
-cover program fee for all events during the year;
-complete an application and phone interview;
-be an intercountry adoptee; and
-participate in monthly activities from September to June

We are accepting applications through July 31st. Interviews will be scheduled during the month of July in the order applications are received. Admittance to the program is on rolling first-come, first-serve basis.

Information for Mentors

We are excited to be able to offer this program to adult intercountry adoptees and members of the minority community. We invite prospective mentors to seek this opportunity to become role models, to become a friend, and to be an enriching addition to a young person’s life.

Requirements:
-Be an Also-Known-As member;
-Be at least 21 years old;
-Comfortable and versed in the various issues around intercountry adoption;
-Be able to guarantee one year commitment to the program;
-Participate in all the monthly events (typically 3-4 hours one Saturday each month)
-Complete an application and personal interview;
-Be willing to work in a group setting and be a team player

2008-2009 Mentorship Activities (subject to change)

September 13, 2008
Kick-Off Lunch at Todai

October 11, 2008
Central Park Zoo

November 15, 2008
NY Hall of Science

December 13, 2008
Holiday Bowling Party

January 10, 2009
Adoption Forum

February 7, 2009
Ice Skating

March 14, 2009
Cooking Class

April 25, 2009
Top of the Rock

June 11, 2009
Picnic in Central Park

Photos of Past Mentorship Activities