Volunteers are the key to making organizations such as STAR/PAL successful. Volunteers make it possible for STAR/PAL to reach the youth of our community and make a real difference in their lives. The majority of STAR/PAL volunteers include law enforcement officers, firefighters, park & recreation staff and community leaders. All prospective volunteers must complete the appropriate paperwork for their classifications, either sworn or civilian. The application process takes approximately 2-6 weeks and will include a criminal background check for all volunteers interested in working with kids. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Officer Edwin Garrette by e-mailing him at egarrette@pd.sandiego.gov

STAR/PAL is a non-profit organization which is closely affiliated with the San Diego Police Department and other City & County agencies. Our organization strives to build safer communities by bringing underserved youth together with law enforcement officers, firefighters, and community volunteers through positive educational, athletic, and recreational programs.

STAR/PAL is kicking off a new mentoring program which specifically strives to find mentors who are active or former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military as well as others who have a continued passion for bettering their community! The youth mentees in this program are pre-selected from an inner-city school --- children who would greatly benefit from your guidance, support, and encouragement. A trusting relationship with a caring adult can truly have a life-changing effect on a child. Research data indicates that mentoring programs have reduced first-time drug use by almost 50% and first-time alcohol use by 33%. In addition, mentored youth display greater confidence in schoolwork and improvement in academic performance.

Program Overview:

• Program begins July, 2010 & ends April, 2011.
• 25 Mentors are needed for a ten month commitment.
• Mentors will be matched with 40 fourth & fifth graders from Ibarra Elementary School in City Heights
• This is a group mentoring program (i.e. one mentor can meet with up to 3 mentees at the same time).
• Mentees & mentors meet once per week in the afternoon, either at the school or off-site for summer activities (i.e. hiking, beach excursions, golfing, surfing, kayaking, sports, museum visits, BBQs, etc.).
• During the school year, the program will focus on homework assistance, organized events, & group presentations in addition to planned monthly field trips like those during summer months.
• All meetings will be supervised by STAR/PAL or school staff. No preparation time is required for mentors. Mentors will not be required to transport youth. Staff will support the mentor/mentee relationship by creating interactive experiences, organizing fun activities, & setting up presentations.

• Genuine interest in being a role model and a positive influence in a child's life.
• Willing to commit to meeting with your mentees once per week (to total at least 4 hours per month) for the entire ten month period.
• Willing to complete all necessary paperwork & attend mandatory training by mid July & begin mentoring activities starting July 21, 2010.
• Pass reference and criminal background checks.
• Must be reliable & trustworthy.
• Physically/mentally able to participate in activities & field trips as well as supervise youth.
• Mentors must have transportation in order to meet mentees at the school & at field trip locations.