To start a TeamMates chapter, you’ll need to complete a Request for Program (RFP). The steps below provide an overview of what is included in the process.
Determine Community and School District Interest
Invite a TeamMates representative to your community to give presentations on the impact of mentoring. Presentations can be given to the school board, social service groups, church congregations, or other interested parties. Additional information about TeamMates can be provided by the Central Office upon request.
Begin the RFP
Once the school district and community are ready to move forward, contact Beth Roberts at the TeamMates Central Office to obtain the RFP packet. Guidance in completing the RFP will be provided by the TeamMates Regional Coordinator for your area.
Identify Prospective Board Members
As a nonprofit organization, a governing board must be established to provide oversight of the chapter. The board should be comprised of representatives of the school and all parts of the community.
Identify the Program Coordinator
A Program Coordinator is an employee of school district who will provide training, matching, and support for mentors and mentees. The school district may compensate this position in a variety of ways such as a stipend, additional planning period(s), or writing the position into an existing job description.
Complete the RFP
When the RFP has been completed, submit it to Beth Roberts at the TeamMates Central Office for revision and approval.
Complete Board Member and Program Coordinator Training
A Regional Coordinator will train board members and the program coordinators on their roles and responsibilities for the TeamMates chapter.
Adopt TeamMates Organizational Structure
When the RFP has been accepted, the chapter governing board will be asked to formally adopt the TeamMates organizational structure. This includes the chapter agreement, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and centralized accounting procedures.
Welcome to TeamMates!
Once the organizational structure has been adopted, you have officially started a TeamMates chapter!
