Cool Girls provides on-going support and training opportunities for volunteers. To ensure that volunteers have a positive and enjoyable experience, we recommend the following tips.

Volunteers can be most effective when:

• Arriving early whenever possible.
• Learning the names of girls and volunteers.
• Knowing at least three activities to use off-hand.
• Preparing to support the program, particularly if you are leading the group.

Helpful Hints

• Interact with the girls and encourage small group settings.
• Bring items from home that will enhance the program or interest the girls.
• Give sound suggestions to the Program Coordinator that will help to strengthen the program.

Ways of promoting a quality Girls Club program

• Be consistent! Even if you only attend Girls Club once a month, you are a vital part of the program. The girls, staff and volunteers are happy to have once/twice a month volunteers who are consistent and dependable.
• Call the office, Volunteer Director, or another volunteer when you are unable to attend on your scheduled day. We are a team of volunteers thus, it is important to know when a team member (who is expected) can't be there.
• Sign In - Volunteer sign in sheets are present as soon as you enter the site. Please remember to sign in.
• Complete Activity forms - the group leader should complete these short forms after every Cool Girls Club session.
• WrapUp -A five-minute volunteer rap can be quite informative. Raps are an opportunity for volunteers to ask pertinent questions regarding the program and/or a girl's behavior, etc.

For tips on mentoring, visit www.mentoring.org