TRDC Mentors

Become a TRDC Mentor and make a valuable contribution to a young person’s life.  You’ll be surprised how much you will benefit as well.

TRDC Mentors are affiliated with one of our teams and make a commitment to one student on that team for a whole training season.  Ideally, they meet with their mentee at least once a week for weekend long runs with the team.  They may also join on weekday practices.

Becoming a mentor, you will have an opportunity to encourage and support young people in their running and in their lives.  As you run with your student for one or two hours at a stretch, you will develop a connection as you listen to their passions and concerns.  Gradually, you will become a steady and relied upon presence.  Together you may dream and set big, but manageable goals.  Together, you will experience the sense of victory that comes from achieving those goals by taking small, but steady steps.

In practical terms, TRDC Mentors are expected to:

  • meet weekly with mentees approximately 2 hours a week over one or two running practices.  Ideally, they participate in weekend long runs.
  • encourage mentees to develop goals in both running and in life and follow their students as they attempt to reach them.
  • attend bimonthly trainings and workshops and check in periodically with mentor coordinator

Support for Mentors

During this year, you will not be alone.  TRDC Mentors participate in bimonthly group trainings and workshops.  In addition, each mentor is assigned an experienced mentor coordinator who is available to help you as you forge a relationship with the young person under your care.

In TRDC,  you will be part of a team and have the opportunity to share your experiences with other mentors who are similarly inspired to make a difference in a young person’s life.

Helpful Tips for Mentors

As a mentor you are eligible for:

  • training and support
  • lunches at races
  • transportation to and from races
  • program T-shirt
  • running jacket (if funds are available)

If you’re interested in volunteering in Teens Run DC as a Mentor

In order to participate in Teens Run DC, all volunteers must complete the DCPS Volunteer Application which includes a background criminal and child abuse check.  A link to the DCPS Volunteer Application is included above which you will need to fill out and deliver to the DCPS Volunteer Coordinator at 1200 First Street NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20002.  This will require that you bring a copy of negative TB test results as well as state issued photo ID.  Application will not be accepted without these documents.

Approved application will be returned to you which you will then need to mail to Teens Run DC.