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D R A F T January 2, 2000

When you call a reference for a potential online mentor, be sure to:

• introduce yourself

• explain that you are calling to do a reference check for SO-AND-SO (the online mentoring applicant), and that this will take about 10 minutes to complete.

• explain that SO-AND-SO is applying to be a volunteer mentor in your program, and explain briefly how this program will work (to whom will the mentor be matched, how often will the mentor send and read e-mails as part of this program, what is the primary goal of the program, and so forth).

• detail the methods that will be used to ensure participants safety (and be prepared to answer references' questions about this -- many will ask).

• answer any questions references might have about your program (often, they will want to know how they themselves can participate).

 
Sample Questions to Reference Checks

• How long have you known the applicant?

• How do you know the applicant? What is your relationship with him/her?

• How often do you interact with the applicant each week or month? (phone calls, going out together, visits, e-mails, etc.)

• What words would you use to describe this person?

• Have you ever corresponded online with this person? If so, describe the experience.

• Have you had the opportunity to see this person interact with children in a face-to-face setting? If so, describe the experience.

• Do you think this person will be good in this program? Why or why not?

• Is there any reason you think this person should NOT participate in this program, or might not do well in this program?

• Is there anything else you can tell me that would help us make the best match for this person, if he or she is accepted into the program?

Also see suggestions for online safety here on our web site.