Mentor Safety Training
Everything you need to know about keeping yourself and students safe as a Technovation volunteer.
Why safeguarding comes first
As a Technovation Mentor, you will work directly with children. The two references below should guide your time with us. Read them before you start, and come back to them whenever you’re unsure.
Code of Conduct
How every volunteer is expected to behave.
Safety Guidelines
The safeguarding rules for our programs.
When programming happens in person, each site runs its own volunteers and safeguarding policies. We rely on local leaders to take the right actions to keep everyone safe.
Your responsibilities
Every Technovation Mentor who interacts with minor participants through the Technovation platform must:
- Complete onboarding and a background check before interacting with any participant.
- Use Technovation-approved channels only to interact with participants.
- Report any safeguarding concern to Technovation immediately.
Keep every session safe
The rules that apply to every Mentor and student interaction, in person or online.
No one-on-one
Keep a ratio of about 1 mentor to 5 students, with another trusted adult present.
Meet in public spaces
Schools, libraries, community centers — never a private residence.
Student well-being
Treat every student equally, regardless of background. Zero tolerance for harassment or bullying.
Mentor well-being
Be clear about your availability, skip late-night messages, and prioritize your own self-care.
Communicate the safe way
Use Technovation-approved channels
Not a personal account or app.
Never message a student privately
No social media, messaging apps, or email.
Recording a session?
Get consent from everyone first, or let them turn off cameras and use the meeting chat.
Meeting virtually?
Keep a parent or guardian in the room with the student.
Never do this
These actions are prohibited in every situation, with no exceptions.
- Send inappropriate or offensive messages, comments, or images.
- Use any form of punishment, physical or verbal.
- Single out a student for favoritism, criticism, or ridicule.
- Follow or friend students on social media.
Something feels wrong? Report it.
Match the situation to a tier, then take the recommended action.
Tier 1
Immediate threat
Violence, abuse, or active danger. Contact local emergency services now, then email [email protected] within 24 hours.
Tier 2
Serious violation
Harassment, bullying, or boundary crossing. Email [email protected] and your local leader.
Tier 3
Interpersonal issue
Minor conflict or friction. Discuss with the parent; escalate to your Chapter Leader if it isn’t resolved.
Every report gets a response
Technovation acknowledges every safety report within 24 business hours, with next steps in 3–5 business days. Reach the team any time at [email protected].
I still have a question
You can always reach out to Technovation’s Volunteer Engagement Team on Slack or at [email protected].
