Student safety, education, and support have always been GALE BC’s highest priorities and we continue to be a major source of resources and/or support for our members and others who want to learn about or advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (glbt) issues in education. GALE BC has expanded the role to assist and support BC educators (new or experienced) who would like resources or just the chance to talk to a mentor about their personal and/or job situations (specifically around glbt issues). To this end, some GALE members have volunteered and are willing to talk or meet to discuss various issues important to you. Although we may not be experts in all areas, we will certainly do our best to make sure we connect you to the right people, if necessary.
The intent of this program is to provide support and advice to BC educators and student teachers on concerns relating to gender identity/expression, actual/perceived sexual orientation, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender issues in education. A mentoring relationship is a partnership, with both people showing respect for each other.
This program is not a counseling service, but mentors can refer people to other organizations or individuals, if needed. This volunteer service is not intended for minors. If you are a student looking for guidance, please contact Prideline BC at 1-800-566-1170, PFLAG at 1-888-530-6777 or Transgender Health Program at 1-866-999-1514 (also see other community organizations listed in our Resource section). Another option permissible would be that school counselors and/or educators could consult with us on behalf of a student.
Reasonable Expectations for Mentors and Mentees
Mentors |
Mentees |
Accept the relationship on a temporary basis; this could range from a one-time consultation to a period as long as one school year. |
Accept the relationship on a temporary basis; this could range from a one-time consultation to a period as long as one school year. |
Communicate (in person or by phone) as often as your schedules permit (up to two hours per month recommended). Email is fine for quick correspondences. |
Communicate (in person or by phone) as often as your schedules permit (up to two hours per month recommended). Email is fine for quick correspondences. |
Provide support, suggestions and advice, and be a sounding board for issues in education. If necessary, refer the mentee to someone else who may better address their concern. |
Remember the mentor is there to listen and support and will only give advice based on their knowledge and experiences. You will ultimately decide the best way to proceed. Let the mentor know the results. |
Provide and be open to feedback. Remember to maintain mentee confidentiality. |
Provide feedback about the mentoring relationship and be open to receiving feedback. Remember to maintain mentor confidentiality. |
Confidences will be kept, except when mentors are required to report any situations that they believe may lead to physical or emotional harm to any individual involved. |
Safety is always a priority so know that your confidence may be in jeopardy if there is the potential for physical or emotional harm to any individual involved. |
Work out any minor concerns about the relationship. If circumstances arise where the relationship cannot continue, the mentor will try their best to find a replacement mentor. |
Remember you are both human and personalities may not always be well suited. Assess the partnership early and don’t hesitate to diplomatically request another mentor when necessary. |
Unreasonable expectations regarding mentors
It’s easy for a mentee to assume that the mentor will be more actively involved than the mentor is able. These unrealistic expectations can cause irritation and disappointment on both sides. As a general guideline, the mentor should not be expected to:
The following experienced educators are available in your area:
(If your area is not listed, please contact the closest member and we will try to find someone closer to you.)
North Shore: Noble Kelly (M)
Lower Mainland: Jessica Campbell (F), Janek Kuchmistrz (M), Steve Lebel (M), Steve Mulligan (M)
Burnaby, Coquitlam: Faune Johnson (F)
In the valley (Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack): Michael Ross (M)
Kootenays, in the Cariboo and north Okanagan (Quesnel, Williams Lake south to Cache Creek/Ashcroft) and along Highway 1 to Golden (includes Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, and Revelstoke): Earl Waugh (M)
Vancouver & Gulf Islands: Joan Merrifield (F)
Transgender Issues only, province wide: Gayle
Roberts (F)