Mentoring & Teaching
Somewhere along the way, you learned something that changed how you see the world. Maybe it was poker strategy. Maybe it was how to manage money. Maybe it was how to survive a bad beat — at the table or in life. Whatever it is, someone out there desperately needs to hear it from someone who's lived it. That someone is you.
If Any of This Sounds Like You...
Read through these. If you're nodding your head, you're in the right place.
Common questions
The questions volunteers ask most often.
What does mentoring through Lifes a Gambol look like?
One-on-one or small-group mentoring on whatever you know — could be poker strategy, professional skills, life navigation, recovery support, or specific subjects (math, music, coding). We pair mentors with people in our community who could use guidance, through structured programs that protect everyone involved.
How often do mentors meet with mentees?
Varies by program — anywhere from weekly to monthly. We're upfront about expected commitment for each pairing before you agree to it. Most successful mentor relationships last several months minimum.
What if I've never mentored before?
Most of our best mentors hadn't mentored formally before they started. We provide orientation, resources, and someone you can call when a situation feels above your pay grade. You don't need to have your life perfectly figured out to help someone else with theirs.
Do I need experience or credentials to volunteer with Lifes a Gambol?
No. We don't ask for resumes, certifications, or background checks for most roles. The only thing we care about is whether you actually want to show up and help. If a particular activity later requires a credential (working directly with kids, for example), we'll let you know and walk you through it together.
How much time do I need to commit?
Whatever you can give. Some volunteers help once a year at a single event. Others are around every week. There's no minimum, no quota, no contract. When you sign up, you tell us your real availability — weekends, evenings, one-time only, remote, whatever — and we match opportunities accordingly. Pledging your name doesn't lock you into anything.
Is this a paid role or volunteer?
Volunteer. Lifes a Gambol is community-driven, and 10% of every dollar that comes in via the brand goes to S.O.G. Helping out is unpaid — but real meals, real friends, and a real sense that you helped someone are all part of the deal.
What happens after I submit the form?
A real human reviews your pledge — usually within a day or two — and reaches out by email or text to say hello, learn a bit more about what you'd want to help with, and let you know about upcoming opportunities that fit. No spam, no automated drip campaigns. We're a small community, and we treat every pledge like it matters, because it does.
Pledge Your Gifts ☘
No contract. No commitment. Just tell us who you are and what you love doing.