Mentorship Programs

AL!VE is dedicated to the professional growth and development of leaders in volunteer engagement. Research shows there are many benefits for both mentors and mentees when participating in a mentor program. The purpose of our mentor program is to provide a platform for AL!VE members to connect, share best practices and position themselves as leaders in the field through ongoing professional development and skills building. 

• Strengthen competencies for leadership and career development

• Expand professional network throughout industry

Mentee	Both	Mentor
Be a current AL!VE member Complete mentor questionnaire Attend mentor Midpoint Check-in	Be a current AL!VE member 6-month commitment Attend orientation Monthly mentor meetings Attend final mentor program webinar Completion of program evaluation	Be a current AL!VE member Complete mentor questionnaire Attend mentor Midpoint Check-in

Prior to being matched, both parties will complete the following paperwork in order to make the best most suitable match for each individual:

• Mentors will complete a mentor questionnaire the provides the breadth of their experience as well as the competencies they feel comfortable in coaching a mentee.
• Mentees will complete an application that provides their history and background as well what competencies they would like to concentrate on strengthening through the mentorship program. 

A Meet the Mentors guide will be distributed to those interested in the program to learn more about the participating mentors.  Mentors will also receive a copy of the mentee’s applications to learn more about them and what they are looking for in a mentorship and mentor.

The orientation provides an opportunity for both mentors and mentees to get to know one another.  Mentors will introduce themselves and give a brief overview of their experience and expertise.  Mentees will discuss goals they hope to accomplish during the mentorship.

After orientation, both parties will email the facilitator who they think would serve as a good match for them. The facilitator will use this information to then match the mentor pairs together and will notify them of the match.

If there is a concern on either side, AL!VE will work with the individual to address their concern.  If either declines to continue with the match, there will not be a replacement and they will have to discontinue participating in the program for this round.

The best part of this mentorship program is that there will not be a typical type of mentorship!  This program is very much tailored around what the mentee wants to learn and the approach the mentor feels most comfortable with helping them to achieve their goals.
 

Examples of what a mentor can offer include: 

• Helping mentee discover talents and interests and define and attain their goals.
• Providing opportunities to connect with other caress and personal contacts that may help  mentee achieve goals.
• Stimulating curiosity and exploration around challenges to build confidence and problem-solving abilities.
• Encouraging reflection and growth by providing feedback in an open and non-threatening environment.
• Providing personal experience or perspective to impart wisdom and knowledge learned over the years for the mentee's advantage.

The mentor partnership will take place over a six-month period of time set by the program facilitators.  Mentor and mentee will agree on a time (no more than one hour) to meet via phone or virtually every month for a total of six mentoring sessions. Correspondence between the pair can occur approximately 1-2 hours of time each month with the idea of time tapering as needed.
 

AL!VE will email all members when the application process is available for both mentors and mentees to apply, along with the detailed timeline for the selection process and program.

NOTE: Mentors may take on more than one mentee if they have availability to do so. Mentees will only have one mentor.