The NWPGRT Mentoring Program helps people who are new to the field or who are branching out into new areas by matching them one-to-one with master level development officers.

MENTORING ASSIGNMENTS

Mentoring assignments will begin each year for the following terms: October through March; and March through August. Applications for fall assignments should be submitted to the mentoring chair by September 15. For spring assignments, applications should be submitted by February 15.

Once assignments have been made, the mentee is responsible for scheduling 6 sessions with the mentor. Every effort should be made to meet 6 times during the six-month term.

HOW MATCHES ARE MADE

When assigning mentors, NWPGRT looks for someone who:

• Has skills that match the applicant’s needs,
• Works in the same geographic area, and/or
• Works for a similar type of organization.  

Applicants must be current NWPGRT members (local chapter only). Our goal is to serve people who are currently employed in the planned giving development field, actively doing fundraising on a volunteer basis, or who are looking for a job or considering a career in planned giving or development.

Mentors may not be available for everyone who requests one and mentors may not be assigned on a first come first served basis.

PARTNER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Mentors agree to:

• Be available for assignment for a spring or fall term,
• Meet with their partner approximately two hours for six sessions, ideally over a six-month period,
• Share areas of expertise,
• Prepare materials on requested topics for each session, and
• Contact their partner and the NWPGRT Mentoring Chair when changes affect their ability to be a mentor.
• Consultants are welcome to participate as mentors and have been valuable assets to the NWPGRT. However, the Mentoring Program should not be considered a marketing opportunity – consultants who volunteer as mentors should take care to avoid marketing their services to mentees. 

Applicants agree to:

• Make the first contact with their mentor and take the lead in scheduling six meetings,
• Meet with their partner six times – ideally, two hours every month over a six-month period,
• Clearly identify their needs and develop specific questions for each meeting, and
• Contact their partner and the NWPGRT Mentoring Chair if changes affect their ability to work with their mentor.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MENTORING PARTNERSHIP

• Set a six-month meeting schedule at the first meeting and stick to it. Develop a work plan with clear goals and objectives. Identify one or two projects the applicant is currently working on, so that advice can be put to use immediately.
• At the end of each session, identify two or three specific follow-up tasks for the next session.
• Before applying, make sure you have sufficient time and schedule flexibility to devote to the mentoring partnership over a six-month period.

Download: Mentor Program Application
Adobe PDF format (120KB)


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Mentoring Program Chair
 
Steve Brier
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
Bus: (503) 370-6022
Bus Fax: (503) 370-6153
E-mail: sbrier@willamette.edu