Eastern Michigan University
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance: Mentoring Program
(EMU-NLA Mentoring)
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Introduction
Eastern Michigan University Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Program
Mentoring Program
Purpose
The mission of the Eastern Michigan University - Nonprofit Leadership
Alliance Program (EMU-NLA) program is to educate, prepare and certify
university students to become professionals that will strengthen and lead
non-profit organizations in the future.
A critical component for helping the student develop the necessary competencies
is real world exposure to the issues facing nonprofit organizations (NPO) today.
This exposure is facilitated in two ways:
1) 300 hours of field based experimental learning via paid and unpaid
internships.
2) An optional mentoring program matching a Nonprofit Organization (NPO)
executive with an EMU-NLA student.
The mentoring program is explored in this introduction.
What is Mentoring?
The mentoring program goal is to further
empower, educate and prepare EMU – NLA
students to strengthen and effectively lead
NPO’s through a sustainable experiential
learning environment.
Mentoring is simply a pairing of an established
NPO Leader with a student in the EMU-NLA
program. The pair decides how often they meet, how they meet, and what goals
the student (or mentee) would like to accomplish through the mentoring
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relationship. The NPO Leader (or mentor) will make sure that the student gets
guidance and suggestions for how they can work toward their goals.
The mentor also helps expose the mentee to real world examples and
experiences that will help them build their competencies.
Mentors are first and foremost a professional “ear” for the student to use as a
sounding board. Mentors also will assist the student with networking opportunities
for employment and ongoing personal and professional development as a future
NPO leader.
Simply put, the mentor helps the mentee learn and grow
by offering advice, introducing them to people and
resources, and helping the mentee network and
experience the Non-Profit world.
Long term benefits will be gained through this
relationship for both the mentor and the mentee.
Although certainly not a requirement, the relationship
may become a longer term friendship for years to come.
Who are the mentors?
The EMU-NLA program seeks out seasoned NPO senior management staff with a
proven track record of successful leadership in the non-profit sector. Leaders from
successful local, regional and national NPO’s are considered.
The mentor is trained on the mechanics of the mentoring commitment. They are
also educated on the EMU-NLA program required of the students. Mentors
assessed for core competencies, but most of all, the mentors agree to work with a
student to help them gain first-hand knowledge of the non-profit sector challenges
of the day.
Benefits to the mentor - Benefits include exposure the EMU–NLA
program, exposure to future staff, interns and volunteers, help to instill an
appreciation for lifetime learning, and the satisfaction that you are helping
build NPO leaders of the future.
Who are the mentees?
Mentees are students enrolled in the NLA program who are interested in pursuing
a career in the nonprofit sector.
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Benefits to the mentee – Benefits to the mentee (student) are increased
networking, exposure to NPO leaders, leadership skill development, possible
future employment, and career exploration.
Why build future non-profit leaders?
The aging trend has been well documented
and presents many challenges for society
and the workforce. This year the first of the
baby boom generation has reached the age
of retirement. More people are exiting
workforce age than are those entering it. The
drain of talent will continue for the next 15 years and the effect on non-profit
organizations will be even more pronounced.
When polled by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, of 36% NPO executives have
indicated that they plan to retire with the next 10 years. This linked with the
shortage of talent in other industries, means that the pool of qualified talent to lead
future NPO’s is diminishing at an alarming rate. This means that leadership
programs like the EMU-NLA program will become more important than ever.
Mentoring rounds out the experience to give EMU
students a fast track toward leadership positions in the
NPO’s of tomorrow.
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Eastern Michigan University
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program
Mentoring Program
How does the Program Work?
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How are NPO leaders and students matched?
It is imperative that mentors and students each go into the relationship voluntarily
selecting their mentoring partner. A database of NPO leader competencies and
interests are made available to students.
The students review the “vitae” of available mentors and with the help of the NLA
program they select or are matched with one mentor that fits their needs and
interests. The mentor and mentee initially meet at a public NLA event, at the NLA
office, or on the EMU campus in a public place, for their introductory meeting.
The two review each other’s interests and experience. They discuss what the
commitment would entail and begin to construct a contract they both agree to
follow. If the NLA student and mentor agree (after the meeting) they each notify
the NLA program director if they want to proceed. Both are entering into the
mentoring relationship voluntarily and in agreement of expectations.
If there is agreement, a follow-up meeting is scheduled to develop the contractual
agreement for the mentoring relationship to begin.
Both the mentor and mentee may notify the NLA office anytime they feel like they
want to end the mentoring relationship.
What happens once a mentor/mentee relationship is agreed upon?
This is largely between the two parties involved.
The mentor must respect the demands of the student (academics, financial,
family, job, etc). The mentor must try to give the student real world exposure to the
demands of today’s NPO environment. They need to be a friendly ear and give
advice when needed. They should ultimately help the student network for future
employment. Likewise, the student needs to respect the demands of the mentor in
their role in the community.
The mentee (student) must recognize the unselfish commitment that the mentor
is making for the students’ benefit. They need to be committed to the process and
commit the time and attention necessary to gain the fullest from the relationship.
Both mentor and mentee need to be respectful of the other for the relationship to
be beneficial.
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What might be the nature of a mentoring “session”?
First, the mentoring sessions are agreed upon up front. They could be by phone,
face to face, or a combination of both. Goals for the mentoring relationship are
mutually agreed upon up front as well, but may change as the relationship
develops. Sessions may include components of the following:
1. Academic Success – Intentional effort to positively influence the mentee’s
success as a student at EMU. This could be done by providing experience
for “case studies”, help with projects by connecting the mentee with
community resources, etc.
2. School to Career Development - Intentional effort to explore career
direction, provides networking opportunities and professional resources.
3. Character, Social and Leadership Development – By role modeling,
coaching, and networking exposure.
4. Personal & Professional Development – Goal setting, personality profiling
and coaching.
The key to a successful mentoring relationship is mutual understanding and
respect for each others needs and demands. This is a structured friendship that
benefits both the mentor and the mentee toward career and lifetime learning.
How often, and for how long, does the mentoring pair meet?
This is largely dependent upon the mutually agreed mentor/mentee pair. It will be
outlined in a mentoring contract that both agree to and sign.
Ideally the pair should meet at least quarterly in person, although they may be
available more often if working on a specific project or goal. More frequent phone
“check-in” is encouraged and is valuable in keeping the relationship fresh and
pertinent. The mentoring term is suggested for a minimum of one year, but either
partner could request that the relationship end for
any reason without either feeling guilty or offended.
This is a mutually agreed upon pairing always.
Although the EMU-NLA Mentoring program is
geared toward active EMU student status, we
encourage the pair to continue for as long as they
wish and the NLA office (and the mentoring
committee of the NLA Board) will support both as
long as feasible. Many mentoring relationships
become life long friendships that benefit both
partners.
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Eastern Michigan University
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program
Mentoring Program
Program Management
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How is the Mentoring program structured?
The EMU-NLA mentoring program is a voluntary effort governed by the NLA
Advisory Board of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program. The NLA Board are
comprised of nonprofit leaders, faculty and NLA office staff. The Advisory Board
evaluates the program on an annual basis and makes recommendation to
improvement to the NLA staff.
Mentor Evaluation and Support
Since mentors are the backbone of this program they are evaluated and supported
in several ways to help them develop their mentoring skills and to make their
experience more satisfying.
1. Self Evaluations via periodic surveys that will help us identify better ways
to support the mentoring relationship.
2. Semi-Annual Mentor only meetings are held so that mentors can share
with other mentors, suggest program improvements, and hone their
mentoring skills by sharing best practices.
3. Exit Interviews used to determine best practices and also to help staff
continuously monitor the mentoring relationship.
Mentor Orientation & Training
An orientation is held to give the mentor an overview of the program, explain their
rights and responsibilities under the program and to provide guidance for first time
mentors. Mentors will be paired with other experienced mentors as a “buddy” to
assist one on one with any questions the newer mentor may experience.
Ongoing training will be provided by the University specific to the needs of the
mentors as they are identified.
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Eastern Michigan University
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program
Mentoring Program
Forms and Profiles
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Eastern Michigan University
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program - Mentoring
Prospective Mentor Profile
Please fill out the profile completely and attach a current resume/vitae to help us find you a
match that will be beneficial to you and the mentee (student).
If possible, please attach a photo (either printed or electronic) for use with your profile.
Name: ____________________________________ Title: ________________________
Organization: ____________________________________________________________
This organization is (check one):
Local: ______ Regional: _____ National: _______
Please define your catchment area: ____________________________________________
Address: ______________________________City/State/Zip:_____________________
W Phone: (_____)________________ H Phone: (_____)________________
Cell: (_____)________________ E-Mail: ____________________________
Please list organizations and positions you have held during your professional life: ________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
List any professional affiliations you are active in (or have been active in): ______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Why would you like to be a mentor for an EMU-NLA Student? _______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
When is the best time to contact you for more information and to answer your questions?
Thank You !!!
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Mentoring Contract
Beginning Date: __________
Ending Date: __________
Mentor’s Name: ________________________________________________
Contact Information: W Ph: ________________ Cell: _________________
Address:
Mentee’s Name:
Contact Information: W Ph: ________________ Cell: _________________
Address:
Goals of the mentoring relationship:
(identify personal/professional/career goals)
How often will you meet?
Where?
Is it OK to contact the Mentor between appointments?
What will the mentor do for the partnership?
(try to be specific)
What will the mentee do for the partnership?
(try to be specific)
We agree to the outline above and agree to amend it (if necessary) from time to time in
writing.
_________________________________
Mentor
_________________________________
Mentee
Date: _____________
Date: _____________
Please makes sure that the NLA office gets a copy of this agreement.
Thank You !
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