Soroptimist Mentor Program

One of Soroptimist’s key competitive strengths is its ability to provide an international networking forum for business and professional women. To remain competitive and continue to provide value-added services, SIA offers a mentor program as a benefit of membership. This program enables an exchange of ideas and shared learning between new and seasoned members. Further, this program matches new leaders with established leaders for mentoring as they pursue leadership opportunities within the organization.

Download applications:
Mentor Application (.doc)
Mentee Application (.doc)

What does it take to be a good mentor?
In a mentoring relationship, the key word is "guide." It is the responsibility of the mentor to guide her partner through the process of achieving her goals. A good mentor acts as a counselor, a role model and a trusted friend. A good mentor does not act as a decision-maker for the mentee or criticize her decisions or work. A good mentor:

• Provides support to the mentee by listening to her needs and aspirations
• Encourages the mentee to accept challenges, and helps her to overcome difficulties
• Is patient and willing to commit a significant amount of time to the relationship.

A good mentor is concerned with the overall development of the mentee. Helping someone along the path the mentor has already traveled is an incredibly satisfying experience. In addition to helping a fellow Soroptimist improve her career or personal goals, mentors will also help to develop new leaders within the organization—which will strengthen Soroptimist’s mission of improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and around the world.

What does it take to be a good mentee?
Often, when one thinks of a successful mentor relationship, the focus is on what a mentor needs to do to ensure success. Research has shown that mentor relationships are most successful when they are mentee-driven. While this does not mean that the mentee is in charge of the relationship, it does suggest that the mentee must take an active role in setting goals and parameters for the mentoring partnership. The following guidelines may be used to guide mentees in creating a positive experience:

• The mentee must know and be able to discuss her needs and objectives with her mentor. This means the mentee must be clear in stating her goals and developing ways to obtain success.
• The mentee must take responsibility for her professional, personal or volunteer goals. Although mentees have the benefit of a mentor’s guidance, each person is responsible for her own actions. For instance, the mentor may provide guidance and insight about an SIA region office position or obtaining a promotion at work, but it is the mentee who must do the work to ensure success.
• The mentee must be able to receive constructive criticism and feedback. One of the most important values in the mentor relationship is the opportunity for the mentee to gain insight through a more experienced person’s viewpoint. Mentees must have an open mind and welcome an exchange of ideas in order to develop a successful mentor relationship.
• The mentee must periodically assess the progress of the relationship and communicate to the mentor when goals and objectives need to be changed or reset.

The Mentoring Program
Applications for the program should be sent to SIA headquarters. Applications will be processed by SIA headquarters and mentors and mentees will be matched according to goals, interests, experiences and availability. Please note it may take time to find the right match. SIA will provide all participants with their partner’s appropriate contact information, a goal sheet for the relationship and a document highlighting how successful mentor relationships work for professional women. Participants are responsible for developing the relationship and providing a yearly evaluation to SIA headquarters.

Program eligibility requirements for members include:

Mentors must:

• Download and complete the mentor application and email, fax or mail the application to the membership department.
• Be willing to commit to the program for at least one year.
• Be in good financial standing with the organization.
• Be a member of SIA for at least one full club year, thus ensuring they have a commitment to the organization and full understanding of the mission.
• Submit a yearly evaluation/progress report in a timely fashion to the membership department.

Mentees must:

• Download and complete the mentee application form and email, fax or mail the application to the membership department.
• Be willing to commit to the program for at least one year.
• Be in good financial standing with the organization.
• Submit a yearly evaluation/progress report in a timely fashion to the membership department.

SIA can help!
The membership department is available for assistance in facilitating the mentor relationship.  In addition to handling the application and matching process, SIA’s staff is happy to assist in answering questions about mentor partnerships and providing tips and feedback for ensuring a successful experience. Contact membership coordinator Nancy Nardone at nancyn@soroptimist.org for additional information.