Mentorship Program
The BPA mentorship program is designed to introduce newer, less experienced members to more experienced members. The new, less experienced member is referred to as the mentee in this program, and the more experienced member is the mentor. Mentees will be people with 0-2 years of competing, and mentors will be students with 3-4 years of competing. An example of a mentor in this program would be a junior or senior who has spent 3-4 years in BPA and has competed at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) multiple times. An example of a mentee would be a sophomore who has just joined BPA. A sophomore would likely have questions about their competitions, how to submit materials for competitions, and what to expect at SLC. The senior, who has experience in these areas, can provide guidance. This program helps support the advancement of newer members in the organization. This program also aims to create an environment where all participants gain new skills and experiences.
Purpose and Objectives
Networking: This program introduces BPA members across Michigan to each other, thus increasing community bonds in BPA.
Resource Advancement: Both mentors and mentees can gain new resources and skills from this program. Mentors will develop their leadership and communication skills. Mentees will gain more experience and be able to hone in on skills they would like to develop.
Support and Guidance: Mentors will provide personalized guidance and advice to mentees.
Procedure
Sign Up: On the BPA website, there will be a link to forms for both the interested mentors and mentees to complete. Participants should fill out the appropriate form to sign up. The form consists of a few quick and easy questions. The main purpose of these questions is to determine the experience level, skill sets, availability, competitions, and interests of all participants, in order to match them to the best possible mentor/mentee.
Matching: The state officer team will use the results of the form submissions to determine who the participants should be matched with, based on the mentor's and mentee's interests and competitions. For example, a mentee who is competing in extemporaneous speech will likely have a mentor who has competed in the extemporaneous speech competition before, or a similar competition, and has done well.
First Meeting: Once matched, the mentor and mentee will set up an orientation meeting. At this meeting, the mentor and mentee will introduce themselves and go over the mentee’s goals for this mentorship. Participants should also decide the frequency of their meetings at this time.
Scheduled Meetings: Throughout the year, mentors and mentees will set up regularly scheduled meetings, based on both participants’ availability and goals. These meetings will occur online through Zoom or another platform that works best for both parties.
Feedback: If either the mentee or the mentor has any questions or concerns throughout this process, they should reach out to the state officers. There will also be two additional feedback forms on the BPA website. After the orientation meeting, mentors should fill out the orientation feedback form and state the frequency of their meetings and their communication platform. Mentors should also fill out the regular feedback form monthly in order to state what progress has been made with their mentee and what goals they have been working toward. This is to ensure both participants are getting the best experience from this program.
Benefits
For Mentees
Gain personalized advice and feedback on their competitions.
Receive information on all the Michigan BPA conferences.
Develop important skills such as time management and goal-setting skills.
For Mentors
Develop important leadership skills and communication skills.
Increase patience and empathy by teaching another person.
Obtain new perspectives and knowledge by mentoring another student.
For BPA
Members will gain more networking opportunities, which increases the overall bond of members in BPA.
The overall skill level of members will increase, allowing more members to advance further in competitions. This strengthens the image of BPA.
This program could attract more members to BPA.
Activity Suggestions For Meetings
Skill Workshops: Mentees can indicate specific skills they would like to work on, and mentors can set up sessions to help mentees develop their skills.
Q&A Session: Mentors can set up a session where mentees can ask questions about the mentor's past experiences in BPA and at conferences.
Competition Workshop: Mentors can set up a session where they provide feedback on the work a mentee has done for a competition.
Presentation Workshop: If a mentee is competing in a competition with a presentation, they can practice with the mentor. The mentee can also use this time to increase their presentation skills.
Joint Projects: The mentor and mentee can work together on activities related to the club, such as fundraising for the state service project.
Expectations
Flexibility: Mentors and mentees should keep in mind that goals can change throughout the year, and they should work to adapt to those changing goals.
Responsibility: Mentors are responsible for planning and setting up meetings with their mentees. Mentees should attend their meetings and always be on time and engaged.
Participations: It is important for both mentors and mentees to be participating and engaged during their meetings, to ensure they are gaining the most benefits possible.
Professionalism: Mentors and mentees should take this program seriously, as it is a great opportunity to gain more skills and learn.