Mentorship

Introduction

The LGBT Giving Network is comprised of organizations and individuals who have an interest in advancing LGBT philanthropy. As the LGBT community grows in size and cumulative wealth, the Network sees an increasing opportunity to leverage these resources and make unique contributions in areas such as health care, education, youth, arts and culture, and social services.  To achieve this goal, the Network fosters community partnerships, conducts research and supports professional development related to LGBT philanthropy.

One of the Network's top priorities is to provide education and networking opportunities for its members and the broader community. To that end, we offer a one-on-one mentorship program that seeks to forge productive partnerships between professionals with LGBT fundraising experience and those who have recently begun to make contributions in the field.

Network mentors

LGBT Giving Network mentors are recruited from a broad range of professions. With backgrounds in the public, private and non-profit sectors, mentors share a common commitment to developing the LGBT community through philanthropy. Network mentors are prepared to share their personal and professional experiences and contacts in order to guide those new to the field and foster a commitment to enhancing communities across Canada through LGBT philanthropy. 

Network mentees

Like mentors, Network mentees have varied backgrounds and an array of interests and experiences. Typically Network mentees are beginning – or early stages – of their career and have demonstrated a commitment to LGBT philanthropy through their studies, work or volunteer initiatives.

Program overview

The Network mentorship program is volunteer-driven, supported by Network staff. Mentor and mentee applications are collected and the matching process is made.  A mentorship committee is responsible for pairings, in collaboration with mentor and mentee applicants. Consideration is given to common/complementary interests, fields of work, career goals, and proximity. The relative potential benefit of a Network mentorship pairing for a given mentee is a primary factor in the matching process.

Formal mentorship pairings continue for 12 months. Contact on a monthly basis is encouraged.  Currently there are six mentor/mentee matches. A reception for the Mentorship program took place on May 6, 2010 in downtown Toronto.

To download the Mentorship Application form Click Here.

Mentee expectations

• Initiate contact with your mentor and arrange a first meeting in February 
  
  
• Prepare for meetings – become acquainted with your mentor’s background and follow up on action items discussed
  
  
• Take an active role in building the relationship – keep in touch, be prepared to talk about your experiences and goals, ask for advice and be open to your mentor’s counsel
  
  
• Maintain a professional relationship – promptly reply to correspondence, be punctual and respect professional boundaries
  
  
• Establish an agreement on the frequency and method of communication, and adjust as necessary throughout the mentoring relationship.
  
  
• Attend the Network Mentorship Program introductory gathering and dinner
  
  
• Complete an online mid-term and final report

Mentor expectations

• Be available to meet with your mentee on a regular basis (every 4-6 weeks). While meetings can take place in-person, over the phone, or online, it is recommended that the majority of meetings should be in-person.
  
  
• Take an active role in helping to develop the mentee’s interests and goals – Where possible, provide advice or opportunities that present new perspectives, open doors and encourage the mentee to take on meaningful challenges in their work and volunteer initiatives.
  
  
• Establish an agreement on the frequency and method of communication, and adjust as necessary throughout the mentoring relationship.
  
  
• Attend the Network Mentorship Program introductory gathering and dinner
  
  
• Complete an online mid-term and final report

Network contact information and support

The LGBT Giving Network volunteers and staff can answer any additional questions you have about the mentorship program. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@lgbtgiving.com or 647-346-3371 or Mentorship Committee Chair Ken Aucoin at kenaucoin@yahoo.ca

The Mentorship Committee is still seeking volunteers to act as mentors and to work on the committee to help launch this program. Contact Ken Aucoin for more information.