AALEP MENTOR PROGRAM- LEARN, SUPPORT, GROW

AALEP’s Mentor Program offers new public policy advocates the opportunity to develop one-on-one relationships with accomplished public policy advocates and benefits from their experience. The program serves as a forum for experienced public policy advocates to share their wisdom with new public policy advocates and offer advice and guidance on public policy advocacy issues.

Younger Public Policy Advocates must maintain an active membership status in AALEP for participation in the Mentor Program.

Membership Fee for Younger Public Policy Advocates:

1. Less than 26 years old: € 100/year
2. 26- 30 years old : € 150/year
3. Over 30 years old:  € 250/year (a 50% discount off regular membership fee)

Mentorships are ultimately based on personal relationships. It takes more than an initial introduction to develop a successful mentor relationship. The mentor and the mentee must make a commitment of time to develop the trust and interpersonal relationship that is necessary for a fully-engaged mentoring relationship.

Qualities of successful mentees:

• Genuine interest in personal growth and professional development
• Strong commitment to learning and acquiring new skills
• Receptive to honest, constructive feedback
• Willing to take risks as part of the learning process
• A sense of self and personal vision

Role of the mentee:

• Develop mutually agreeable goals for the mentoring relationship that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely
• Communicate openly and honestly with the mentor
• Take responsibility for establishing expectations between the mentor and mentee
• Make good use of time spent with the mentor
• Be mindful of the mentor’s needs and expectations
• Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality

The mentorship program is a one year minimum commitment during which mentors and mentees agree to communicate regularly with one another. Partners should set goals for their mentoring partnership to help guide and get the most out of their relationship. A mentor will become a friend, advisor, and role model to the mentee. Mentoring partners may not necessarily be located in Brussels so the Mentee  should be prepared to connect with the Mentor  via email, phone, skype  or in person.

The mentorship program runs from May to May on an annual basis. Mentorship applications are accepted online. The AALEP Mentorship Program is administered by the Membership Development Committee. Please send an email to aalep@proximus.be if you have questions about the program.