Calling all Mentors and Mentees! 

Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) is excited to introduce our new Mentoring Program.  The original idea was suggested at a past WoWE Luncheon, and we are happy to roll it out this summer.  Registration Forms for this initial session are being accepted for both Mentees and Mentors until July 31, 2008.  (Registrations are accepted year round, but to participate in the training for this initial session, please sign up by July 31.)

Why create a mentoring program for women in the wind energy industry?
We hope to encourage more women to become involved in all aspects of the wind energy industry, to improve career options for women already in the field, to provide a path for developing future female leaders, and to provide a networking tool for women in the wind energy industry.

Who can participate?
We are encouraging both women and men of all backgrounds to participate. Although the program was designed with women in mind, WoWE recognizes the important role of men in supporting WoWE’s mission and the unique perspectives men can bring to a mentoring relationship.  Men are welcome to participate in the as Mentors and/or Mentees.

How will the WoWE Mentoring Program work?
WoWE will be using an online mentoring program that provides the overall structure for designing and maintaining each mentoring relationship.  We are joining with The Mentoring Connection website (TMC) to offer this program to you.  All participation in the WoWE Mentoring Program is voluntary, and there are no fees or charges associated with being either a Mentor or Mentee.  This initial session begins in August 2008 and will run for 12 months.  Additional session will follow based on interest.

Registration Forms for Mentor and Mentee are filled out directly on line.  (Further instructions are below.)  Those interested in being a Mentee can review the information provided by the potential Mentors and contact the individual they feel would make the best match.  The Mentor then can accept, decline or refer the mentoring request, depending on their availability.  Each mentoring relationship will have its own customized mentoring plan, and the WoWE Program Coordinate will provide training and guidance throughout the process.  Participants may communicate by email, phone or in-person meetings.

The WoWE Program Coordinator will administer the Mentoring Program and provide you with initial and ongoing training, helpful topics and information throughout the 12-month period, mid-point and final program evaluations to assess the progress of each mentoring relationship, and be your primary contact for program questions and information.

How will WoWE ensure confidentiality?
WoWE understands that with a program of this nature, confidentiality is a key concern.  Each mentoring relationship will define for itself what the nature of confidentially will be within it.  From an overall program standpoint, the WoWE Program Coordinator will ensure that the information on-line via TMC and any other materials related to the program remain confidential.

What are the Mentor/Mentee roles?
Each mentoring relationship is as unique as the individuals involved in it.  However, no matter who the individuals are or what shape the relationship takes, helping candidates understand the program and what the expectations are for their roles and responsibilities  creates a stronger and more productive relationship.  Below are points Mentors and Mentees should consider.

Why be a Mentee?
Being a Mentee allows you the opportunity to tap into the experience and learning of professionals already in the wind energy industry.  Other benefits include:

• Learning new things about you, your strengths and hidden talents
• Contributing to the success of your company/organization and the wind energy industry
• Career growth and satisfaction
• Expanding networking opportunities

Mentee role and responsibilities:
WoWE expects Mentee candidates will exhibit these characteristics to help facilitate a productive mentoring relationship.

Qualities in a Mentee

• Passion for learning and a desire to live up to their potential
• Ability to follow through on commitments
• Receptive to feedback
• Trustworthiness, ability to keep confidences

Responsibilities of a Mentee

• Willingness to commit time and energy to the mentoring process
• Assist in the development of Mentoring Agreement and Mentoring Action Plan
• Proactive in carrying out the specifics of the mentoring action plan and periodic evaluations and follow-up
• Provide constructive feedback to WoWE

Why be a Mentor?
While Mentees usually participate in mentoring for one or two basic reasons, the reasons for Mentors wanting to do so are more numerous and varied.  They may include:
Opportunity to affect the future of those working in the wind energy industry
Benefit of giving back to the industry and professional community
Continued personal and professional growth
Personal satisfaction

Mentor role and responsibilities:
As with Mentees, WoWE expects Mentor candidates also will exhibit these specific characteristics to help facilitate a productive mentoring relationship.

Qualities in a Mentor

• Possesses a positive outlook
• Exhibits good communication skills
• Capable of working with a diverse groups and individuals
• Trustworthiness, ability to keep confidences
   

Responsibilities of a Mentor

• Willingness to commit time and energy to the mentoring process
• Assist in the development of Mentoring Agreement and Mentoring Action Plan
• Commitment to carrying out the specifics of the Mentoring Action Plan and periodic evaluations and follow-up
• Take a leadership role (rather than managerial) and model the characteristics and behaviors of a leader
• Provide constructive feedback to the mentee, and to WoWE
• Be open to feedback and suggestions for improving the effectiveness as a mentor

What do I do if I’m interested?
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please follow these simple steps:

• Go to the TMC website
• Click on the “Sign-Up Here” link and enter the Group ID: WOWE
• Complete and submit the User Profile
• When the notification appears, click OK and complete the Registration Form

FAQs

How do I join?
Go to the TMC website
Click on the “Sign-Up Here” link and enter the Group ID: WOWE.
Complete and submit the User Profile
When the notification appears, click OK and complete the Registration Form

Can I be both a Mentor and Mentee?
Yes.  There are separate Registration Forms to complete for both Mentor and Mentee.  We encourage anyone interested in serving in both capacities to do so, however, please make sure that you can commit to the suggested time commitments (four to six hours per month.)

What is the time commitment?
Past experiences have shown that most Mentors devote four to six hours a month working with the Mentee.  The time commitment varies for Mentees based on what goals and activities they are pursuing.

Is there a cost to join?
No.  There are no fees associated with signing up for this program.  We ask only that you donate your time and energy!

How long will I be in the program?
The formal mentoring relationship is designed to last 12 months.  In other mentoring programs it is quite common for the relationship to continue after the formal mentoring timeframe is completed.

Can I join this program as a way to find a job in the wind energy industry?
The purpose of this program is not an employment or job-posting venue.  We are offering this program to those who are interesting in working in some sector of the wind energy industry.  The Mentoring Action Plan that is developed by the Mentor and Mentee will cover many components, and job-hunting advice may be one.

Do Mentors and Mentees need to be in the same city/state?
No.  Our program is designed for long-distance mentoring relationships.  We know that it most likely is not feasible to match each Mentee with a Mentor in their geographic area; although you can search on that for a match if it is an important aspect for you.  The program is carried out via the TMC website, so you can be in any state or country to participate.   

How do you match people up?
Once Mentors and Mentees sign up, the Mentees can view the Registration Forms of the Mentors on-line, and can reach out to potential Mentors with whom they feel they would be able to build a strong mentoring relationship.  The final decision on a match is made between the Mentor and Mentee.

How often do you get together with your Mentor?
The specific number of mentoring sessions, the time involved, and the communication method can vary from one mentoring relationship to another.  This is one part of the Mentoring Agreement developed by the Mentor and Mentee.

Can I apply anytime?
Yes, the WoWE Mentoring Program allows for Mentors and Mentees to join at any time.  We will be conducting training session periodically to familiarize you with the program and using the online service.  We encourage you to sign up by July 31, 2008 so you may join the first round of training.

How many mentoring relationship are you scheduling?
We are not setting a limit on the number of mentoring relationships.  We will work to find an appropriate Mentor for all interested Mentees.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Contact Louise Nemmers Mageli, the WoWE Program Coordinator.