Spark Mentoring Program
As a mentor, this program gives you an opportunity to give back to your business community. This is also an opportunity to reflect on your career. But most of all, this is an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Program Requirements
The program runs for nine months, beginning in September. You must be an IABC member to participate.
Orientation
For mentors, this is a time to review some different ways to approach mentoring and reminders of pitfalls to avoid. This is a session that occurs on the same day prior to the Spark launch meeting.
One meeting a month with your mentee
Depending on the personalities in the mentoring partnership and the demands on schedules, you can handle meetings in a way that best suit you and your mentoring partner. You don't have to meet in person, although it's recommended at the beginning of the program to help build rapport quickly.
Five group meetings
The launch event and closing meeting are included in the total of five meetings. The remaining three group meetings include two momentum meetings and a midpoint check-in.
Momentum meetings are meetings where mentors and mentees who may have gotten of track a bit can meet to help keep the momentum of the program rolling. It's easy to get busy and let the mentoring process drag. You only have nine months and it's important to make every minute count! The group meetings will vary but will include a speaker and time to share experiences.
The launch event meeting is required for all participants. The other meetings are optional, but we hope you will take advantage the other meetings when you can. The graduation or closing meeting also is not required, but we hope that everyone can attend.
As a Spark participant, you will receive a schedule of the meetings at the beginning of the program so that you can put them on your calendar. The schedule will also be posted here on the IABC Web site.
Application
The mentor applications are posted on the "Get Involved" main page. Complete your application and submit it by June 17.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact the Spark coordinator, Alexia James (alexia_james@bellsouth.net) or 770.913.1465.
Are you ready to play with fire?
We hope so. We'd like to hope you get a little Spark back in your life.