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This guide provides information on the importance of a mentoring program in a local union and highlights the benefits it offers. It explains the difference between informal and formal mentoring and provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a formal mentoring program. Resources and support are also provided for those interested in becoming mentors or mentees. Available resources can be accessed through the Unifor National website.
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Fostering the Future of the Union A Guide to Establishing a Mentoring Program in Your Local Union August 2018
Why do we need a Mentoring Program? • A commitment to support an ongoing process of renewal is vital for building a strong, vibrant, and dynamic union • One of our core principles found in the Unifor Constitution • Our union’s commitment to renewal was reinforced during Local Union Task Force meetings unifor.org
Why do we need a Mentoring Program? • Nurture and encourage the next generation of activists and open opportunities for members from equity seeking groups • Connect members who want to become activists with experienced leadership or even retirees who want to share in the transition of knowledge, skills and insight • To review the full list of recommendations from the Local Union Task Force please visit unifor.org/lutf. unifor.org
What does the Mentoring Program offer? • Enhance knowledge of the union and its history, increase commitment to the union, assist in personal growth, and provide support in avoiding political pitfalls • Sense of personal satisfaction for mentors • Transfer of knowledge and history from one generation to the next • Identify barriers for members of equity seeking groups • Support our broader equity agenda detailed in the Equity Audit report unifor.org
Benefits of Mentorship • Enhances collaboration and learning across the union • Increases job satisfaction and deepens commitment of participants • Builds organizational capacity • Helps renew leadership and activist base unifor.org
Where does the Local fit in? • Local unions are central to the process of renewal • Regardless of the local union size, geography or structure, mentoring new activists and leadership will always need to be a priority unifor.org
Informal Mentoring • Mentoring happens informally across the union every single day • While informal mentoring can be helpful, it also tends to reinforce existing political dynamics in a local union • For a mentorship program to be effective, inclusive and accessible to all, it must be formalized unifor.org
Formal Mentoring • Formal mentoring takes place when the union takes an active role in setting up the mentoring relationship and provides ongoing support as needed • The very existence of a formal program makes mentorship available to all union members who seek it, and assists in enhancing diversity within the union leadership unifor.org
Responsibilities unifor.org
The Mentoring Program Coordinator should : • Solicit feedback • Make adjustments to the program • Combine mentoring with broader leadership development • Use the mentoring program to help identify barriers • Evaluate the effectiveness of the mentorship arrangement unifor.org
Why be a Local Union Mentor? • Sense of satisfaction from helping nurture the next generation of activists • Ensures skills, knowledge and experiences are not lost with transition to new responsibilities or retirement • Opportunity to learn from younger activists! unifor.org
Why apply to be a Local Union Mentee? • Unique opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and insights into the traditions, customs, and political culture of the local • Effective enabler for those wishing to take on leadership roles unifor.org
Want more information and resources to get started? We can help! • You can access the following resources from the Unifor National website at https://unifor.org/mentorship • Local Mentorship Program Guide • Promotional Poster • Template documents unifor.org
Resources Available Promotional Posters unifor.org
Resources Available • Application Planning Worksheet Feedback Form unifor.org
For more information and resources, please contact: Unifor Education Department education@unifor.org