What is the Mentor Connection Service?
What is "facilitated mentoring"?
Who is the program for?
Why is IAA doing this?
How long does the program last?
Will I have to quit my job to participate?
Is this different from the full-time mentoring or fellowship programs like the one offered by Theater Communications Group?
What kind of impact is my participation in this program likely to have on my organization?
Does IAA provide a stipend for program participants?
What is the Mentor Connection Service?
A facilitated mentoring program developed and managed by the Illinois Arts Alliance as part of IAA's Arts Leadership for the 21st Century program.
What is "facilitated mentoring"?
IAA acts as facilitator in the mentor-mentee matchmaking process. We help participants find an appropriate mentor or mentee, give each pair resources to make the most of their partnership, and provide ongoing support for the project period. Each pair is free to identify and work toward their goals in the method most appropriate for them.
Who is the program for?
Broadly, Illinois arts administrators. Specifically:
- artistic and administrative staff of arts organizations
- established and emerging leaders
- paid staff, committed volunteers, or anyone whose primary career is in arts administration
- representatives of any artistic discipline
Why is IAA doing this?
For several reasons:
- You told us we should.
When we first began researching issues surrounding leadership succession in arts organizations, we talked to a lot of people like you who work in the nonprofit arts field. "What would make working in this field better?" we asked. "What would make you more likely to keep working in this field instead of running away to the corporate sector or joining the circus?" One of the answers we heard over and over was, "opportunities to be mentored and to learn from my peers." We also heard that while this kind of learning is enormously beneficial, it is also very hard to make happen without some outside help. So we're offering some help.
- Mentoring is good for individuals and organizations.
Lots of studies have shown that people who are mentored perform better, have more confidence in the workplace and are more likely to act as mentors themselves down the road. How could we resist the opportunity to start something that will keep giving dividends to the arts community for generations?
- The time for meaningful exchange with experienced arts leaders is now - not later.
Speaking of generations, there's one you may have heard of called the Baby Boomers. The nonprofit arts field is not alone in noticing that this generation is readying itself to retire and will be taking with it a great deal of valuable knowledge and insight. Finding a meaningful way to help them share their experience with the next generation of arts leaders is therefore not only wise, but very timely.
- Building the capacity of arts organizations and their leaders is our mission.
The Illinois Arts Alliance exists to strengthen the arts in the state. Mentoring has the potential to build leadership throughout the field, thereby strengthening arts organizations and improving their capacity to serve their communities. So providing mentor connections is a natural way for IAA to advance our mission.
How long does the program last?
The formal program lasts 12 months. Mentoring pairs are, of course, welcome and encouraged to continue their mentoring relationships beyond this time frame outside the structure of IAA's Mentor Connection Service program.
Will I have to quit my job to participate?
No! The average time commitment required for the mentoring program will be 4-8 hours per month, which can take place in concert with both partners' current job responsibilities.
So this is different from the full-time mentoring or fellowship programs like the one offered by Theater Communications Group.
Correct. IAA's program will create opportunities for emerging and established leaders to develop mutually beneficial, one-to-one professional relationships that allow both parties to learn from each other, grow professionally, and do their jobs all at the same time.
What kind of impact is my participation in this program likely to have on my organization?
Your organization is likely to benefit from having a more fulfilled, confident and rejuvenated employee!
As mentioned above, the program is designed to allow mentors and mentees to continue to work in their current jobs while participating in the program. Mentoring does take time and energy, though, so your organization may miss you a few hours a month while you're working on becoming an even better person.
We do recommend transparency and honesty whenever possible, so it might be a good idea to discuss your plans to participate in the Mentor Connection Service program with appropriate members of your organization's leadership.
Does IAA provide a stipend for program participants?
No. Participation is voluntary, and the rewards are intrinsic. Travel, phone and other costs incurred by program participants are the responsibility of each participant and/or their organizations.
Back to Top
IAA Home
Illinois Arts Alliance/Foundation
203 North Wabash
Suite 1920
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312.855.3105 Fax: 312.855.1565
info@artsalliance.org |
