Erin Mezek
2020-2021 National Mentoring for Leadership Ambassador
Mentoring Outside Auxiliary Business Meetings
We are all looking at the dynamic of our Auxiliaries during these uncertain times. We are reassessing how will we continue our Auxiliary business and our mission, and we continue to look for members to step into leadership roles, those who have the ability to help us navigate through our ever-changing society. As Mentors it is our responsibility to guide, encourage and seek out those who embody leadership skills. This is where mentoring outside our Auxiliary business meeting comes in.
Individual/One-on-One
This group of Mentees would include:
- New Officers – Pair Mentors who are subject matter experts in that office/position with new Officers to help navigate all aspects of that position.
- New Chairman – Create committees to navigate through Program projects so that projects are not a one-person job.
Useful references to help with these activities include: Podium Edition: Bylaws and Ritual, Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation Guidebooks, Program & Publicity Resources page on the National website.
Guidance, Education and Goal Setting
This group of Mentees would include:
- New Potential Leaders
Whether you have identified a member, or a member has voiced their interest to take a leadership role, this is where this type of Mentoring comes in. Remember with new leaders come new ideas, new leadership styles and new leadership skills.
Begin by identifying what leadership role and level this member would like to take, and then set goals. Once you have set goals, start going through the proper guidance and education they may need to become successful in that position. This a very important part of Mentoring. We are to promote success and encourage the skill strengths of each upcoming leader. To guide them to work within the Bylaws and Ritual. Make sure to mentor within a comfort level for everyone involved and to see them through the whole process, not just the beginning.
Line Officer Meetings
This group of Mentees would include:
- Line Officers (all levels)
This is a very important Mentoring step provided by Presidents on all levels as Line Officer meetings promote open, healthy communication and unity with your team. In these meetings Presidents are giving guidance, setting expectations and providing education for those who will succeed them. They are training their replacement. This a great way to communicate potential issues and/or set goals for upcoming events. In my year as Department President this was one of my favorite Mentoring times. It was a place to share all my knowledge, what worked and didn’t work for me, and to make sure all my Officers were in the know and on the same page.
Trainings and Team Building Activities
Ideas of this type of mentoring include:
- Online Auxiliary Academy Training for new Secretaries, Treasurers or Trustees
- How to get signed up with MALTA, blogs or the e-newsletter
- Painting and beverage (non-fundraising)
- Movie and dinner
- Game nights
- Escape rooms
Hold trainings and team building activities outside your business meetings. It shows members that you care about them and their growth within the organization, not just what they can provide us. Members will step into leadership roles in organizations that care about them as a person or as a family member.
Ensure a Positive Member Experience • Engage in Learning Opportunities • Develop Member Confidence in Leadership Roles
I want to wish everyone from my family to yours a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year. Please stay safe and healthy while we serve our mission.