The Who, What, Where and When of Mentoring for Leadership

The Who, What, Where and When of Mentoring for Leadership

Mentoring for Leadership Involves:

Who:
Mentor

• An individual of any age and gender who is well versed in Auxiliary Bylaws and Traditions.
• An individual who possesses the traits of a positive attitude along with being kind and compassionate.
• A good listener who is willing to share their time guiding an individual or individuals.

Mentee (individual or group)

• An individual of any age and gender.
• A member(s) who is/are unfamiliar or has/have minimal knowledge of the organization.
• A seasoned member maybe needing a refresher about Auxiliary activities.

What:
Engagement

• Engaging members to have a positive experience.
• Gain and share knowledge.
• Guidance in building leadership roles and opportunities to serve the organization.

Where:
Inside and outside the meeting room

• Regularly scheduled Auxiliary meeting.
• Social event.
• One-on-one time.

When:
Time frame that is agreeable to Mentee and Mentor

• Be sensitive to each other’s availability and time.
• Use any opportunity that presents itself to assure our members gain insight in to the Auxiliary and those we serve.

Aim for SUCCESS!

The success of the Mentoring for Leadership Program depends upon all of us and contains the following ideals:

A knowledgeable MENTOR

• Select an individual or individuals, or better yet, volunteer to be responsible for the Mentoring for Leadership Program.
• Volunteer to be a mentor.
• Lead by example.

Open-minded VISION

• Review National and Department Program Books.
• Create a Mentoring for Leadership packet for mentors and mentees from the various resource materials located in MALTA and on the Program & Publicity Resources webpage.
• Consider having a social get together in which you may share experiences and at the same time learn more about the Auxiliary.

Opportunity to TEACH

• Promote the Online Auxiliary Academy.
• Identify a section within the Bylaws, Booklet of Instructions or Ritual to refresh memories.
• Consider asking a member to review and make a “short” 5-minute presentation at the next meeting. Spread the mentoring responsibilities amongst members.

Share Positive Experiences to INSPIRE

• Reflect on past and present Auxiliary successes and awards achieved.
  • Turn the pages of those history and community service books.
• Share positive volunteer experiences you have been involved with.
• Invite a District or Department Current or Past Officer to a meeting to share a positive message.

Set attainable GOALS

• Engage members by using the Health Auxiliary materials.
• Monthly pick a topic from the Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation Guidebooks to review and discuss.
• Decide what programs and projects you want to complete by year-end.
• Strategize how you are going to maintain or increase the membership.

Provide encouragement to MOTIVATE

• Remember to encourage open dialog and acknowledge member contributions.
• Plan a quarterly “social” event to celebrate the members.
• Use the recognition certificates available within the Auxiliary resource page.

Demonstrate positive communications to LEAD BY EXAMPLE

• Review materials such as:
  • Understanding Auxiliary Traditions.
  • Cultivate Engagement by asking “How would you like to contribute?”, along with, Matching Member Talents to Leadership Success and Engaging Existing Members.
• Be considerate at all times. You never know who is watching.
• Make a phone call to a member you haven’t heard from in a while.
• Use social media tools to keep in contact and bring awareness to Auxiliary activities.

Success will be achieved by TEAMWORK

• It takes all members to be positive and be involved in supporting Auxiliary initiatives.

Celebrate!

Will you be the recipient of this National award?

Individual Award #1. Citation awarded to the first, second and third place member in each Department who is instrumental in fulfilling the role as a mentor/leader. Three nominations from each Department Mentoring for Leadership Chairman are due by April 30, 2020 to the National Mentoring for Leadership Ambassador. Nomination form (required) available at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources. Citation will be mailed directly to the member.

Mentoring for Leadership will translate into Serving Our Veterans with Aloha.