Our Mentoring Program is now in its fourth year and its sixth round of operation. For the current state and specifics of this special interest program, click here.
In November 2003, the Learning Group held a meeting on Mentoring, presented by members Mike Halperin and Peter Smith. The meeting demonstrated strong support for a mentoring program for Learning Group members.
Mike and Peter accordingly designed and led the first round of a program connecting mentors and mentees. A total of five mentees were paired up with mentors over a three month period. Both mentors and mentees found the experience to be valuable and rewarding. Although Mike and Peter had to move on, we were fortunate to have Kate Scott step up to the leadership position in 2004.
Kate coordinated three more rounds, with another dozen pairs in all. She also helped develop program materials and establish lessons learned. The latter included the desirability of having kickoff meeting to explain the program and to enable potential and a debrief meeting to review participant experiences and consider program improvements.
In 2006, Kate decided she could not continue as leader. Jim Murphy is served as acting coordinator for two rounds. In 2008, Patricia Goodman became our new Mentoring leader, with a seventh round beginning in May.