Hi Jon, I don't want to sound negative as I think this is a great opportunity for all kinds of folks in the industry and totally support it. However, honestly, I had a negative reaction to the "Call for Mentors" description on the site, instead of being intrigued or enticed by it. A higher percentage of real estate on the page is used for text warning people about the demands of program than selling them on it:
However, acting as a mentor requires a large amount of time and dedication; > you'll need to meet with your mentee at least once a week (on the phone, in > person, or via chat) and help them set - and achieve - goals. Consider if > you actually have the time to dedicate to this before volunteering, as > there's nothing more disappointing than a fly-by-night mentor. > IMHO, it seems the commitment level IxDA is expecting - and using as a lure to get people into the program - could simply be too much for high-performing, busy, time-limited, experienced professionals in this field. Meet real-time at least once a week? What about something that's a bit more flexible for a budding relationship like "initially expected to meet by phone or in person once a week for a month (or whatever to get to know each other), subsequently then at least once every two weeks, and adjusting your schedules based on mutual needs and agreements. You should be available regularly by email." I also think you should have more information on the site about the kinds of things mentees are looking for advice on (career, tools, process, methods, etc.). That would be helpful as well. Thanks, Lisa IxDA Boston chapter chair On Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 2:52 AM, Jon Kolko <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi, > > The IxDA Mentorship program needs your help. We have 150 mentees, but > only 53 mentors. Can you donate some of your time to helping others > learn about the IxDA profession and grow as designers? > > Visit http://www.ixda.org/mentor.php to sign up, and we'll do our > best to match you asap.. > > Thanks, > Jon > > ________________________________________________________________ > Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! > To post to this list ....... [email protected] > Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe > List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines > List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help > ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [email protected] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
