NAPA Mentor Program
About Mentors and Mentoring
NAPA mentors typically are anthropologists who have been working in a non-academic setting for at least two years, are at least three years postgraduate, and have a minimum of two years experience in areas such as government, private, nonprofit, or consulting settings. A PhD is not required. All mentor applicants must be NAPA members. The NAPA Mentor Committee will provide potential mentors with a packet of relevant information on mentoring
The Mentor Program is designed to foster an ongoing relationship between the mentor and the mentee. Mentors must be committed to supporting this relationship through continued contact with their partners. Mentors should plan on meeting with their mentee at least once if possible to best enhance the exchange; this is usually done during an annual AAA or SfAA meeting, but can occur as convenient for both parties. Ongoing contact, at least bi-monthly, should happen by telephone or email.
Mentee/mentor relationships are anticipated to be for at least one year, and may continue upon the consent of both. Participants sign an agreement that clearly lays out the expectations of the professional relationship, and agree to abide by the terms.
Expectations of the Mentor
[ ] Provide and update information on your career path and interests to the NAPA Mentor Committee so that you can be assigned the right mentee(s).
[ ] Make yourself available for introductory telephone conversations (preferred) or email exchanges with potential mentees to determine whether there is a good match.
[ ] Work with those you mentor to arrange ongoing telephone conversations, in-person meetings or other activities to support the mentee.
[ ] Complete a brief form evaluating your experience as a mentor, to help us improve the program.
Mentoring Agreement
To ensure that both participants are clear on the expectations and timelines for mentoring, an agreement will be discussed and signed by both mentor and mentee at the start of the process. You can review the mentor-mentee agreement form (RTF format) to better understand the expectations of the mentoring relationship.
Instant Mentoring
NAPA sponsors instant mentoring annually at AAA meetings. Mentees sign up at the NAPA information table or are mentored on the spot. NAPA mentors are encouraged to spend an hour at the table during the meeting. This is an extremely popular offering and provides a real service to new and transitioning anthropologists of all backgrounds and interests.
To sign up to be a NAPA mentor, complete the Mentor Match form, noting your interest to potentially serve as a mentor. We look forward to hearing from you!