2018 Mentor Program

“I found the mentor program at the 2014 ADRP conference the most valuable element of the conference. I came into the program with set mentors and walked away with a dozen additional contacts that have helped me as a newcomer to the field. I was so excited to hear the mentor program was back for its second year that I volunteered to help out.”

- Ewan Maclean, 2014 ADRP International Conference Attendee

Are you a seasoned donor relations professional who would like to encourage newcomers in their careers? Are you new to the profession, seeking guidance and advice from an experienced insider? Join the Mentor Program, now in its fourth year!

Mentor Program Expectations

The purpose of the ADRP International Conference Mentorship Program is to connect experienced donor relations professionals with newcomers to the vocation to provide encouragement in career development, share professional knowledge and build relationships among practitioners. 

What is expected of me as a MENTEE?

  • Initiate contact with your assigned mentor prior to the conference to introduce yourself and respond to all communications in a timely manner.
  • Establish clear goals for your mentoring relationship with the mentor.
  • Attend the Newcomers’ & Mentorship Program Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 2, to connect with your mentee(s) and other Mentorship Program participants.
  • Meet individually with your mentor at least one other time during the conference to facilitate further conversation in a 1-on-1 setting.
  • Approach the mentoring relationship with an open mind, professionalism, and respect.
  • Be receptive to feedback and suggestions.

What is expected of me as a MENTOR?

  • Respond to all communications in a timely manner.
  • Assist your mentee(s) in establishing clear goals for your mentoring relationship. 
  • Attend the Newcomers’ & Mentorship Program Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 2, to connect with your mentee(s) and other Mentorship Program participants.
  • Meet individually with your mentee(s) at least one other time during the conference to facilitate further conversation in a 1-on-1 setting.
  • Approach the mentoring relationship with an open mind, professionalism, and respect.

What is NOT expected of me as a MENTOR?

  • To initiate all contact with your mentee(s).
  • To have all the answers for your mentee(s).
  • To offer a job to your mentee(s).

Sign Up During Registration!

Signing up is as easy as registering for the conference: just look for the Mentor Program section on the conference registration form and answer a few questions.

Forgot to sign up during registration? It’s not too late! Email [email protected] to sign up to be a mentor or mentee.

Once you register for the program, we’ll follow up with you for more details and to provide additional information about the program. In the weeks before the conference, we will share Mentorship Program matches so that the mentee may establish contact with the Mentor before the conference begins. This will allow you to start getting to know each other, and make plans to meet up at the conference (or before!) for one-on-one advice and guidance. We recommend that you and your mentor/mentee attend the Newcomers' & Mentorship Program Happy Hour on Tuesday evening, October 2, to have the opportunity to meet other mentors and mentees.