AVMA MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL MENTOR PROGRAM DEFINED The word “mentor” was derived from a character advising young Telemachus in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. It has come to mean trusted friend, advisor, and teacher. The AVMA mentor program aims to connect the veterinary profession and foster relationships in which experienced professionals assist the career or personal development of mentee(s). DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE Each career is unique, and your experience participating in the AVMA mentor program will reflect your individual role and goals. Mentors and mentees should reflect on their strengths and challenges, then define the purpose(s) of their new relationship together. Some examples are bulleted below, however this is not inclusive of all possible objective(s) your mentor relationship can undertake. • Supporting young professionals in the veterinary industry that are prone to burn-out, mental health issues, and leaving the profession • Foster cross-generational learning through sharing career challenges and creative solutions • Provide development options for rising leaders • Encourage women and underrepresented groups into more senior roles MENTOR MEET UPS Mentor Meet Ups have been incorporated into the VLC schedule available at avma.org/vlcschedule. Setup meetings on your preferred video conference application during these time slots. Spend your first Mentor Meet Up getting to know each other and defining the purpose of your mentoring relationship. In advance of the second Mentor Meet Up – mentee(s) should prepare questions that speak to the relationship’s purpose, and mentors should collate resources to share with your mentee(s). End each Mentor Meet Up celebrating the veterinary profession with a virtual toast using your matching AVMA Member Edge® mugs. Screen capture your cheers and share your experience with AVMA and the VLC community using #AVMAVLC. CONTINUE TO CONNECT Mentor Meet Ups are not the extent of a mentoring relationship, and AVMA encourages you to connect beyond the facilitated mentoring time. Share LinkedIn and social media handles with each other and set a reminder to check in periodically through the next year. Continued conversations can address the initial relationship purpose or change as needed to best fit your career and goals. Every mentor program teaches how to use your professional and personal “edge” to your advantage. And this is what AVMA Member Edge is all about. Included in your AVMA membership., you’ll find savings on many of the products, services, and business solutions you need and use every day. From deals on hotels and car rentals to office supplies, identity protection, and practice management resources. Member Edge is here to support you. For more information, visit avma.org/memberedge Copyright 2020 | American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 N. Meacham Rd. | Suite 100 | Schaumburg, IL 60173 .