NAPA Mentor-Mentee Agreement

Participants in the NAPA Mentor Match program develop an agreement that outlines their mutual understanding of what the mentoring relationship will involve. This form ensures that participants have considered and agreed to a number of concrete action items.

The Mentor-Match Program is Designed to Provide Mentees with
•	An understanding of the profession of applied anthropological practice outside of the academy
•	A relationship with a seasoned NAPA member who understands the technical and professional realms that match the mentee’s interests
•	A relationship that can help the mentee develop additional professional contacts and networks

The Mentor Helps the Mentee
•	Draw upon the mentee’s existing experience and knowledge to create a clear and reasonable course of action
•	Clarify and set goals and objectives
•	Develop an action strategy that meets the mentee’s specific needs
•	Be accountable to what they agree to do
•	Create a longer-term vision for what can be accomplished through the discipline
•	Shift perspectives to new possibilities if needed

The Mentee Takes Responsibility to
•	Commit to and take seriously the mentoring relationship
•	Respect the mentor’s availability and time
•	Be receptive to information and feedback
•	Set realistic expectations with the mentor
•	Follow through with the relationship as set forth in the agreement

The initial set of contacts between the mentor and mentee, through email and/or telephone, is critical to the success of the relationship, because it sets the tone.  It is extremely important to take the time to create a climate of trust and of safety. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to set up a personal meeting at an associational annual meeting as quickly as possible.

The agreement made between the mentor and mentee provides the basis for the relationship.  While the parameters should be well considered, the agreement should remain somewhat dynamic, capable of changing over time to meet the needs of both mentor and mentee.

Before communications begin in earnest, the mentor and mentee should each consider what they would like to accomplish in the relationship, such as:
•	A match of professional, geographic and topical experiences and interests
•	Compatible schedules/time zones
•	Expectations of the relationship
•	How to develop a sense of trust and openness
•	What the mentee needs to develop her/his potential

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At the initial contact, the participants should share their backgrounds, interests, and what they would like to accomplish.  The goal of the initial discussion is to begin to find out if the individuals will be a good match, and if both parties can reasonably commit to working toward the goals that develop in the agreement below. If comfortable, they can begin to collaborate to set out some simple objectives and activities that are specific and achievable, using the agreement form.

NAPA Mentor/Mentee Agreement	
Mentee Name: 	
Contact Information: 	
Mentor Name: 	
Contact Information: 	
Objective(s)/Strategies	

Overarching Goal
(e.g., find an appropriate and satisfying career path)	
Strategies/Activities
(e.g., Discuss ways to increase my visibility with potential employers)	

Specific objective:		

Strategies/ Activities:	

·	
Date:				

Specific objective:		
Strategies/ Activities:	

·	
Date:				

Specific objective:		
Strategies/ Activities:	

·	
Date:				
Duration of Agreement and Frequency of Meetings	

Start Date:	
End Date:	
Frequency:	
Agreement/Signatures	
We agree that mentoring discussions will be conducted within the following guidelines:
§	Discussions will focus on the professional and career results that we want to achieve
§	All communications will be confidential
§	Mentors/mentees agree to maintain mutual dignity and respect
§	Mentors/mentees can mutually modify the agreement, or can opt out without rancor	
(Names)
Mentee:	(Signatures)	

Mentor:		

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