WOWE - Women of Wind Energy

WoWE Mentoring Program Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the regular questions about WoWE's mentoring program here. If you don't find your question feel free to e-mail us mentoring -at- womenofwindenergy.org

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Mentoring Program List of FAQs
Why create a mentoring program for women in the wind energy industry?
Who can participate?
How does the WoWE Mentoring Program work?
How will WoWE ensure confidentiality?
What are the roles and responsibilities of the Mentee?
Why be a Mentee?
What are the roles and responsibilities of the Mentor?
Why be a Mentor?
How do I join?
Can I be both a Mentor and Mentee?
Can I have more than one Mentor or Mentee?
What is the time commitment?
Is there a cost to join?
Do I need to live in the same city as my mentor/mentee?
How long will I be in the program?
Can I join this program as a way to find a job in the wind energy industry?
How will I be matched?
How often do Mentors/Mentees get together?
How many mentoring relationship are you scheduling?
Is training offered?

1. Why create a mentoring program for women in the wind energy industry?
We hope to encourage more women to become involved in all aspects of the wind energy industry, to improve career options for women already in the field, to provide a path for developing future female leaders, and to provide a networking tool for women in the wind energy industry.
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2. Who can participate?
We are encouraging both women and men of all backgrounds to participate. Although the program was designed with women in mind, WoWE recognizes the important role of men in supporting WoWE’s mission and the unique perspectives men can bring to a mentoring relationship. Men are welcome to participate in the program as Mentors and/or Mentees.
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3. How does the WoWE Mentoring Program work?
WoWE will be using an online mentoring program that provides the overall structure for designing and maintaining each mentoring relationship. We are joining with The Mentoring Connection website (TMC) to offer this program to you. All participation in the WoWE Mentoring Program is voluntary, and there are no fees or charges associated with being either a Mentor or Mentee. Sessions begin twice a year and each session runs for 12 months.

Registration Forms for Mentor and Mentee are filled out directly on line. (Further instructions are below.) Those interested in being a Mentee can review the information provided by the potential Mentors and contact the individual they feel would make the best match. The Mentor then can accept, decline or refer the mentoring request, depending on their availability. Each mentoring relationship will have its own customized mentoring plan, and the WoWE Program Coordinator will provide training and guidance throughout the process. Participants may communicate by email, phone or in-person meetings.

The WoWE Program Coordinator will administer the Mentoring Program and provide you with initial and ongoing training, helpful topics and information throughout the 12-month period, mid-point and final program evaluations to assess the progress of each mentoring relationship, and be your primary contact for program questions and information.
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4. How will WoWE ensure confidentiality?
WoWE understands that with a program of this nature, confidentiality is a key concern. Each mentoring relationship will define for itself what the nature of confidentially will be within it. From an overall program standpoint, the WoWE Program Coordinator will ensure that the information on-line via TMC and any other materials related to the program remain confidential.
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5. What are the roles and responsibilities of the Mentee?
Mentees come from a number of different backgrounds, but they have in common a passion for and openness to learning, and willingness to commit time and energy to the mentoring process. Responsibilities of a mentee include:

• During the registration process:
  
  
  • Fill out registration form and bio
  • Seek a mentor and request a match
  • Request help when needed; let program coordinator know of any issues or if you are no longer able to participate
• Discuss your expectations with your mentor: the amount of time you’d like to spend with your mentor, what you are really looking for through this particular match
• Create goals and a plan for your mentoring relationship and follow through
• Initiate contact with your mentor at the agreed-upon frequency. Be understanding if your mentor’s schedule is busy and don’t give up.
• Provide constructive feedback to your mentor and to the mentorship program; participate in periodic evaluations.
• Discuss confidentiality with your mentor and respect your agreement.

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6. Why be a Mentee?
Being a Mentee allows you the opportunity to tap into the experience and learning of women professionals already in the wind energy industry. 
Other benefits include:

• Learning new things about you, your strengths and hidden talents
• Broaden your understanding of the wind energy industry and where you fit in
• Career growth and satisfaction
• Expanding networking opportunities

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7. What are the roles and responsibilities of the Mentor?
Mentors, like mentees, have varied backgrounds, but they have in common a positive attitude, good communication skills, willingness to commit time and energy to the mentoring process, and well as experience in some aspect of the wind industry.
Responsibilities of a mentor include:

• During the registration process:
  
  
  • Fill out registration form and bio, including contact information
  • Respond in a timely manner to any requests for matches - it is courteous to include a reason if you are  declining a match
  • Mark yourself as no longer accepting matches on the website when you have accepted all the match requests you’d like
• Be available at agreed-upon intervals to your mentee. Let your mentee know if something comes up and reschedule. Keep in touch.
• Discuss your expectations, the amount of time you can realistically spend, what you can provide for the mentee (and what you cannot).
• Assist in the development of your mentee's goals and plan; follow through
• Discuss confidentiality with your mentee and respect your agreement
• Be open to feedback and suggestions for improving your effectiveness as a mentor
• Provide constructive feedback to your mentee and to the mentorship program; participate in periodic evaluations.
• Contact the program coordinator with any issues or if you are no longer able to participate

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8. Why be a Mentor?
The reasons for Mentors wanting to do so are more numerous and varied. 
They may include:

• Opportunity to affect the future of women in the wind energy industry
• Benefit of giving back to the industry and professional community
• Continued personal and professional growth
• Personal satisfaction and personal connection

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9. How do I join?
Mentoring sessions begin twice a year. Registration for our current mentoring session is closed.  We plan to open another session in early 2011.  Look for announcements then on the WoWE Yahoo listserv, Facebook page, and webpage.

The first step to getting involved in the mentoring program is to let WoWE know you’re interested.  Please tell us more about yourself and check the “WoWE Mentor or Mentee” box on the WoWE join form.  We’ll be in touch soon with further information, including the expected start date of the next session.

For more information about WoWE's Mentoring program, please contact the WoWE Mentoring Program Coordinator at mentoring@womenofwindenergy.org.  
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Yes. There are separate Registration Forms to complete for both Mentor and Mentee. We encourage anyone interested in serving in both capacities to do so, however, please make sure that you can commit to the agreed upon time commitments with your Mentor and Mentee.
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11. Can I have more than one Mentor or Mentee?
Mentors can have more than one Mentee; however we ask that Mentees only match with one Mentor.  Managing multiple mentees may present a time management challenge, but many mentors do have several mentees. Please make sure you can meet the agreed upon time commitments with your mentors/mentees. We ask that you only match with one Mentor since Mentors are often in short supply.
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12. What is the time commitment?
All participants will commit to a one-year Mentoring partnership.  This includes two to four hours per month face to face, over the phone, or email with their partner or working on activities.  Each Mentoring pair will agree, at the beginning of the Mentoring partnership, on the frequency of and format for the Mentoring meetings. You can spend as much time or as little time as you feel comfortable! The important thing is to set clear expectations with your match at the beginning.   Formal support will conclude at the end of the year, at which time you can sign up for another mentoring session.

During the one-year Mentoring partnership we ask that you fill out a mid-point evaluation and a final evaluation.  This helps WoWE chart the success of the program and continuously enhance the mentoring tools available to participants.
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13. Is there a cost to join?
No. There are currently no fees associated with signing up for this program. We ask only that you donate your time and energy!  However, Women of Wind Energy depends on the generosity of wind industry businesses, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and individual donors to help us build new opportunities for women’s career growth, leadership, and impact. If you would like to sponsor one of our programs or make a donation, please review our giving page for more information.
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14. Do I need to live in the same city as my mentor/mentee?
No, the mentoring program is designed to allow women from across the world interact with each other. However, when completing your registration form  you may indicate your preference that your mentor/mentee be located near you.  Also, as a mentee you can search by location for mentors.
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15. How long will I be in the program?
The formal mentoring relationship is designed to last 12 months. If desired by both parties, the mentoring relationship can continue after the formal mentoring timeframe is completed.
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16. Can I join this program as a way to find a job in the wind energy industry?
The purpose of this program is not an employment or job-posting venue. We are offering this program to those who are interesting in working in some sector of the wind energy industry. The Mentoring Action Plan that is developed by the Mentor and Mentee will cover many components, and job-hunting advice may be one.
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17. How will I be matched?
Once Mentors and Mentees sign up, the Mentees can view the Registration Forms of the Mentors on-line, and can reach out to potential Mentors with whom they feel they would be able to build a strong mentoring relationship. The final decision on a match is made between the Mentor and Mentee.

Both prospective Mentors and Mentees will complete a Registration Form that contains a resume and a personal statement expressing why he/she is interested in participating in the program.  Information collected from the Registration Form will assist in identifying and selecting a Mentoring match.

There are a variety of ways to match participants, ranging from formal matches by an outside committee or Mentoring team to a more informal “bring your own Mentor” philosophy.  The WoWE Mentoring Program has designed a matching process that gives both partners a voice in this vital process.  After the registration process has closed, Mentees will be sent instructions on how to go in and search for a Mentor.  They will Request a match through TMC at which point the Mentor will receive an email notifying them of the request.  The Mentor then has the chance to Accept or Decline the request.

Once the Mentee and Mentor have agreed to be matched, they will be encouraged to attend a training webinar and to complete the Mentoring Agreement and Mentoring Action Plan to help clarify expectations, define boundaries and set the goals for the partnership.
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18. How often do Mentors/Mentees get together?
The specific number of mentoring sessions, the time involved, and the communication method can vary from one mentoring relationship to another. This is one part of the Mentoring Agreement developed by the Mentor and Mentee. We recommend that mentors and mentees communicate at least once each month.
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19. How many mentoring relationship are you scheduling?
We are not setting a limit on the number of mentoring relationships. We will work to find an appropriate Mentor for all interested Mentees.
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20. Is training offered?
Yes!  After your registration is completed, training materials will be available to you online.  Once matching is completed, a mentoring training webinar will be provided to give Mentors and Mentees the tools needed to engage in a successful Mentoring relationship.
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