Register to be a protégé by visiting: https://intervivosfall2020.eventbrite.ca/
Why is interVivos organizing a mentorship program focused exclusively on BIPOC mentors?
The interVivos board is thrilled to highlight many amazing Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) volunteer mentors in the Edmonton community. We recognize the importance of diversity and support one another in creating a sense of belonging for all. interVivos is fiercely non-partisan, but diversity has always been one of our values.
BIPOC citizens are generally underrepresented in leadership positions, leaving a gap in diversity and workforce perspectives. If fewer people mentor BIPOC people, fewer BIPOC people will rise to leadership positions. The program is an opportunity for BIPOC mentors with varied careers, backgrounds, and perspectives to empower the next generation of BIPOC leaders.
Who can register to be a protégé in this program?
Protégés from all backgrounds are welcome to register. We have always encouraged our protégés to pick a mentor who looks different from them and/or has a different professional background from them.
Do I have to live in Edmonton to participate in the program?
Yes. interVivos is an Edmonton-based nonprofit, and our mentorship programs are focused on supporting our community. Although the program will launch virtually due to COVID-19, we are hopeful that it will be safe for mentors and protégés to meet in person in early 2021 for their match meetings.
What kind of support does interVivos provide to protégés?
interVivos is creating a safe space for all participants to share their experiences. We use an open-door policy to build trust and a supportive environment. The interVivos board has completed diversity and inclusion training to ensure the program is impactful and serves all participants well. We have several tools and resources available for protégés to prepare for the launch and throughout the program.
What will the BIPOC mentors get out of the program?
Our mentors are volunteers who are looking to give back to their community. Mentors will share their ideas and experiences as a BIPOC leader in Edmonton to assist you in your career journey.
What will protégés work on during the program?
We understand that some of the protégés in this program may wish to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities associated with being a BIPOC professional in Edmonton. We welcome this, but our mentorship programs offer protégés so much more.
Protégés leave our mentorship programs with enhanced confidence and leadership skills. Others work towards concrete goals that they have set out for themselves, such as creating a business plan or a website. To find out about the experiences of past protégés in other programs, check out our blog posts featuring Stephen and his mentor Nafisa and Giselle and her mentor Ken.
Will I find a job at the end of the program?
Our mentorship programs are not a platform to ask mentors for a job. This upcoming program is no different. Protégés should pursue this mentorship program if they are looking to elevate their career, change career paths, develop a specific goal, or solve a personal or professional challenge (for example, imposter syndrome). A mentor’s role is to listen, guide, provide constructive feedback, and help you achieve actionable outcomes within the program’s six-month duration.
Why is there a cost to the mentorship program?
We are a volunteer-run nonprofit. Protégés pay a small fee to keep our operating expenses low and our programs affordable for all Edmontonians. For each program, interVivos uses a portion of revenue to offer no-cost protégé spots to diverse community organizations.
Typically, interVivos charges our protégés $80 to participate in a mentorship program. We are hardly in a typical time, and the virtual mentorship program’s price reflects the economic reality. interVivos is proud to provide protégé spots on a sliding scale of either $50, $60, or $70 to allow you to pay what you can for a protégé spot.
How does a virtual mentorship launch work?
We had our first virtual mentorship launch this past summer on Zoom. Mentors and protégés could connect by utilizing the “breakout rooms” feature in Zoom for the speed rotations and networking.
How does interVivos recruit the protégés?
interVivos protégé spots sell out quickly and the program often has a waiting list.
All interVivos protégés self-select to be a part of the program. Many hear about the program through social media, our mailing list, our board members, and past mentors and protégés. Some are even repeating protégés who want to work on different goals with another mentor.
How does the organization select the mentors?
Our volunteer mentors are referred to us by former mentors, former protégés, board members, the interVivos Advisors, sponsors, and volunteers. We select mentors for each program to ensure that we have mentors representing diverse professional backgrounds, genders, ages, and racial backgrounds.
Some mentors have reached out to interVivos directly and asked if they can participate. We do some informal screening to ensure that protégés get the best mentors available in the community.
We are also excited to have some former protégés become mentors over the years. And some mentors ask to mentor again! If you know of any potential mentors for future programs, please email mentorship@intervivos.ca at any time.
Will mentors and protégés be able to meet in person during the 6-month program?
interVivos advises that all mentors and protégés follow Alberta Health Service guidelines and City of Edmonton bylaws (check their websites often for the most up to date information). During the program, matches must meet at least three times. This may be done virtually or in-person with Covid-19 protocols in place (physical distancing, mask use, etc.).
Register to be a protégé by visiting: https://intervivosfall2020.eventbrite.ca/