After completing YNPN (Young Nonprofit Professionals Network) Cleveland's Mentor Program in 2011, Ashley Basile, Manager of Finance and Administration at the Fund for Our Economic Future, joined the Mentor Program sub-committee to help plan and recruit participants for the Mentor Program Class of 2012. Read Ashley's words below, post your own experiences with mentoring, and consider applying today.
As a young professional in Cleveland, I often find myself wondering what tools and resources I need to advance professionally. I work for a small nonprofit and am always looking for new ways to professionally grow, but sometimes I don’t always hear about those opportunities. These opportunities can come in many ways…speaker series, education events, development programs and networking. When I heard about YNPN Cleveland’s inaugural Mentor Program, I thought it might be a good way to gain insight. And boy, it did not disappoint. I was paired with a wonderful mentor who met with me frequently and discussed many topics with me including professional development, performance reviews, volunteerism and best practices. I learned so much through the experience and truly feel that I have formed a bond with my mentor that will last a lifetime. I hope she feels the same. My story is only one of several from mentees who had the privilege of being matched through YNPN Cleveland’s Mentor Program. --Ashley Basile
YNPN Cleveland has recently announced the return of the Mentor Program and is currently accepting applications from potential mentors looking to guide ambitious and dedicated young professionals like Ashley. If this sounds like a great fit for you or someone you may know with 10 years of experience or more in the nonprofit sector, YNPN Cleveland would love to have you. This is a chance for you to do your part in preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders; help us ensure that every eager young professional is matched with a mentor who can help them meet their professional and personal goals.
To explain a little further, the program is pretty straightforward: mentors are matched with mentees who work in the nonprofit sector and have similar interests and job duties. The program lasts for six months, in which we hope the pairs will meet at least four times. From there the rest is up to the pair…you can choose how often to meet, where to meet, what to discuss and so on. We hope that the program provides an enriching experience for both the mentee and mentor. And of course, YNPN committee members are here along the way to provide opportunities for shared learning and in case you have any questions or concerns.
If you are interested in learning more about the program and serving as a mentor, stop by an Open House information session on Wednesday, May 9 between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm at the Junior League House, 10819 Magnolia Drive in Cleveland’s University Circle. Attendance is not a prerequisite for applying to the program, however it enables prospective mentors to get to know past participants, YNPN members, and each other.
Additional information and the application are available at our website. Fill out the application by hand or on the computer before returning it via email to by midnight of Monday, May 14, 2012. Questions can also be forwarded to ynpncleveland@gmail.com or any member of YNPN Cleveland’s committees.
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