Objectives
The Team In Training mentor program supports the Society's mission by enhancing each participant's TNT experience and ensuring his/her fundraising and training success.
Mentors play three key roles:
v Support TNT participants throughout the program, specifically with regard to the fundraising component
v Assist TNT staff through consistent and quality communication and updates
v Support TNT coaches by attending at least 75% of all Group Training Sessions and assisting as necessary
The essence of a mentor's commitment is proactive communication and time dedication.
A successful mentor:
v A supportive, enthusiastic and visible presence for his or her mentees (and the entire team) throughout the season
v Fully understands and supports the policies and procedures of the TNT program
v Offers creative solutions and opportunities
v Actively seeks to enhance each mentee's TNT experience
v Is flexible and available to help participants, coaches and staff with his or her time and energy
In return for their tremendous support of TNT, mentors receive:
v Professional Coaching & Event Training - Mentors have the opportunity to pursue a comprehensive and professional training regimen developed and implemented by experienced coaches and staff members.
v Financial Incentives - Mentors are offered a 25% discount off of the Fundraising Minimum OR the option to train and travel with the team and cover his or her own event weekend expenses. Please note that non-fundraising mentors must raise a minimum of $500.
v Continued Volunteer Experience - Mentoring is a rewarding way to stay involved with TNT and continue to support the Society's mission by dramatically impacting new participants' experiences with the organization.
TO APPLY FOR A MENTOR POSITION, YOU MUST....
v Be a current participant or TNT alumni
v Be confident that you can successfully fulfill all mentor responsibilities!
v Attend a Mentor Information Meeting - This mandatory meeting reviews all
facets of the TNT mentor commitment, including requirements and important
dates. Attending an Information Meeting is the first step of the mentor
application process and is necessary to prepare for the upcoming season.
v Submit a Mentor Application - TNT's mentor program is an application
process and spots are limited. Due to its popularity, in combination with the
need to select those best suited for the role, we cannot guarantee mentor spots
or assignments.
MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES____________________________
v Volunteer at TNT Information Meeting(s): All mentors must assist with TNT recruitment by volunteering to help at two Information Meeting(s). Alumni assist by managing the sign-in and registration processes, answering questions, and sharing their experience with prospective TNT participants.
v Attend a mentor Orientation:
One mentors are chosen, the mandatory Mentor Orientation is an important opportunity to review critical components of the mentor program and discuss strategies and tactics for successful mentoring.
v Volunteer at a Phone Banking Session or the Fundraising Clinic:
All mentors assist with TNT recruitment by making phone calls to prospective participants the week of Kick Off and the week following Kick Off.
Mentors support TNT staff at the Fundraising Clinic by sharing their experiences with the group and helping new participants develop a creative and effective fundraising strategy.
v Attend the Season Kick Off:
All mentors must attend the season Kick Off to assist staff and coaches, meet their mentees and welcome all new participants.
v Host Initial Group Gathering & Contact All Mentees Regularly
The social gathering at the start to the season focus on the fundraising letter, as well as promoting camraderie. This will help participants build strong relationships with their teammates & enhance their TNT experience.
Mentors maintain weekly contact with each mentee (through GTS, social events, phone calls, email, etc.) to ensure a successful fundraising and training experience. Mentors must be able to commit to this schedule of regular communication with their participants.
v Report to Mentor Captain on a Bi-Monthly Basis
Mentors serve as an important liaison among the participants, Mentor Captain, and TNT staff. Mentors submit
bi-monthly reports to the Mentor Captain, outlining each participant's fundraising and training progress.
v Attend at least 75% of Group Training Sessions
Mentors must attend at least 75% of all Group Training Sessions and stay until all participants finish. This ensures that mentors build strong and knowledgeable relationships with their mentees, teammates, and coaches. Although a mentor is training for his or her own personal event, each mentor's top priority at GTS is to assist coaches and support their teammates. Mentors will be asked to fulfill designated responsibilities such as leading pace groups, taking attendance, watching bags, sweeping, buddying with participants, etc.
v Review Mentees' Fundraising Letters & Online Fundraising Websites
A strong fundraising letter is integral to a successful fundraising campaign - a completed letter indicates that a participant has begun fundraising and is more likely to complete the program successfully! All mentors must actively support their mentees' letter writing efforts by providing direction, feedback, and encouragement.
v Attend Monthly Team Socials: Event Specific
The social captain is responsible for planning atleast one team social per month (ie. Picnic in the park, ice skating, happy hour, etc.). Mentors must attend the majority of team socials in order to build team spirit and camaraderie.
v Attend Team Send Off & Post Team Reunion
Mentors must attend the Team Send Off, at which staff, coaches, mentors and participants review important event weekend logistics and get excited for their marathon, half marathon, century ride or triathlon!
The Team Reunion is a great way to catch up, share stories and celebrate a successful season!
Please contact Helena at helena.silber@lls.org to receive more information.
