ASPB Mentorship Program
The ASPB understands that building personal and professional capacity is the best way to continue taking a strong profession into the future. As the careers of biologists mature, there is a tendency to transition from active fieldwork to administrative roles that require the development of advanced skills including project management, effective communication, staff supervision, cultural diversity and leadership. Providing opportunities for professional development is one way that the ASPB supports its members to continue life-long learning and skill development.
The ASPB Mentorship Program is one way to formally transfer knowledge, expertise and skills between colleagues. The Program has been structured to match Protege (a.k.a. Mentees) with Mentors so that they may both continue to learn and produce work of high standards. Protege can develop their interpersonal and professional skills, gain increased understanding about the expectations and standards within their specialty and identify their strengths and weaknesses under the guidance of another professional biologist. Mentors have the opportunity to strengthen management, communication and leadership skills, create new support networks with other professionals and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development by contributing to a worthy cause.
Any active ASPB member can participate in the Mentorship Program as a Mentor, a Protege or both depending on his/her needs. This includes any student, biologist-in-training or regular member who thinks that they can benefit from the experiences of their colleagues regardless of experience level or age.
Before You Sign Up for the Mentorship Program
Although mentorship can benefit both Mentors and Protege, relationships are more successful if there are identifiable benefits for each participant. The ASPB Mentorship Program is designed to be flexible so that Mentors and Protege can develop the type of relationship that meets their specific needs.
Before joining the ASPB Mentorship Program, members should identify their professional development needs, goals and expectations. Potential Protege should think about what level of support they might need in order to accomplish their specific learning objectives. For example, do you just need some guidance and advice on your career path or are you looking for hands on training?
Mentors may assume many roles, including that of confidante, observer, facilitator, network contact, teacher or advocate. Potential Mentors should consider how the Program might meet their personal learning objectives, as well as the activities they are able and willing to support. Both groups should consider their availability and the amount of time they are able and willing to dedicate to the program.
Once you are clear about your own goals and expectations, we are happy to invite you to join the Mentorship program.
If you have questions, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator.
Mentorship Program Process
To participate in the Mentorship Program, you must be an active ASPB member with an active website account (see the Members Area to register). Any member can register in the Mentorship Program as a Mentor, a Protege or both depending on his/her needs.
Registering
- Log on as an ASPB Member
- Under the Mentorship Program sidebar, click on Apply as Mentor or Apply as Protege
- Update your information and provide a brief description of what you would like to achieve in the program. Please complete this information as thoroughly as possible.
- When the form is complete, click on the Submit button to forward your Registration Form to the Mentorship Program Coordinator.
The Mentorship Program Coordinator will approve your registration and send you a welcome e-mail. Once you receive your welcome e-mail, you will have access to the pool lists of available Mentors and Protege. Review the pool of available Mentors/Protege to select a partner.
Selecting a Partner
You must register in the Mentorship Program to view the Mentor and Protege pool lists. Visit the Mentor pool list if you are a Protege, or the Protege pool list if you are a Mentor, to review profiles and select a potential partner.
If successful in locating a potential Mentor/Protege from the pool list, submit your request to the Mentoring Coordinator using the Apply for Pairing button. The Mentorship Program Coordinator will review your request and provide you with your potential partner’s contact information so that you can contact them directly to discuss the potential mentorship opportunity.
Negotiating the Partnership
Although mentorship programs usually focus on the needs of the Protege, mentoring relationships are more successful if there are identifiable benefits for both participants. Before contacting your potential partner, be sure that you are clear on your own expectations of the program and what role(s) you expect the Mentor/Protege to undertake. Clearly communicate your goals and needs to ensure you both agree on what the partnership will look like. Remember that the goals and objectives identified within the Contract must be within the Mentor’s expertise, capabilities and interests. You may also want to think about your individual work styles, personalities and schedules to determine if you can see yourself working with this person for a year. Resolving these questions before entering into a Mentoring Contract will help to avoid disappointments down the road. Both individuals must confirm their participation and agree to a one-year mentoring contract before the partnership can be finalized.
Entering into the Mentoring Contract
If you have found a successful match, inform the Mentoring Coordinator who will provide you with the Mentoring Contract. This document outlines the goals, objectives and action items to be addressed during the partnership and will provide a benchmark to evaluate your development within the Program.
It is recommended that the Protege complete the Contract with input and advice from the Mentor. Please remember that the goals and objectives identified within the Contract must be within the Mentor’s expertise, capabilities and interests. Once the Mentoring Contract has been completed and signed by both individuals, it should be submitted to the Mentorship Program Coordinator. Each individual should also keep a copy to refer back to from time to time to help remain on track.
The mentorship process is not considered formal until the Mentoring Contract is received and approved. Once approved, you and your partner will be removed from the pool lists.
If you do not find a match on the ASPB website, you may have to look to other avenues to find a mentor. Some examples include professional colleagues, office mates, individuals from the general ASPB membership, etc. The Mentorship Program Coordinator can assist you in contacting these individuals to see if they are interested in participating in the Mentorship Program. For more information, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator.
Evaluation Forms
Evaluation forms are designed to help individuals assess their own growth and ensure they are meeting the requirements of the original contract they are not intended to evaluate your partner’s performance.
At the 6-month mark, the Mentorship Program Coordinator will send both participants a brief evaluation form. Although the 6-month evaluation form is optional for Mentors, Protege are required to complete and submit this form to the Mentorship Program Coordinator. Completing the form ensures the partnership is on track and helps to identify any questions/concerns that may have arisen during the first half of the mentorship relationship.
At the 12-month mark, the Mentorship Program Coordinator will provide both the Mentor and the Protege with evaluation forms about the mentoring process and the Mentorship Program itself. Both Mentors and Protege must complete and submit these forms. Once these completed forms are submitted, the contract is deemed complete and participants can choose to resubmit their names into the Mentor or Protege pools.
If you have questions, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator.
Purpose, Goal, Objectives and Definitions of the Mentorship Program
Purpose
The Mentorship Program has been designed and structured to ensure that lifelong learning is available to every ASPB member regardless of current career stage. The main intention of the program is to match people with others who can provide them with information, ongoing advice and/or training, to allow members to continue to produce work of high standards. The Mentorship Program works on the premise that, We are each other’s best stepping stones through which to pass on the learned experiences of those who have walked before us so that we can continue taking a strong profession into the future.
Goal
To increase professional and personal capacity within the ASPB Membership to promote the Profession’s objectives.
Objectives
- To increase awareness of and garner support for the Mentorship Program as a viable strategy towards building capacity within the Profession,
- To build recognition for the skill strengths, expertise and knowledge base that exists within the ASPB Membership,
- To use this recognition to promote mentoring interactions among members; and
- To increase and strengthen social interactions among members.
Definitions
A Mentor is defined as the person in the Mentor/Protege relationship who is willing to share knowledge, skills, and expertise with his/her Protege.
A Protege or Mentee is defined as the person in relationship who is willing to receive the knowledge, skills and expertise of the Mentor.
Mentoring is defined as the formal passing on or transfer of knowledge, skills and expertise through appropriate goals, objectives and activities from Mentor to Protege. Any member can register in the Mentorship Program as a Mentor, a Protege or both depending on his/her needs.
If you have questions, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) aims to increase professional and personal capacity of its members through promoting biological research, life long learning and professional competence. In an effort to facilitate ongoing professional development of our members, we have added the following list of volunteer opportunities. This new section of our website features Alberta based, non-profit biology/conservation groups who offer opportunities for individuals to develop their field skills.
Please note that the ASPB does not necessarily endorse these groups, we are simply providing this information as a starting point for you to investigate volunteerism further. Members are encouraged to contact these groups directly for more information.
If you know of a non-profit, volunteer based group that is consistent with the ASPB principles of promoting biological research, life long learning and professional competence, please email the Mentorship Program Coordinator.
Alberta Conservation Association
Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) conserves, protects and enhances wildlife, fish and habitat for all Albertans to enjoy, value and use. They occasionally require the services of volunteers to assist with one-day projects and program delivery. Phone (780) 410-1999, toll-free at 1-877-969-9091 or by e-mail at info@ab-conservation.com
Alberta Fish and Game Association
The Alberta Fish and Game Association promotes, through education and programs, the conservation and utilization of fish and wildlife, and protects and enhances the habitat they depend upon. This organization advocates the common interests of ethical hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to the responsible stewardship of Alberta’s environment. Phone (780) 437-2342 or email office@afga.org
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Canada
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Canada (RMEFC) works to identify and conserve critical
habitats, restore or reintroduce populations of elk and other large mammals, as well as related wild species to their native ranges. RMEFC works on a peer-to peer basis to educate people in rural and urban settings about their role in conserving wildlife habitat. Phone (403) 845-6492, Toll Free 1-800-563-7633 or email rmefc@rttinc.com
The Southern Alberta Land Trust Society
The Southern Alberta Land Trust Society is a locally-based, rancher-driven organization dedicated to preserving the ecological, productive, scenic and cultural values of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, prairie and foothill regions. We educate, promote and coordinate to foster the development and use of management tools to help ranchers improve their understanding and stewardship of the native grassland and the watershed. Ph: 403-646-2600, Toll-free: 1-877-999-SALT (7258), Ph: Exec. Dir. Direct (403) 282-7011 email info@salts-landtrust.org
Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation
The Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation (BCBC) is the only educational and research facility in the world strategically located to study boreal birds on their breeding grounds. It also provides research space and computer work stations for staff, volunteers, and visiting researchers and educators. Volunteers play key roles in the banding lab and as Greeter Hosts at the front desk. Phone: (780) 849-8240 toll free: Within Alberta dial 310-0000; wait for the prompt and enter our number including area code or email info@borealbirdcentre.ca
The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) has been operating a wildlife hospital since 1993. We collaboratively pursue conservation of native species in Alberta, and their habitat by providing rehabilitation programs for injured or orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them into their original habitat. We research and promote current wildlife issues and educate the public to encourage greater wildlife and habitat stewardship. There are a number of volunteer positions and internships available. For more information, Phone (403) 946-2361 or email info@aiwc.ca
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
The Canadian Wildlife Rehabilitation Society is dedicated to treating injured and orphaned wildlife, providing valuable outreach and education services to the community, and engaging all volunteers in motivational work and skill building experience. Phone (403) 266-2282 or email calgaryw@telus.net
The Cochrane Ecological Institute
The Cochrane Ecological Institute- Cochrane Wildlife Reserve Society is devoted to the conservation and breeding of endangered indigenous species, environmental impact evaluation and ecosystem restoration through the reintroduction of extirpated flora and fauna. We also rescue, rehabilitate and release of injured and orphaned wildlife, conduct public education and field research, and the monitor habitat and species through the development of non intrusive survey methods. Phone (403) 932 5632 or email cei@nucleus.com
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Calgary/Banff
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Calgary/Banff envisages a healthy ecosphere where people experience and respect natural ecosystems. We protect and preserve Canada’s wild ecosystems and their species; promote awareness and understanding of ecological principles and the inherent values of wilderness through education, appreciation and experience; and work co-operatively with government, First Nations, business, other organizations and individuals in a consensus-seeking manner. Phone (403) 232-6686 or email info@cpawscalgary.org
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta is a citizens’ voice for maintaining wilderness and biodiversity in Alberta through collaboration, research and community outreach. CPAWS Northern Alberta has opportunities for volunteers with a wide variety of skills ranging from one time/event-based, or short term/project-based, opportunities to weekly ongoing positions. Phone (780) 432.0967 or email infonab@cpaws.org
Medicine River Wildlife Centre
www.medicineriverwildlifecentre.ca
The Medicine River Wildlife Centre is a wildlife hospital and environmental education centre dedicated to assisting injured and orphaned wild animals to return back to their natural environment. Volunteers help out in a variety of areas at the Wildlife Centre. There are a number of volunteer positions available and each Volunteer may select the area where they feel the can contribute the most. Phone (403) 728-3467 or email shannon.foster@mrwc.ca
Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton’s is this city’s only urban wildlife shelter. We provide compassionate care for injured and orphaned wildlife and educate the public on the importance of wildlife in their community. There are a number of volunteer positions available for people with a variety of personal and professional backgrounds. Phone (780) 914-4118 or email volunteer@wildlife-edm.ca
Ducks Unlimited Canada
There are many volunteer opportunities available at Ducks Unlimited Canada such as Event organization and administration, event promotion, entertainment coordination, audio/visual support, event program design and layout, database management, auction and raffle management and ticket sales. Toll-free Phone 1-800-665-DUCK (3825) or email webfoot@ducks.ca
Alberta Native Plant Council
The Alberta Native Plant Council strives to promote knowledge of Alberta’s native plants, conserve Alberta’s native plant species and their habitats and preserve plant species and habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Email: info@anpc.ab.ca or snail mail Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau Postal Outlet, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2T5
Book Recommendations
Chandler, Steve and Duane Black. 2007. The Hands-Off Manager: How to Mentor People and Allow Them Be Successful. Franklin Lakes, NJ. Career Press. 223 pp.
Summary from Book Jacket
In The Hands-Off Manager, Chandler and Black offer a new vision for all managers. With stories, examples, and vibrant activities for the reader to practice, this book shows any manager-new or seasoned-how to coach and mentor employees rather than hover over their shoulders and goad them into action. In this system, each employee’s strengths are honored and honed in a climate of partnership and mutual goal-setting. Chandler, whose 100 Ways to Motivate Others is a best-selling favorite with small and large businesses alike, has called The Hands-Off Manager my most original work to date because it finally solves the age-old problem of getting the best performance out of people without frustrating yourself and them. The Hands-Off Manager and its breakthrough content will take its place beside In Search of Excellence, The One Minute Manager, and Who Moved My Cheese? as an instant classic that will forever change the way we lead and manage.
Lawson, Ken. 2007. Successful Coaching and Mentoring. Hauppage, NY. Barrons Educational Series Inc. 240 pp.
This title provides managers with ideas on how to be a good teacher, using diplomacy and encouragement to correct mistakes. Differentiates coaching and mentoring. Gives ideas on how to teach others, foster group harmony, and maximize productivity.
Available at Calgary Public Library, Edmonton Public Library or search Alberta Libraries Online
Ensher, E. and S. Murphy. 2005. Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most Out of Their Relationships. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. 355 pp.
Summary from Book Jacket:
Many of the world’s most notable people, including Bill Gates and Bill Clinton, have credited mentoring as a major factor in their success. Despite the obvious benefits of mentoring, the traditional models have failed to keep up with trends in today’s business world. Mentoring programs based on career longevity with one organization no longer reflect what’s really happening.
Written to reflect the realities of today’s business environment, Power Mentoring is a nuts-and-bolts guide for anyone who wants to create a connection with a protege or mentor, or to improve a current mentoring relationship. Filled with illustrative examples and candid insights from fifty of America’s most successful mentors and protege, Power Mentoring unlocks the secrets of great mentoring relationships and shows how anyone (including those who are well established in their careers, or those who are just starting out) can become a successful mentor or protege. Based on compelling interviews from Ellen Ensher and Susan Murphy’s own research, this important resource explains what it takes to develop a power mentoring network consisting of a variety of mentors across a range of organizations and industries. The authors provide strategies for establishing such power mentoring relationships, outline the best practices, and offer insights from mentors and protege in a variety of fields, including technology, politics, and the media.
Included is advice from notables such as
- Bob Wright, vice chairman and executive officer of General Electric and chairman and chief executive officer of NBC Universal,
- General Lee Butler, former commander of U.S. nuclear forces,
- Rosario Marin, 41st treasurer of the United States,
- Leeza Gibbons, executive producer and Emmy Award-winning television personality,
- Larry Carter, senior vice president, office of the president, and former chief financial officer, Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Power Mentoring includes practical suggestions and advice for applying the lessons learned from successful mentoring relationships and shows how to create an individualized Relationship Development Plan.
Available at Calgary Public Library or search Alberta Libraries Online
Albom, Mitch. 1997. Tuesdays with Morrie. New York, NY: Broadway Books. 192 pp.
Mitch Albom, a sports columnist, became busy with career and family and lost track of his favourite mentor, Morrie Schwartz, a professor he had had in college over twenty years ago. While Mitch was a young college student, Morrie helped him to see the world as a more profound place, giving sound advice on making his way through it. Then Morrie became sick with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and Mitch reconnected with him in the last months of the older man’s life. Mitch and Morrie began visiting every Tuesday just as they used to do back in their college days together. These visits turned into a final class on how to live. They covered the following topics: the world, feeling sorry for yourself, regrets, death, family, emotions, fear of aging, money, how love goes on, marriage, culture, forgiveness, the perfect day and saying goodbye. This book is a magical chronicle of the story of a mentor and a mentee and the life lessons learned.
Available at Calgary Public Library, Edmonton Public Library or search Alberta Libraries Online
Mentor Resources
Mentoring is a great way to give back while sharing your experience and wisdom. To volunteer as a Mentor with the ASPB Mentorship Program requires time, effort and patience, but it also offers the opportunity to strengthen management, communication and leadership skills, create new support networks with other professionals and pass on your knowledge and skills. Mentoring can also help to increase self-confidence, create opportunities for personal and professional development, identify personal abilities and limitations, create new support networks with other professionals and is an opportunity to contribute to something that is larger than oneself.
Mentors may fulfill many roles when participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program. Mentors may act as teacher, advisor, motivator, coach, role model or referral agent. Requirements may range from providing periodic guidance or career advice, to offering hands on training opportunities for their Protege. These roles and requirements will vary, depending on the specific needs of the Protege and each individual partnership. The ASPB program is designed to be flexible to accommodate the individual needs of each partnership.
Mentors should value the development of others, be willing to commit time and energy to the relationship, and be willing to share the knowledge and experience gained during their career. The ideal mentor is supportive, open-minded, respectful and knowledgeable. They enjoy helping others, support the aspirations of the Protege, encourage them to accept challenges and inspire them to grow. They understand that Protege are responsible for their own learning and provide constructive, encouraging feedback to help the Protege meet their learning goals and objectives.
Mentor Responsibilities
Before agreeing to participate in the ASPB Mentorship Program, Mentors should be aware of the following responsibilities:
- Participate in the 12 month mentoring relationship, as outlined in the Mentoring Contract
- Act as a resource person for the Protege
- Support, encourage, understand and contribute to the Protege’s ability to meet their goals and objectives
- Use varied and/or creative teaching strategies to support the Protege’s learning
- Ensure a safe, open-minded environment for the Protege to risk new thoughts, ideas, and behaviours.
- Monitor and make modifications to the mentoring relationship to improve their learning opportunities, if necessary
- Provide timely, constructive and meaningful feedback to help the Protege reflect on his/her own learning.
- Uphold confidentiality within the mentoring relationship.
- Conduct themselves according to the ASPB Code of Ethics at all times.
Tips to Help You be a Better Mentor
We all have skills and knowledge that others can benefit from. If you are ready to help others by volunteering with the ASPB Mentorship Program, here are some things you may want to incorporate into your partnership to help make the most of your Mentor experience:
- Be open and honest with your Protege
- Demonstrate to your Protege that you are consistent, dependable and trustworthy
- Give your Protege your undivided attention when you meet with them
- Provide tasks or actions for the Protege to complete between meetings
- Provide examples of your work for the Protege
- Suggest resources, books, websites or networks that might benefit your Protege
- Introduce your Protege to others in your network or business and promote your Protege to others when appropriate
- Agree what is acceptable to discuss and what is not
- Maintain confidentiality
- Establish contact guidelines for the Protege
- Be an advisor, not a preacher
- Maintain a cheerful and positive attitude with your Protege
- Never violate the ASPB organizational code of conduct
Once you are ready to volunteer as a Mentor, please go to the Mentorship Program Process web page to register for the program. If you have questions, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator at mentorship@aspb.ab.ca.
Protege Resources
Participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program is a great way to acquire new skills and knowledge, gain experience and access new learning opportunities. A Mentor can provide career advice, help develop interpersonal and professional skills and provide an understanding of the expectations and standards within the profession. By participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program, Protege will have the opportunity to make mistakes in a safe learning environment and develop self-confidence and professional competence. Protege will also have the chance to conduct self-assessments to become more insightful about their personal strengths, weaknesses and working styles.
Remember that mentorship is a partnership that must meet the needs of both participants to be successful. Every Mentor is an individual who has offered to volunteer their personal time to help Protege develop themselves. The amount of time and the type of activities that each Mentor is able and willing to contribute will vary from person to person. Before contacting a potential Mentor, be sure that you are clear on your own expectations of the program and what role(s) you expect them to undertake so that you can both come to an agreement on how your particular partnership will look.
Although the Mentorship Program provides a mechanism to support the career development of Protege, individuals are ultimately responsible for their own learning. If you are looking for additional avenues to develop your skills and experience, you may want to consider volunteerism. The ASPB maintains a list of potential volunteer opportunities with various non-profit groups that support the ASPB principles of life long learning and scientific research. For more information, check out the Volunteer Opportunities section of the ASPB website.
Protege Responsibilities
In a mentoring relationship, tasks may be assigned to the Protege to facilitate or reinforce understanding of new knowledge/skills. It is important that the Protege be responsible for the completion of these tasks to the best of his/her ability. Before agreeing to participate in the ASPB Mentorship Program, Protege should be aware of the following responsibilities:
- Participate in the 12 month mentoring relationship, as outlined in the Mentoring Contract
- Adhere to the goals and objectives of the Contract
- Accept feedback willingly and graciously
- Work cooperatively with the Mentor and communicate in ways that promote the learning process
- Complete tasks or actions suggested or assigned by the Mentor
- Be punctual and respectful when meeting with the Mentor
- Understand and respect the confidentiality agreement that is set within the mentoring relationship.
- Conduct themselves according to the ASPB Code of Ethics at all times
Tips to Help You be a Better Protege
We can all benefit from the skills and knowledge of others. If you are ready to commit to your own professional and personal development by participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Take responsibility for your own learning
- Have a general understanding of your personal strengths and weaknesses and your professional development needs
- Be willing to initiate within the relationship
- Maintain a positive, goal-oriented attitude
- Be willing to ask for help and open to accepting feedback
- Be flexible and open to new ideas
- Recognize and respect your Mentor’s experience and knowledge
- Be open and honest with your Mentor
- Demonstrate to your Mentor that you are consistent, dependable and trustworthy
- Work around your Mentor’s schedule and suggest meeting locations that suit both of you
- Set an agenda and give your Mentor your undivided attention when you meet
- Let your Mentor take the lead whenever appropriate
- Document your Mentor’s advice and comments
- Avoid contacting your Mentor outside of agreed upon times
- Never violate the ASPB organizational code of conduct
If you have questions, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator.