Be A Mentor
Mentors are the backbone of the Growing Together Mentorship Program. They’re conservation professionals who guide, encourage, and inspire the next generation—sharing their expertise and passion for stewardship.
We welcome both seasoned mentors and Early Career Mentors (2–5 years) who offer fresh perspectives and firsthand onboarding experience. Together, mentors model leadership, build trust, and foster a culture of collaboration across North Carolina’s conservation community.
By joining, you’re not just advising—you’re helping co-create a stronger, more connected future for conservation. Whether it’s one-on-one mentoring, leading at events, or hosting training opportunities, your support develops skilled professionals and strengthens the mission we all share.
Mentor Requirements
Registration
Register annually and affirm the program’s Code of Ethics.
Professional Development
4 hours of professional development each year (2 hours for Early Career Mentors)
Commitments
1 core mentorship activity and 1 leadership activity per year; early career mentors may co-lead.
Evaluation
Provide evaluations and feedback after mentoring activities to guide program improvement and measure success.
Mentor Opportunities
Core Activity: 3-Month Mentorship Pairing
The foundation of the program is our three-month structured mentorship experience. Mentors and mentees will follow a guided program with resources, check-ins, and important topics designed to help both feel supported and successful as they grow in their roles.
Core Activity: Multi-Day Mentoring Events
Provide ongoing guidance during multi-day training events or workshops, supporting mentees as they learn and apply new skills.
Examples include:
- Fundamentals of Conservation Planning
- Surge Week
- Resource Conservation Workshop (Counselor or Mentor)
Core Activity: Host and Lead a Training
Lead a focused, one-day training while mentoring participants, giving them both technical instruction and professional support.
Leadership Activity: New Employee Onboarding Pilot Program- Phase 4
We’ve built mentorship into the New Employee Pilot Program – Phase 4. This includes a two-day opportunity where the new employee shadows their mentor on day one, and on day two, the mentor shadows the new employee—reviewing their work while offering supportive and encouraging feedback.
Leadership Activity: Present at a Professional Conference or Mentoring Panel
Share knowledge, experiences, or program outcomes at state, regional, or national conferences, helping to showcase conservation work while modeling leadership and professional growth for peers.
Leadership Activity: Facilitate a Peer Learning Group
Facilitate or co-facilitate a peer learning group, creating space for staff to share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and learn together.
Leadership Activity: Outreach to College Students
Engage with college students through presentations, workshops, or mentoring opportunities, inspiring the next generation of conservation professionals.
Leadership Activity: Serve on Mentorship Oversight Committee
Serve on the committee that helps guide, improve, and sustain the mentorship program, ensuring its long-term success.
Mentor Professional Development
Leadership is an evolving skill set. To ensure mentors continue growing in their role, the program requires all mentors to complete 4 self-reported professional development (PD) credits for the full mentor track and 2 self-reported PD credits for those in the early career track, annually.
Leadership Workshops
Take part in specialized leadership workshops that focus on communication, team building, and professional growth, helping mentors enhance their ability to lead and inspire.
Earn credit by attending the Advanced Supervisor Training, designed to expand leadership skills and provide tools for guiding staff effectively.
Growing Together Webinar Series (Coming Soon)
Mentoring Check-ins before Multi-day Events
Participate in mentor check-in sessions prior to multi-day events to prepare, share expectations, and strengthen your effectiveness as a mentor.
Pre-approved Books
Dare to Lead or Strong Ground by Brené Brown
Focus: Courageous leadership, vulnerability, and trust-building
Use: Mentor orientation, book club, leadership circles
The Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman
Focus: Understanding and repairing trust
Use: Communication training, reflection sessions, conflict resolution
Meeting Makeover by Priya Parker
Focus: Designing effective, productive meetings
Use: Mentee development, project management, mentor/mentee planning
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Focus: Service-oriented leadership and creating safety within teams
Use: Mentor development, leadership coaching, partner collaboration
Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler
Focus: Navigating high-stakes communication and feedback
Use: Midpoint mentoring check-ins, interpersonal communication skills
Pre-approved Podcasts
Dare to Lead Podcast (Brené Brown)
Real conversations with leaders on courage, empathy, and belonging.
Coaching for Leaders (Dave Stachowiak)
Practical insights for mentors, supervisors, and mentees developing leadership capacity.
The Look & Sound of Leadership (Tom Henschel)
Short and focused tips for strengthening executive presence and clarity in communication.
Unlocking Us (Brené Brown)
Thoughtful discussions on humanity, emotion, and building authentic connections.
WorkLife (Adam Grant)
Engaging look into what makes work meaningful, with episodes on feedback, trust, and collaboration.