National Womxn of Color Collective is dedicated to supporting the unique needs faced by womxn of color in the legal profession. Our goal is to pair undergraduate students and law students with mentors who can help them develop the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the legal profession.
Goals
(1) Encouraging and empowering students from minority groups by providing guidance in connection with their professional, personal, and educational goals;
(2) Assisting students in defining and meeting their career goals, as well as developing relevant skills;
(3) Providing a support system for students; and
(4) Creating an opportunity for students to network.
Mentorship Program Structure
I. Mentee Onboarding
Prior to being paired with a mentor, mentees must:
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- Be a current NWOCC member;
- Complete the initial form to join our Mentorship Program; and
- Review the below Mentee Responsibilities.
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II. Mentor Onboarding
Prior to being paired with a mentee, mentors must:
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- Complete the initial form to join our Mentorship Program; and
- Review the below Mentor Responsibilities.
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III. Commitment
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- We ask that all participants in NWOCC’s Mentorship Program commit to being involved for at least one (1) year upon signing up for the mentorship program. Mentees and mentors will be expected to regularly communicate and meet at least six (6) times per year.
Mentor Responsibilities
NWOCC will support undergraduate and law students by providing them with a mentor who is currently a law student or practicing attorney with similar interests. All mentors will be provided with resources that can guide them in serving as a mentor. NWOCC’s Director of Alumni Relations & Mentorship will be responsible to ensure mentors have met all qualifications and are working effectively with their mentees.
I. Requirements
Mentors must:
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- Currently work, or must have previously worked, in the legal profession;
- Complete a mentorship program application;
- Commit to the mentorship program for a period of at least one (1) year;
- Initiate contact with their mentee within two (2) weeks of assignment; and
- Communicate with their mentee at least once every other month.
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II. Expectations
Mentors will be expected to:
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- Clearly communicate advice and guidance;
- Show empathy when listening to their mentee and providing advice;
- Listen and make reasonable efforts to cater to the needs of their mentees;
- Connect their mentee with others who may help them grow in areas the mentor may not be an expert in (as applicable); and
- Share stories, not just advice.
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In addition to the above, mentors and mentees will be expected to track completion of each activity using a provided Google Sheet. If mentors and mentees fail to meet three (3) consecutive months in a row without a reason, and if the mentor is at fault, the mentor will be removed as a mentor.
*Note that you do not have to be a member to be a mentor only.
Mentee Responsibilities
I. Requirements
Mentees must:
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- Be a current NWOCC member;
- Complete a mentorship program application;
- Commit to the mentorship program for a period of at least one (1) year;
- Initiate contact with their mentor within two (2) weeks of assignment; and
- Communicate with their mentor at least once every other month.
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II. Expectations
Mentees will be expected to:
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- Know their goals and communicate them clearly with their mentor;
- Come with thoughtful questions;
- Actively listen when meeting with their mentors, and take short notes of key things that are discussed or learned;
- Apply what they learn and follow-up with their mentors as applicable;
- Keep their mentors informed of their progress throughout the year; and
- Drive the relationship with their mentors. It is not the responsibility of the mentor to decide what each session is about.
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In addition to the above, mentors and mentees will be expected to track completion of each activity using a provided Google Sheet. If mentors and mentees fail to meet three (3) consecutive months in a row without a reason, and if the mentee is at fault, the mentee will be removed from the mentorship program.
*Note that NWOCC membership is required in order to be a mentee (or both a mentor and mentee).