Welcome to the TAMIO One-on-One mentorship program.
Throughout its 47-year history, TAMIO’s goal has been to not only advance and promote the public communicator field but to provide municipal communicators with resources for professional development and networking. Much of that effort has focused on the annual conference, but in recent years that networking has extended to dedicated regional meetings, webinars, support of the Certified Public Communicator program, and the TAMIO member Facebook group.
Yet even with these resources at their fingertips, TAMIO members can also benefit by connecting with colleagues directly and cultivating a strong professional relationship providing guidance, education and encouragement. This ongoing network opportunity gives members, especially those new to the profession, an experienced perspective as they navigate government communication strategies.
TAMIO One-On-One is a new mentor program that will pair participants based on mutual interest and experience, giving members a permanent space for connection with an experienced TAMIO colleague. This direct access to an experienced government communicator not only offers additional learning opportunities and networking but personal support and guidance.
How the program works.
- Complete and submit the application form linked below.
- Mentors and mentees must be current TAMIO members and work in the area of government communications and marketing.
- Mentors and mentees will be matched based on several factors (geographic location, community size, mutual interest, experience etc.) Applicants may identify pairing preferences on their application.
- TAMIO will match mentor pairs and will attempt to match pairs geographically as close as possible.
- Mentors and mentees will establish their own meeting schedules; however, it is recommended that they meet either in person or electronically at least once a month.
- Participants will be asked to provide feedback to the TAMIO executive board as they monitor the program for possible improvements and enhancements.
- All participants agree to respect the mentor/mentee relationship and protect the confidentiality of information exchanged through the program.
So you want to be a mentor.
- All mentors must be a TAMIO member in good standing and whose job includes communications and marketing efforts for their organization.
- Establish the specifics of your mentorship – how you choose to communicate and share information.
- Be encouraging and have a positive attitude with your mentee.
- Get to know your mentee – their job and experience.
- Share experiences from your career that provide perspective for your mentee on navigating government communications.
- Provide a safe space for a mentee to share frustrations and problems; ask questions and offer guidance in finding solutions.
- Celebrate your mentee’s successes.
- Remember that what transpires between mentor and mentee remains confidential.
I’m a mentee in search of a mentor.
- All mentees must be a TAMIO member in good standing and whose job includes communications and marketing efforts for their organization.
- Establish the specifics of your mentorship – how you choose to communicate and share information.
- Be honest and open with your mentor.
- Before meeting with your mentor, write down issues, challenges, frustrations, and successes you can share, keeping the lines of communication open.
- Ask questions and offer opinions and ideas.
- Be open to accepting advice and then developing your own solutions and making your own decisions.
- Maintain regular contact with your mentor.
- Remember that what transpires between mentor and mentee remains confidential.
Apply Now to be a Mentor!
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