How can you find the best resources for community organizing mentoring?

1 What is community organizing mentoring?

Community organizing mentoring is a form of learning and development that involves a relationship between a more experienced or knowledgeable organizer (the mentor) and a less experienced or new organizer (the mentee). The mentor provides the mentee with support, feedback, advice, and resources to help them grow as an organizer and achieve their goals. Community organizing mentoring can take place in different settings, such as formal programs, peer networks, online platforms, or individual interactions.

2 Why is community organizing mentoring important?

Community organizing mentoring is important because it can help you develop the essential skills and competencies that you need to be an effective organizer, such as communication, leadership, strategy, analysis, and action. Community organizing mentoring can also help you expand your network, gain exposure to different perspectives and approaches, and overcome challenges and barriers that you might face along the way. Community organizing mentoring can also inspire you to keep learning, improving, and contributing to the social change movement.

3 How to find community organizing mentoring resources?

Finding community organizing mentoring resources is possible in a variety of ways, depending on your needs, preferences, and availability. For instance, you can join a training program or course that offers mentoring as part of the curriculum, or connect with a mentor through an online platform or app. Additionally, you can reach out to a community organizer that you admire and ask them if they would be willing to mentor you, or join a peer network or group that facilitates mentoring among members. Scholarships and financial aid may be available for programs that match your interests and goals. Additionally, you can look for mentors who have similar backgrounds, identities, or experiences as you, or who work on issues that you care about. Participating in activities, events, discussions, and initiating or requesting mentoring from other members who have more experience or knowledge than you may also be beneficial.

4 How to make the most of community organizing mentoring resources?

Once you have found some community organizing mentoring resources, you want to make sure that you make the most of them. It is important to be clear about your goals and expectations before starting a mentoring relationship, and to communicate with your mentor or mentee about what you want to achieve, how you want to work together, and what you expect from each other. Additionally, it is essential to be open and respectful during your mentoring relationship, being honest, trustworthy, and supportive while avoiding judgment or conflict. Proactivity and engagement are also key components of a successful mentoring relationship, taking initiative, asking questions, seeking advice, and sharing progress and challenges with your mentor or mentee. Lastly, being flexible and adaptable is necessary for a successful mentoring relationship; adjusting goals, expectations, and strategies if necessary while exploring new ideas and perspectives.

5 How to keep learning and improving as a community organizer?

Community organizing mentoring is a valuable resource that can help you learn and improve as a community organizer, but it is not the only one. You should also seek other opportunities and resources to keep learning and improving, such as reading books, articles, blogs, or podcasts on community organizing theory, practice, or history. Additionally, consider attending workshops, webinars, conferences, or events on community organizing skills, topics, or issues. Moreover, participating in community organizing campaigns, projects, or actions that align with your vision, values, or passions can be beneficial. You can look for opportunities that are available in your community or join online or global campaigns that address the issues that you care about. Additionally, you can volunteer, intern, or work for a community organizing organization or group that supports your cause.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?