Jeff James' Inkspot: 11 Top Tips to Be A Great Mentor

1. Know the difference: SPONSOR Vs MENTOR
•    Sponsor
•    Short term – identify new member, introduce to club and get them to induction.
•    Mentor
•    Long term settling into club
•    Comprehensive Knowledge
•    Trusted advice
•    Without Sponsors we would have no Rotary clubs.
•    Without effective Mentors, we can lose our new members
2. Relate to member and communicate regularly
•    Be readily available to answer any questions as they arise.
3. Ensure member feels comfortable & valued
•    like a real asset to club
•    comfortable with their committees & roles – talk to them about this
4. Sit with them and Introduce to others
•    Personally introduce them to all members over time (sit at different spots each week)
•    Invite to all social events
5. Ensure OTHER family members FEEL WELCOME
•    Invite to all social & special events
•    Invite to working bees
6. Help MEMBER with their address to the club
•    15 to 20 Mins About their life and work
•    Negotiate with Program Director (Alison)
7. Assist them WITH TECHNICAL STUFF
•    Working with children check
•    Getting bulletin
•    Getting onto Club Web site & Facebook
•    Ensure bulletin editor has bio & photo
8. Invite them to another Rotary club
•    as a make-up (explain)
•    or Group 7 combined club meeting.
9. Invite them to attend District events & CLUB BOARD
•    Conference
•    District Training Assembly – New Members Course
•    Group 7 meetings
•    Sit in on Club Board (explain procedures)
10. monitor the new member’s attendance and engagement
•    discuss progress /concerns with the Welfare and Engagement coordinator (currently PP John Caulfield)
•    or the chair of the membership committee (currently PP Garry Higgins).
11. provide additional reading or viewing materials
•    to help expand the new member's knowledge of the club and Rotary International
•    See Club Secretary OR Mentoring & Development Coordinator for info.(Currently PDG Geoff)