Mentorship Program
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Mentorship Program pairs members hoping to take the next step in their career with seasoned, veteran members who have done it all before. We work to match mentees with mentors who will make a meaningful impact on their professional development and offer guidance on how to grow in their career. The program also aims to create lasting relationships between our members. These mutually beneficial partnerships provide important resources to help the next generation of leaders in journalism to succeed.
2024 Mentorship Program – Now Accepting Applications!
2024 mentorships begin April 8, 2024, last one full year, and mentor/mentee participants commit to monthly check-ins. Each relationship within our program is unique and thus defined by the needs of its participants. The typical mentor/mentee relationship could include regular online/phone meetings, advice on career or school work, a detailed career plan to help move mentee career objectives forward, professional networking advice, and so much more!
Mentee Application
Applications due February 29, 2024
Take the next step in your career and request a mentor:
Mentor Application
The mentor interest form will be available on a rolling basis, but we recommend filling it out by February 29 to be considered for the 2024 program.
Our Mentorship Program is only available to current members of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists. If you are not yet a member, click here to become one.
FAQ:
Q: Are there any mandatory qualifications to be a mentor/mentee?
A: The only qualification is that mentors and mentees must have a current, active NLGJA membership to participate in the program. To be an eligible candidate, become an NLGJA member here.
Q: Who is eligible to be a mentee?
A: Mentee applications are open to current students, young professionals, and anyone seeking to benefit from a mentoring relationship with more experienced journalists.
Q: Can I sign up to be a mentor if I’ve never mentored anyone before?
A: We encourage those with previous mentoring experience to sign up, but first-time mentors are also welcome. Please consider why you want to become a mentor and how you’d be able to best help a mentee. We will provide an orientation for mentors and mentees at the start of the program, and a staff member will be available to answer questions throughout the mentorship.
Q: Are there any specific goals or outcomes for mentorships?
A: Goals and outcomes are usually unique to each mentorship pair. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to learn about each others’ career history and current work to discover how they can help or learn from each other.
We also ask that mentees come up with their own specific career-development goals for the mentorship. These can be refined with your mentor during your first meeting or call.
Q: What is the time commitment for the Mentorship Program?
A: Mentors and mentees commit to a one year mentoring period. Frequency of communication is mutually agreed upon at the beginning of the relationship. We ask mentors and mentees to commit to at least monthly check ins.
Q: Are mentors and mentees expected to meet in person?
A: Once selected, mentors and mentees will establish how to best communicate early on, whether by phone, web meeting, or in person. Many pairs will have location differences and will likely not be able to meet in person. However, if location allows it and both parties feel comfortable meeting in person, they are free to do so.
Q: What happens after I apply to the Mentorship Program?
A: Our staff will evaluate all applications and match mentees to mentors. Successful applicants will be notified of a match and introduced to each other.
Q: How are mentors/mentees paired?
A: We use the applications to get to know potential mentees. We do our best to find a mentor from our running list of skilled mentors who we think will be a good fit for the mentee’s skills/interests.
Q: Can I have more than one mentee/mentor?
A: If you are applying to be a mentor and are open to having more than one mentee, you can indicate so in the application form and we will match you with your mentee(s) accordingly.
If you are a mentee, you will have only one mentor.
Q: What if I don’t like my mentor/mentee?
A: We ask that mentors and mentees make an honest effort to get to know one another before giving up on a mentorship pairing. If conflict arises, please contact staff at NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists so we can assist you in finding a solution.