Strike a Match: How it Works
MENTORSHIP IS A VOLUNTARY DEVELOPMENTAL RELATIONSHIP WHERE EXPERIENCES ARE SHARED BETWEEN A WOMAN OF GREATER EXPERIENCE, WITH A WOMAN OF LESSER EXPERIENCE, CHARACTERIZED BY MUTUAL TRUST, RESPECT, HONESTY, AND COMMITMENT THAT CREATES UNDERSTANDING FOR THE MENTEE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
Apply
Both mentors and mentees start by filling out the Strike a Match application.
All women who are looking to be matched in Lead(h)er’s Strike a Match Mentoring Program start by filling out the application that is specific to their role. We ask a lot of questions about your hopes and dreams.
Don’t let that scare you though- because we individually recruit each mentor, we need to know more about where you are and where you want to be.
While you’re waiting for your perfect match learn about why mentorship matters and listen to Her Stories, the Strike a Match podcast.
After completing the Strike a Match application, you’ll be invited to attend the next Mentoring 101 orientation session.
Strike a Match Orientation’s Mentoring 101 sets your match up for success by learning more about the program and answering the most frequently asked questions about how to build your mentorship relationship! It is required for both mentors and mentees to watch this Orientation through our YouTube Channel.
Next, follow Lead(h)er’s social accounts so that you stay up to date on upcoming Lead(h)er events, volunteer opportunities and to read Mentorship success stories.
Match
You’ll be matched with your individually recruited mentor or mentee via email and given a toolkit to get started on the right foot.
When we’ve found someone for you, you’ll receive an email from our Executive Director introducing you to your match. The email provides information about expectations for your match as well as other general information to start your experience with us.
All year long, Lead(h)er will host events for you to attend. Networking “Huddles” are an opportunity for a little professional development, a little socializing, and a lot of meeting up with fellow matches.
We like it when you attend community events together, too, so we partner with area organizations to help you get seats at the table. This helps multiply your network and gives you the opportunity to connect with new people in the community. Usually, these are given out in a ticket lottery or in a first-come/first-serve basis.
Once you’ve been matched, we want you to stay together for 18 months and meet for a minimum of one hour a month. Depending on your goals, your match might meet much more often.
Because Lead(h)er is ‘build your own’ mentorship, you will have the freedom to create a successful match that grows with you with the help of the Strike a Match resource page!
If you meet with your mentor or mentee one hour a month for 18 months, attend three events, & continue to work towards the goals you outlined in orientation you will be honored at our annual Birthday Bash!
Mentor
The Strike a Match Mentoring Program is “build your own mentorship” program which means you have access to the right events, people, & tools to achieve your professional goals.
we don’t have a lot of additional rules - we just have a lot of ways of bringing you together to inspire you, to fuel you, to lead you.
The Strike a Match Mentorship Program is FREE to Quad Cities working women due to the generosity of the following sponsors:
