Mentorship Program

Mentorship Webinar: It starts with “me”, but it’s all about YOU!  

Have you ever wanted to strengthen your professional development in our parks and recreation profession, but weren’t sure how to proceed? Consider joining the Mentorship Program sponsored by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). The Mentorship Program pairs young professionals, students, and new directors with Mentors who can provide a sounding board, advise, and feedback to help Mentees achieve their goals. The purpose of the program is to provide each Mentee with development opportunities through a relationship with an experienced professional. Still not sure?  Attend this recorded webinar to hear the experiences of emerging leaders, as well as professionals who served as mentors this past year. You’ll be glad you took the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and explore professional development, coaching, and support. Registration for the Mentorship Program is open now through Friday March 8, 2024.

What are the benefits of joining a Mentorship Program?

  • Unique and personal access with a prominent parks and recreation Mentor.
  • Explore work through interactions with Mentors in the parks and recreation career of their choice.
  • Gain an experienced practitioner’s perspective on career situations.
  • Identify and plan short-term and long-term development career plan with the assistance of a successful Mentor.
  • Heighten awareness of the career opportunities in the parks and recreation field.

Program Eligibility

  • Mentees:
    • Should be members of NRPA and/or their state association.
    • Must be willing to commit time to the Mentorship Program.
    • Must be employed (or actively seeking employment) or be a student in the parks and recreation field.
    • Should participate in their local or state parks and recreation association.
    • Must complete and submit the online Mentee Application.
  •  Mentors:
    • Should be members of AAPRA and/or NRPA.
    • Must be willing to commit time to the Mentorship Program.
    • Must have significant experience in the parks and recreation field.
    • Should participate in their local or state parks and recreation association.
    • Must complete and submit the online Mentor Application.

Timeline

  • The Mentorship Program begins each year in the spring and concludes with the fall NRPA Conference.
  • Participants should be prepared to commit at least one hour per month to the program.

For more information contact:
Sheila Canzian, Committee Chair
San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department (Ret)
Sheila@canzian.net