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Mentorship

The NCBC Mentorship program is designed to connect new and existing members of the NCBC to promote its mission of developing leadership, education and advocacy through facilitating mutually beneficial relationships. The program aims to enhance professional and personal development while increasing overall knowledge and understanding of the judicial system and court operations through a one-to-one relationship. At this time, program participants (Mentees) have the option to be paired with a Mentor or a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in a particular area.


What is Mentoring? 

Mentoring is a partnership between a seasoned and experienced NCBC member (the Mentor or Subject Matter Expert) and an NCBC member in good standing (the Mentee) who desires additional professional knowledge, expertise or guidance. The partnership is based on trust, respect and confidentiality. Through mentoring, the Mentor will guide, support, answer questions, provide referrals, and share experiences and known opportunities for further development with the Mentee.



Mentor
Mentee
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Resources
Program Overview

Do you want to be part of shaping the future of the federal judiciary? 
Are you an experienced member of the judiciary with a lot of knowledge to share? 
Do people naturally come to you for guidance and direction?
 
 
As a Mentor or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Mentorship Program, your role will include:

    • Sharing information about the NCBC organization;
    • Providing confidential assistance to Mentees outside their chain of command, allowing the Mentee to discuss work-related issues and other issues or concerns;
    • Facilitating the Mentee’s growth by sharing resources and networks;
    • Challenging the Mentee to move beyond his or her comfort zone;
    • Coaching the Mentee on a particular skill;
    • Encouraging the Mentee to create and implement strategic goals;
    • Focusing on the Mentee’s professional development;
    • Encouraging the Mentee to create and implement a strategic plan.

Time Commitment for the Program 

The structured portion of the mentoring relationship is intended to last six (6) months. The partnership is required to make a minimum of one (1) contact per month within this six (6) month period. The Subject Matter Expert (SME) relationship will be assessed at the end of the six (6) month period to determine whether an extension is warranted.

All program participants will be asked to formally check in with the NCBC Mentorship Committee halfway through the duration of their program by completing an evaluation form. Upon completion of the program, the participants will be asked to provide a detailed evaluation of their experience in the program.

Confidentiality 
The information provided by the Mentee on their application is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by the Mentor and the NCBC Mentorship Committee. The information provided by the Mentor on their application is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by the NCBC Mentorship Committee and forwarded to the assigned Mentee. All written and oral communication between Mentors, Mentees, and the NCBC Mentorship Committee is confidential and will not be disclosed without mutual consent. Concerns regarding confidentiality should be referred to the Mentorship Committee Chair immediately.

Prerequisites:
1. Mentors and Mentees will both complete and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which details their expectations and approximate time frame of the partnership.
2. Participants must be willing to commit to the partnership for at least six (6) months and commit to meeting at least once per month during the program.
 
If you have trouble submitting the application, please email the Mentorship Committee Chair.

Are you just starting out in your career and would love to learn from a more seasoned professional? 
Are you at a point in your career where you could truly benefit from some guidance and direction? 
Do you want to be an active participant in creating your own future success?

 
As a Mentee in the Mentorship Program, your role will include:

    • Committing to take the initiative to foster a positive and honest relationship with your Mentor/SME;
    • Being open to learning about new ideas;
    • Following through with your Mentor/SME;
    • Actively participating in the experience;
    • Listening to your mentor’s suggestions, evaluating them, and taking action;
    • Performing a self-assessment: What skills do you need to acquire? Where do you want to go?
    • Being prepared to commit your time to working toward your goals, in addition to the official time for the mentoring relationship.

Time Commitment for the Program 

The structured portion of the mentoring relationship is intended to last six (6) months. The partnership is required to make a minimum of one (1) contact per month within this six (6) month period. The Subject Matter Expert (SME) relationship will be assessed at the end of the six (6) month period to determine whether an extension is warranted.

All program participants will be asked to formally check in with the NCBC Mentorship Committee halfway through the duration of their program by completing an evaluation form. Upon completion of the program, the participants will be asked to provide a detailed evaluation of their experience in the program.

Confidentiality 
The information provided by the Mentee on their application is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by the Mentor and the NCBC Mentorship Committee. The information provided by the Mentor on their application is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by the NCBC Mentorship Committee and forwarded to the assigned Mentee. All written and oral communication between Mentors, Mentees, and the NCBC Mentorship Committee is confidential and will not be disclosed without mutual consent. Concerns regarding confidentiality should be referred to the Mentorship Committee Chair immediately.

Prerequisites:
1. Mentors and Mentees will both complete and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which details their expectations and approximate time frame of the partnership.
2. Participants must be willing to commit to the partnership for at least six (6) months and commit to meeting at least once per month during the program.
 
If you have trouble submitting the application, please email the Mentorship Committee Chair.

What is a Subject Matter Expert (SME)?  
A Subject Matter Expert is an individual who exhibits the highest level of expertise in performing a specialized job, task, or skill within the organization. This is a relationship focused on guiding a mentee in specific areas of the specialized job, task or skill and may take a different route than the traditional six month mentor/mentee relationship program does. A SME has a deep understanding of a particular function within their job duties, unique expertise and are able to help others overcome challenges in a specific area of knowledge.  


As a Mentor or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Mentorship Program, your role will include:

    • Sharing information about the NCBC organization;
    • Providing confidential assistance to Mentees outside their chain of command, allowing the Mentee to discuss work-related issues and other issues or concerns;
    • Facilitating the Mentee’s growth by sharing resources and networks;
    • Challenging the Mentee to move beyond his or her comfort zone;
    • Coaching the Mentee on a particular skill;
    • Encouraging the Mentee to create and implement strategic goals;
    • Focusing on the Mentee’s professional development;
    • Encouraging the Mentee to create and implement a strategic plan.

Time Commitment for the Program 

The structured portion of the mentoring relationship is intended to last six (6) months. The partnership is required to make a minimum of one (1) contact per month within this six (6) month period. The Subject Matter Expert (SME) relationship will be assessed at the end of the six (6) month period to determine whether an extension is warranted.

All program participants will be asked to formally check in with the NCBC Mentorship Committee halfway through the duration of their program by completing an evaluation form. Upon completion of the program, the participants will be asked to provide a detailed evaluation of their experience in the program.

Confidentiality 
The information provided by the Mentee on their application is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by the Mentor and the NCBC Mentorship Committee. The information provided by the Mentor on their application is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by the NCBC Mentorship Committee and forwarded to the assigned Mentee. All written and oral communication between Mentors, Mentees, and the NCBC Mentorship Committee is confidential and will not be disclosed without mutual consent. Concerns regarding confidentiality should be referred to the Mentorship Committee Chair immediately.

Prerequisites:
1. Mentors and Mentees will both complete and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which details their expectations and approximate time frame of the partnership.
2. Participants must be willing to commit to the partnership for at least six (6) months and commit to meeting at least once per month during the program.
 
If you have trouble submitting the application, please email the Mentorship Committee Chair.