Be (or Get) a WLA Mentor - Applications Open

The WLA Leadership Committee has announced that applications are open for the 2022 WLA Mentoring Program following a successful inaugural year.  As a mentor in this program this past year, I can attest to the the excellent organization, support, and overall quality of this formal mentorship program. It is one of the best I've been involved in during my career.

The committee writes: 

“I don't believe in pure luck. You have to create your own luck. You have to be aware of the opportunities around you and take advantage of them."
--Bruce Lee

The Wisconsin Library Association is pleased to announce that following a successful inaugural WLA Mentorship Program in 2020, the second round will begin in January 2022. Care will be given to match mentees with mentors according to the goals provided on the application. If you are successfully matched, the committee will let you know by mid December. A required orientation program is slated for January 12th at 2PM.

Following your orientation, you and your mentor or mentee will set up monthly meetings, virtual or in-person--your choice, to discuss the goals you have set out for the experience. On a quarterly basis, a member of the WLA Leadership Committee will check in to make sure the mentorship experience is on track.

Any WLA member may apply to the year-long program and there is no additional cost to participate. Applications for mentors and mentees are now available at here with a due date of Monday, November 29th, 2021. 

Take Bruce Lee’s advice and apply today."

To read more details and FAQs about the program and how it works, please stop here.

And if you are attending WLA conference this week, you can hear from some of mentors and mentees in this year's Mentorship Program at 10:30 -11:15am Wednesday in the Grand C at "Mentorship: On Track to Success": In these challenging times, it can be hard to know how to stay on track. Join us to learn how a mentor relationship can help you be successful. This session will be a panel discussion from participants in WLA's inaugural Mentorship Program. The program is free for WLA members and is designed to provide encouragement, support, and guidance to library staff seeking professional growth through connections with experienced colleagues within a structured mentoring program.

Speakers Nyama Reed,Whitefish Bay Public Library;Susie Menk, Manitowoc Public Library;Marge Loch-Wouters, retired;  Emely Villanueva,Appleton Public Library;Rachel Hitt,Black Creek Village Library;Nancy Aycock, Mukwonago Community Library;Scott Brouwer,La Crosse Public Library Archives