Mentorship Application

The formal mentorship program runs for six months, with the possibility of extension based on mutual agreement between mentor and mentee. During this period, mentees and mentors meet regularly (typically twice monthly) and participate in group activities and workshops. Many mentor-mentee relationships continue informally beyond the formal program period. We find that six months provides sufficient time to establish a productive relationship, work toward meaningful goals, and implement community projects with mentor guidance.

There is no direct cost to participate in our mentorship program. The program is funded through Dilulu's donors and partners who believe in investing in the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and community development. However, mentees are responsible for their own internet connectivity costs for virtual meetings and may have expenses related to travel to in-person events or implementation of community projects. In some cases, we can provide small stipends to support project implementation or participation in program activities, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis based on need and available funding.

We use a thoughtful matching process that considers multiple factors to create effective mentor-mentee pairs. Key factors include alignment of expertise with mentee interests and goals, geographic proximity when possible (to facilitate in-person meetings), language compatibility, and complementary communication and learning styles. We also consider the mentor's experience and capacity to address the mentee's specific development needs. Both mentors and mentees provide information about their preferences, which we take into account during matching. After initial matching, both parties have an opportunity to confirm that the match meets their expectations before the mentorship formally begins.

Mentees should be prepared to commit 3-5 hours per week to the program, on average. This includes time for one-on-one meetings with your mentor (typically 1-2 hours twice monthly), preparation for these meetings, work on agreed-upon learning activities or projects, participation in monthly group workshops or networking events (2-3 hours each), and documentation of your learning and progress. The time commitment may vary throughout the program, with some weeks requiring more time than others. We recognize that many mentees have other professional and personal commitments, and we work to create flexible arrangements that accommodate these responsibilities while ensuring meaningful engagement in the program.

Yes, mentorship can be conducted entirely remotely if necessary, using video conferencing, phone calls, email, and other digital communication tools. While we prefer to match mentors and mentees who can meet in person occasionally (at least for initial and final meetings), we recognize that geographic distance, travel constraints, and other factors may make this impossible. We have successfully supported many remote mentoring relationships and provide guidelines and tools to help remote pairs establish effective communication and build strong relationships. All mentees, whether in remote or in-person relationships, have access to our online learning platform and digital resources.