New Mentor Program Goals
This program is designed to match ACT's experienced members with new members to:

1. Create new connections among ACT members
2. Strengthen the ACT organization and provide professional and career opportunities
3. Create partnerships and friendships which lead to long-term relationships
4. Networking and professional exchanges that benefit mentor and mentee for years

Mentoring a "new" TDM professional or ACT member will provide positive benefits. As a mentor, you can achieve new perspectives on the ever-evolving field of transportation demand management, create new professional relationships and networks, and obtain a sounding board for your own organizational and industry ideas.

Mentor Program Description
Mentoring is the process of one person volunteering to help a TDM colleague grow and develop. Mentors offer valuable lessons from their own experience when providing guidance and direction to others. Effective mentoring leads to improved knowledge, skills and performance by providing personal access to important know-how and savvy practices. You will use your own experience and understanding of TDM, ACT and professional skills and provide the mentee with a solid foundation as they begin their TDM career and ACT membership.

Mentor Requirements
Ability to provide a meaningful experience where mentee can gain useful TDM skills, knowledge and experience. Give support and meeting time at least once a week or as needed.

Time Assessment
Every case will differ. The program can be as short as one week and as long as 18 months, but most take place in four months (spring and fall).

Mentor Program Components
Both mentors and mentees are required to report back to ACT twice a year with a progress update on their relationship, including highlights of successes, concerns, training requirements, etc. This ensures that ACT can monitor, assist and provide support as needed. Evaluations will be required upon completion.

Matching/Selecting Process
Both the mentor and mentee are required to complete an application accordingly. A new member outlines his/her professional goals and mentoring needs at the application stage. A subcommittee of the ACT Membership Committee is responsible for matching, notifying participants including mentors/mentees, relationship terms, parameters and goals.

Incentives and Recognition
Both mentors and mentees will receive a Certificate of Completion from ACT.

For further information on ACT and the Mentor Program, visit the Professional Development link on the ACT website at www.actweb.org .

Questions contact the Membership Committee Chair, Justin Schor with UrbanTrans Consultants, Inc. at schorj@urbantrans.com.