Mentorship matters: ACIs Needed

As we sit in chapter meetings—online or in person—we see a wealth of experience in our attendees. We also see a largely aging group of people with a scattering of young and new members.

I remember being an inexperienced new member in the past, wondering, “How do these people remember all this stuff?” or “Wow, I didn’t know that!” At times it could make you feel totally inadequate or unprepared for the job.

Over time we learn from experience as well as Continuing Education classes what we need to do a professional job. Nobody comes into this profession fully prepared—no matter what they learn in The ASHI School or another source, though that helps.

How You Can Help

We, as ACIs, can step in and make a difference in the future of our profession, too. The ASHI Mentorship Program provides all members with access to a wealth of experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

Honestly, I am embarrassed I didn’t join the mentorship program earlier in my career. It’s amazing how good it makes you feel when you hear the gratitude in a young member’s voice in response to your answer to a situation you dealt with in the past. We forget how lost we felt when there was no one to turn to for help.

The program is simple but effective. As an ACI, all you have to do is go to ashi.org and sign up to be a mentor (or scan the code here). The ASHI National Staff will contact you to arrange a short online training program (an hour or less), and then you will be ready to make a difference—helping to grow and retain people in our field.

When enrolling as a mentor you will submit a list of areas where you feel your strengths are best. In turn, mentees will contact you by email or phone (your choice) for guidance. Please know: You will not be training your competition. The members you will serve will be from outside your service area and will be able serve clients in a manner that will make you and ASHI proud.

Please consider this opportunity to give back. It costs you nothing—just a few minutes of your time—and it doesn’t detract from your business.

Become a mentor, or find a mentor.

Go here learn more, sign up or get help.

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