1. Do we need a Waterwatch-specific peer mentoring program? Waterwatch Coordinators Meeting June 6, 2007 Frankston

2. What is peer mentoring? Involves the support and guidance of participants within the same discipline or because of a common interest. “Mentoring is a power-free partnership between two individuals who desire mutual growth. One of the individuals usually has greater skills, experience and/or wisdom.”

3. Why do we need a peer mentoring program? The strength of the program rides on the strength of all Coordinators. We need to learn from each other beyond regional boundaries. Coordinators need a confidential/safe Waterwatch relationship to discuss ideas, learn and grow professionally and personally. A mentoring system would provide a committed structure and time with a devoted mentor/mentee.

4. Proposed Aim for Peer Mentoring: To promote a cross-regional, self supporting culture within the Waterwatch Coordinator Network To promote the sharing of experiences and skills within the Network. To encourage the personal development and growth of Waterwatch Coordinators.

5. Management vs Mentoring Mentor: independent support and advice Manager: responsible for performance Milestones Performance review Training Career development Sounding board Reflection New networks, pathways and ideas Guidance

6. How would it work? Trial period – 12 months (starting later this year/early next year) Match ~20 pairs based on skills/abilities and needs of pair We provide training to mentors, a structure for mentoring and ongoing support to mentors.

7. Scope peer mentoring proposal with WW Coordinators and survey Coordinators Design trial program structure with input from Coordinator network and host managers Identify potential mentor-mentee pairings Provide mentor/coaching training (1-2 days) to ‘mentors’ and provide advice to mentees on how to facilitate a strong mentoring relationship. Provide a half-day focussed orientation event for mentoring pairs, where roles/ expectations/ goals/type and regularity of meetings are defined and set. State to provide support to mentors to maintain commitment to the mentor plan and relationship, and provide assistance where required. 12 month celebration and evaluation of the trial TIME (eg. 11 months) Proposed structure (see handout )

8. Flexibility in the different models/methods that pairs can decide on: Eg. - walk and talk buddie - phone-a-friend - e-mentoring -structured face to face/teleconference Varying degrees of reflection, problem solving, learning from experience and confidence building. How would it work?

9. What’s in it for me? mentormentee Professional training in ‘Mentoring and Coaching’ A network of mentors to draw/learn from Opportunity to inspire A confidant Get independent advice on what you want to know when you need it New network and ideas

10. What can you give/gain from a mentoring relationship? Activity: Review your skills audit matrix and identify what skills/knowledge you can bring to a mentor relationship (see XX column) and what you could give to a mentor relationship (see XX column) Note: Skills that require formal training are not appropriate for mentoring.

11. Scoping Survey Confidential survey to evaluate personal preferences and suggestions for a peer mentoring trial Please hand in all copies today Copies of the survey are available to all Coordinators not here today

12. Open discussion: Is this a good idea? Concerns/logistics that would need to be worked through Timing of trial – 2007? 2008?