Shannon Rauen and Amy Hutmacher

 What are your goals related to your role as an FRG leader?  Maintaining accurate rosters  Building relationships with the commander, co- leader, or FRSA  Motivating Volunteers  Improving communication to Families  Learning more about resources available for Families

A mentor can:  give you advice and support as you work towards your FRG goals  offer a different perspective  serve as a sounding board Your mentor will most likely be part of your chain of concern, but you might also look for additional mentors outside of your FRG

You mentor could be:  Fellow attendee at social events  Instructor at a training  Retired military spouse  Peer mentor or someone who has just recently stepped out of the position you are taking on

 Mentor relationships aren’t built overnight and don’t happen instantaneously  Determine if someone is a good match for your personality Be aware that you are not looking for someone exactly like you.  Get to know one another

 Be on-time; be prepared  Know in advance what topics you want to discuss  Your mentor may also be a military spouse, so be mindful of their time and energy constraints, especially if their own Soldier is currently deployed or TDY

 Try to present situations objectively and ask for advice on how to handle it  The mentoring relationship is professional in nature  Maintain your support system outside of the mentor relationship  Battle buddy, friends, neighbors, relatives

Good mentors will:  Expand your perspective  Encourage you to consider alternative courses of action  Share their experiences and help you learn from their successes and failures You will not always agree with your mentor and you will likely have a difference of opinion from your mentor on one or more topics

 Starting at Battalion level, you may simultaneously be a mentor and a mentee  At all levels, don’t be afraid to reach out

 An FRG mentor’s job is to encourage an FRG leader or advisor in their new role and provide support  Reduce stress  Help make their volunteer experience positive and rewarding

 Reach out to your mentee early on in their tenure  Be mindful of any communication barrier due to your soldier’s rank  Get to know each other: Work commitments, kids at home, soldier deployed, best time of day to talk, limitations on time

Help your mentee develop networks if needed – Introduce them to other FRG peers, ACS personnel, unit chaplain/MFLC, local businesspeople, private organizations Help your mentee problem-solve, if needed – Be mindful of current FRG regulations, fundraising restrictions – Share experiences of successful/unsuccessful FRG events or leadership challenges – Prep for the breakout session: Think about one of each to share

 Be gentle with your feedback  Check in regularly and ask how things are going  Keep conversations confidential  Offer perspective based on your experience  Be positive and encouraging

 Small groups should include potential Mentors and Mentees  Go around the table and introduce yourselves  Name  Unit you’re associated with  Current FRG position; previous FRG positions  Outside job, children, hobbies or other volunteer commitments

Mentors: Provide one anecdote – Example of an FRG event you’re proud of, – Or one you wish had gone differently – What did you wish you knew when you were an FRG leader? – What differences did you notice when moving from Company to Battalion level FRG? Battalion to Brigade/Regiment/Group? Mentees: Ask a question – About an upcoming event (First FRG meeting after summer, Fall Fest) – Current issue that you have a question about (Rosters, locations for an FRG meeting, deployment activities) – Describe your most satisfying FRG responsibility

 Shannon Rauen serves at the FRG leader for HHC USASOC and previously led 3 FRGs at 10th SFG in Ft. Carson, CO. In 2012, she received Ft. Carson’s Volunteer of the Year award for her work with the FRG, AFTB, and AFAP. Professionally, Shannon spent more than a decade working in the nonprofit sector. As the Executive Director of the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), she developed programs to build a supportive mentor network between young women and established political leaders. Shannon resides in Fayetteville with her husband and two children and possesses Master’s degrees in Human Resource Development and Management.  Amy Hutmacher has served at all levels of the FRG, to include as a Newsletter chair, Point of Contact, FRG Leader, Care Team member, and three-time FRG Advisor at the Battalion and Regiment levels. Additionally, she has been an Advisor to the School Liaison Office at Fort Campbell and the Thrift Store on Fort Bragg, as well as President of the Giebelstadt Community Spouse’s Club. She lives in Fayetteville with her husband and three sons.