Mentors: How does your company support you?

[Cal578]

I'm in a slightly different situation. My company is the major sponsor for one of the local teams. The mentors get some time off, and the company is picking up the travel and lodging expenses for the whole team.

My kids, however, go to a neighboring school district, so I mentor that team. My company is not interested in sponsoring two teams. I don't get any time off for meetings or events, but my supervisor is flexible about my work schedule so it's easier for me to attend meetings. That has become less of an issues this year because my team has moved its build sessions to evenings. It would be great if I could get time off just for the regional competitions, instead of using my vacation time.

Do they off other incentives like a volunteer lunch or dinner or some kind of appreciation celebration?

That would not be an incentive to me. I understand that recognition is a positive thing for most people, but I just want to quietly go do what I believe is helpful to my kids and the community. (The money they would have spent on the appreciation dinner could offset some vacation time, and that would make me feel more appreciated. Just sayin'.)

It is good to work at a company that supports FIRST and allows me the flexibility to mentor. I've spoken to many people who would like to be a mentor, but they have so much pressure to work well over 40 hrs, and/or take work home with them, that they can't help in even small ways. I'm blessed to be able to work with my team, and the team's success is very rewarding.