Jan. 25 is Thank Your Mentor Day

[RoboMom]

Jan. 25, 2005 is "Thank Your Mentor Day."
www.WhoMentoredYou.org

I am working on a couple of ideas, but would be very interested in hearing from the CD community on how to really embrace this. There are so many things that we could do, as a group, to highlight the mentors in FIRST, as part of mentoring nationwide.

Anyone interested?

[Rich Kressly]

Yes, I'm interested
-I'm thinking Woodie Flowers essays could also be submitted at that website....

[VGMasterShadow]

I'm also interested.

[Arefin Bari]

Great idea...

i am very interested...

[Rich Wong]

Count me IN!
(I can use a break or some R-N-R in the middle of the BUILD-IT-IN-SIX weeks period)

[Dorienne]

I am so interested, Miss Jenny. A lot of mentors deserve recognition, especially the ones who have mentorees that don't see how much work they put into helping them. I'm personally all for this, it's a great way to show a mentor GP and how much you care for them.

[karinka13]

I'm interested

[Amanda Morrison]

Originally Posted by Rich Kressly

Yes, I'm interested
-I'm thinking Woodie Flowers essays could also be submitted at that website....

Also... *cough cough*

[dez250]

Jenny i would be interested in helping out to do something for overall FIRST or specific people, let me know.

[shyra1353]

I would be interested in helping out as well

[tiffany34990]

I think this is a really cool idea.

If I can I of course would love to help. We really truely don't seem to thank all the great mentors enough. -Thanks to all!!-

[RoboMom]

There are a few ways we could approach this. It would be nice to have it a little bit organized to make more of an impact. As Rich points out, this would be a great time to start working on the WFA process.
I think the sheer impact of having dozens and dozens of brief stories, all starting the same way, would be great.
Let's continue with the ideas and then get to work.
Thanks all.

[Rich Kressly]

Originally Posted by Amanda Morrison

Also... *cough cough*

Oh yeah ..I knew that... unsung FIRST Heroes ... sorry Amanda I was in a rush earlier.

OK, Jenny, how about a huge 4-pronged-we-love-our-mentor(s)-bonanza.

Each team will only be able to submit one entry for the Woodie Flowers award, but those entries can also be used to submit info at www.WhoMentoredYou.org, and for an unsung FIRST hero as well. Or recognize a different mentor with each entry

Here are the four prongs:
1. WFA entry (as per FIRST rules). Please see these threads:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=28194
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=28248
2. UFH Nomination here
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/uf...on=honoreelist
3. Mentor recognition at http://www.WhoMentoredYou.org
4. Anything else your team can think of to honor your mentors...

Homework:
-continue to post ideas/info in this thread
-Between now and "Thank Your Mentor Day" (1.25.05), create/compile as many of these thank you's as you can.
-Take a few minutes out of your build to make a thank you presentation to team mentor(s) on that magical day (1.25.05)
-create a thread of the outcomes and shared stories to inspire for the future.

*Remember, this isn't about your probability of winning the award, it's about recognizing people who make an impact in your lives and on our culture. Do this. Say thank you in every way you can.

[Steve W]

I would like to see Thank Your Mentor Day every day.

Seriously, to set aside a day to me is kind of like forcing the idea on people. As a mentor I don't need a special day cause I get one every time a light goes on in a students head. I know it doesn't happen much on our team but that's OK. I may have missed the point but when a mentor suggests to have a mentor day ?????????

I am a little different so take what I say as you will but please do not be offended because that is not my aim.

[Rich Kressly]

Steve,
No offense taken, let me clarify. Jenny and I are both Sr. Mentors with FIRST. We are not looking to be recognized in any way. It is part of our charge to find new ways to recognize mentors and volunteers. We would love thank you's to take place every day just like you say. Still, mentor overload, burnout, and frustration are real entities in FIRST. FIRST is special because it is especially difficult AND especially rewarding. In order for us to sustain, continue, and grow, "taking care" of the most important part of FIRST, those who tirelessly give their time, is essential. I trust each team can find the best way to do that. Jenny and I just want to present this opportunity.