UW NEXT Mentorship Program: Empowering People
United Way NEXT Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for local United Way CEOs and staff to engage with seasoned United Way professionals who have navigated the challenges a United Way professional faces every day. Our program aims to empower the next generation and those further along in their careers by providing them with the guidance, support, and resources necessary to thrive in their chosen fields and make a positive impact in their communities.
Key Features:
Key Features:
- Tailored Mentorship Matches: Local United Way CEOs/staff will be carefully matched with experienced mentors who share similar professional backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. This personalized approach ensures meaningful connections and fosters productive mentor-mentee relationships.
- Personal Development: Our program goes beyond traditional mentorship models by offering a personalized coaching approach to development. Mentors will provide guidance not only in specific focus areas like planned giving, resource development, governance, community impact, and career advancement as well as in areas such as leadership skills, emotional intelligence, volunteer management, and community engagement.
- UW NEXT Events: In addition to one-on-one mentoring sessions, participants will have access to a series of events covering a wide range of topics relevant to personal and professional growth.
- Networking Opportunities: United Way NEXT offers opportunities for networking and collaboration. Participants will have access to virtual roundtable discussions allowing them to expand their professional circles and build valuable connections.
- Ongoing Support and Feedback: Our commitment to the success of our members is ongoing and flexible. Mentors will continue to provide support, guidance, and a safe space to openly share challenges, so each individual is heard. This will continue for mentees even after the formal mentorship period concludes. Regular feedback sessions will ensure participants receive the necessary guidance to navigate their focus areas and career paths effectively.
Testimonials
Savannah Lyon’s journey to UW Next is certainly a compelling one. Having not slept well for months as she felt very much alone in her role as a new United Way Executive Director, she ended up sobbing in the middle of a state director meeting. Savannah desperately wanted support and a place where she could be transparent. She needed expertise from people who had walked a similar path ahead of her. As the meeting closed, one of the leaders forwarded her Carole Peters’ email address at UW Next. “They can help get you a coach,” she promised. Finally, a glimmer of hope. She wasn’t even out of the parking lot from the meeting before she tapped out an email to Carole. Read what happened next here.
Additionally, Meagan Liesveld, Executive Director of United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County in Nebraska, shared earlier this year about the impact and importance of building relationships with UW NEXT volunteers who truly care about serving and supporting local UWs who are moving down the path of planned giving. She remarked, “The incredible gift of time and expertise invested by leaders from UW NEXT has impacted our United Way in immeasurable ways; but I fully believe that the results of that investment will be felt across our community for decades to come as we implement the strategies that have been guided by our professional consultants.” Read more about Meagan and her Mentor, Ed John here.
Savannah Lyon’s journey to UW Next is certainly a compelling one. Having not slept well for months as she felt very much alone in her role as a new United Way Executive Director, she ended up sobbing in the middle of a state director meeting. Savannah desperately wanted support and a place where she could be transparent. She needed expertise from people who had walked a similar path ahead of her. As the meeting closed, one of the leaders forwarded her Carole Peters’ email address at UW Next. “They can help get you a coach,” she promised. Finally, a glimmer of hope. She wasn’t even out of the parking lot from the meeting before she tapped out an email to Carole. Read what happened next here.
Additionally, Meagan Liesveld, Executive Director of United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County in Nebraska, shared earlier this year about the impact and importance of building relationships with UW NEXT volunteers who truly care about serving and supporting local UWs who are moving down the path of planned giving. She remarked, “The incredible gift of time and expertise invested by leaders from UW NEXT has impacted our United Way in immeasurable ways; but I fully believe that the results of that investment will be felt across our community for decades to come as we implement the strategies that have been guided by our professional consultants.” Read more about Meagan and her Mentor, Ed John here.