Imagine, Nurture, Support, Prepare, Influence, Reflect, Evolve
Providing Mentorship, Access & Peer Support
Calling all ACB members who are interested in becoming an ACB Guide (Mentor) or Explorer (Mentee). We’re excited to launch the official mentoring program of the American Council of the Blind!
The ACB INSPIRE mentoring program serves as a roadmap and places an emphasis on aiding and guiding potential leaders to expand their involvement at the local, state and/or national level.
Applications will be accepted from July 18, 2023 to August 17, 2023. Selections will be made by August 31, 2023, with an announcement to follow shortly thereafter. The program officially begins September 14, 2023 and concludes on June 14, 2024.
Read below to apply to be considered for participation in the program. The cohort will consist of 12 Guides and12 Explorers to become the Class of 2023-2024.
Each applicant is required to meet specific criteria and agree to adhere to program guidelines. Non-compliance may result in forfeiture of participation in the program.
ACB INSPIRE Applicant Criteria
In order to serve as a Guide or mentor, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An ACB member for 7 years or more
- Current on membership dues
- Have at least 5 years of confirmed leadership experience
- Submit Name and Contact Information for a letter of Recommendation.
- Have personal knowledge of ACB’s History, Mission, Purpose, and Core Values
- Agree to meet with designated Explorer/Mentee at least twice a month
- Conduct effective goal setting meetings with a designated explorer/mentee.
- Agree to keep all communication with explorer/mentee private and confidential
- Agree to attend and participate in scheduled group empowerment sessions, including quarterly Check Point Meetings and Office Hours feedback sessions
- Agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress
- Agree to complete end of program evaluations
In order to qualify as an Explorer or mentee, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An ACB member for at least 2 years
- Current on membership dues
- Demonstrate an eagerness to learn and grow
- Faithfully attend and participate in goal-setting sessions with a designated guide/mentor
- Agree to meet with Guide/Mentor at least twice a month
- Agree to attend and participate in group empowerment sessions, including quarterly Check Point Meetings and Office Hours feedback sessions
- Agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress
- Agree to complete end of program evaluations
How to Apply
Visit the links below to find the Mentee/Explorer and Mentor/Guide applications.
Contact the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team
Communicate with the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team by sending email to: [email protected]. If it is more feasible to call, dial 409-866-5838.
Thanks for your interest in becoming an ACB Guide or Explorer!