Imagine, Nurture, Support, Prepare, Influence, Reflect, Evolve
Program Objective
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. The program is a nine-month exploration of learning and grasping new concepts.
ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team
- Kenneth Semien, Sr., Chair, Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee
- Cheryl Cumings – Chair, ACB Multicultural Affairs Committee
- Donna Brown – Chair, Berl Colley Leadership Institute Training Committee
- Donna Browning – Liaison, ACB Membership Committee.
INSPIRE Program Experience Highlights
- Introductory Guide-Explorer Meet and Greet Session
- Informative orientation training sessions
- Personalized Guide-Explorer team meetings
- Interactive quarterly Check Point meetings
- Empowerment segments with leaders of the blindness community, as well as, other collaborative partnerships.
- Office Hours feedback sessions
- Support meetings with the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team
- Sharing of inspirational books, articles, poems, quotes, and other material from the INSPIRE Library
- Participant communication on the designated ACB INSPIRE Mentoring email list
- End of Program Evaluation Survey
Online applications will be accepted from July 19th through August 17th. The 2025 cohort will be selected by September 5th, and the program year will begin on September 19th. Activities will conclude on June 18,
2025. The program culminates with a virtual graduation ceremony during the virtual week of the ACB Conference and Convention.
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.
Program Components
Mentorship
We will seek to define mentorship as it pertains to our organization and work to support members who participate in the mentorship program, while ensuring that they are aware of ACB’s mission, vision, and purpose for existence. We will also promote the inclusion of ACB’s Core Values.
Access
Members will be given the opportunity to access an array of meaningful information, resources, training sessions and personalized support.
Peer Support
An emphasis will be placed on connecting with members through the provision of knowledge, experience, emotional, social and practical support.
Guidance
Define how we can best provide guidance to inspire members to take a journey with us as we explore and share proven connectivity concepts that are supportive of their specific needs, while allowing them to feel free to express their thoughts throughout the process.
Understanding
It will be important for us to demonstrate good listening skills and respectful communication as we consider the background and life experiences of our members. This will assist us in determining the best course of action.
Intervention
A mentor is a solution oriented individual who focuses on areas in which another person can receive insight, inspiration, and encouragement. There are times when a mentor is able to observe particular traits being displayed that may reveal evidence that timely intervention may very well assist an individual in advancing, when otherwise the lack of support could result in unfavorable outcomes.
Direction
Confirm the goals and aspirations of each participating mentee in an effort to provide adequate and personalized orientation, direction, advice, techniques, leadership, a method of monitoring progress to determine when and if other courses of action are necessary, and assist in maintaining focus on the desired outcome.
Empowerment
Following the provision of purposeful tools and techniques to accomplish goals and aspirations, members will be better prepared to confidently and independently move toward their desired level of success.
ACB INSPIRE Applicant Criteria
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 within ACB, one of its affiliates or chapters
- 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
Explorer or Mentee Applicant Criteria
- An ACB member for at least 2 years (membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or chapter)
- 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
The ACB INSPIRE Mentoring team is excited to begin accepting applications today, July 19, 2024 and will continue to do so until August 17, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern. We are seeking applications from those who wish to be considered for selection as a Guide/Mentor or Explorer/Mentee in the 2024-2025 cohort of the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Program. Please be sure to read the criteria for each of the program roles.
Read the program material before submitting your application.
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!