Every journey begins with a first step, whether it is a trek to faraway lands or a walk around the block. Each one, no matter how ambitious or conservative, commences with a single step -- a foot out the door venturing to something new. The same is true in our personal journeys, the paths we take to self-development. As we make the decision to work on a facet of our lives, we are taking our first step on a journey that will change the way we think or feel about ourselves and the world around us. We could explore the familiar and delve for deeper meaning or visit a world that is completely new. Ultimately, whichever path we take, we find ourselves enriched by the experience and see that the journey we have taken has made us a more complete person. For Lions, a path for self-development can be found in the Lions Mentoring Program, an educational journey that is appropriate for both the recent and long-term member. Through this program, one can visit new areas or explore familiar territory and glean fresh meaning and purpose.
The Lions Mentoring Program pairs a Mentoring Lion and a Protégé Lion in a mutually beneficial relationship to help the protégé gain the knowledge, experience and leadership skills needed to make that person an outstanding Lion. Mentoring offers the opportunity for both the mentor and protégé to learn, grow and reach their fullest potential together.
The program is divided into four levels, each composed of specific goals that need to be reached within a defined period of time. Upon the successful completion of each Level, an appropriate recognition award is bestowed upon the Protégé Lion and the Mentoring Lion.
The beginning of the journey is marked by Level One: Responsibility, which focuses on the completion of a thorough and proper orientation of the new member. To successfully complete this level, the orientation needs to take place within the first three months of the Protégé Lion's membership. Upon conclusion of this level, the protégé and mentor are publicly acknowledged during a club meeting.
Next, the participating Lions will encounter Level Two: Relationships. During this level, the Mentoring Lion and the Protégé Lion will meet the objectives of the Proud Lion/Proud Sponsor program. Together, they have five goals designed to increase the Protégé Lion's involvement and understanding of the club. Completion of this segment of the journey is expected within the first six months of the Protégé Lion's membership. When the goals of this level are successfully completed, the Proud Lion/Proud Sponsor lapel pin will be awarded to both the mentor and protégé.
As their journey continues, mentor and protégé will venture to Level Three: Results. Goals at this level focus on developing leadership and management skills. The Protégé Lion becomes more engaged in club activities, such as chairing a committee, sponsoring a new member, conducting a community needs assessment and attending a district, multiple district or international convention. These goals will take approximately one to three years to reach, during which time the protégé will gain a deeper understanding regarding the association and the responsibilities of leadership. The Protégé Lion will also develop a host of skills to help prepare him or her for future leadership roles.
Upon achieving Level Three goals, both the mentor and protégé receive handsome Level Three certificates. This Level also provides an excellent stepping-stone for the Protégé Lion to participate in the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute.
The final milestone of the Lions Mentoring Program is Level Four: Replication. This level challenges the Protégé Lion to deepen his or her involvement in the club with activities such as holding the office of club president, obtaining an advanced Membership Key, conducting an orientation session for new club members and participating in club extension activities. It is expected that reaching this goal will take two to four years, at which point the Protégé Lion is well prepared to participate in a Senior Lions Leadership Institute. The mentor and protégé are each awarded the distinctive Level Four certificate and lapel pin in honor of their impressive achievement.
While completion of Level Four represents an end to this particular journey, learning never truly ceases. The knowledge and skills developed through the Lions Mentoring Program will benefit participants and provide motivation well into the future.
Like any well-guided journey, the Lions Mentoring Program has valuable resource materials to lead participants through the process. These resources are the "maps" that will guide the protégé and mentor through this unique educational voyage. The Lions Mentoring Program "Mentorship Guide" thoroughly explains the concepts and objectives of the program. This informative publication details the principles of mentorship and the attributes of a successful mentor-protégé relationship and applies them to the Lions Mentorship Program.
In addition, each level has its own planner that outlines the specific goals, timeframes and strategies for successfully completing the program. The planners include forms for the mentor and protégé to plot their course for success in that level, and report results to International Headquarters.
To begin this voyage to a greater understanding of the association and yourself, express your desire to begin the program to either your sponsor or club president. Lions of all experience levels are encouraged to embark on this program. The Lions Mentorship Program is appropriate for all who are interested in the challenge -- not just a new, incoming Lion. Those Lions who are past the beginning levels of the program will find opportunities and challenges in the higher levels. Qualified Lions may participate as mentors and protégés simultaneously given that Lions at different experience levels have distinct developmental needs and interests. Growth, knowledge and experience can come to both the protégé and mentor as they work their way through various facets of the program. That is what makes mentoring such an exciting and thoroughly satisfying experience for participants.
To take the first step on your self-development journey, contact the Membership Operations Department at International Headquarters at (630) 571-5466, ext. 355, or lionsmentoring@lionsclubs.org and request the Lions Mentoring Program Mentorship Guide (MTR-5) today.
