Welcome to the Reciprocal Mentorship Program Framework and Toolkit! This guide is designed to help you build, launch, and manage a successful cross-generational reciprocal mentorship program, from building the initial case to evaluating its long-term impact.
The Notion page is structured around four distinct phases, mirroring the lifecycle of a mentorship program. This allows you to work through the materials in a logical order, focusing on what you need at each phase.
Here's how to navigate the guide:
Phase 1: Program Overview & Advocacy Start here if you're in the initial stages of making the case for a reciprocal mentorship program. This phase provides the materials you need to secure buy-in from leadership and convince stakeholders. You'll find a Leadership Buy-in Checklist to ensure you hit all the key points, as well as Research/references, use cases and case studies to support your proposal.
Phase 2: Program Planning & Setup Once you have the green light, move to this phase. It's focused on the nuts-and-bolts of setting up your program. Use the Organizational Readiness Checklist and Organizational Trust Assessment to prepare your organization. The Participant Selection and Matching Guide and Mentorship Program Interest Form will help you find the right participants and build strong pairings.
Phase 3: Program Delivery Resources This is the launch phase. These are the resources you'll use to empower both your Legacy Partners and Growth Partners. The materials here include the Legacy Partner Playbook and Growth Partner Liaison Playbook to give everyone the tools they need for a successful mentorship journey. Use the Mentoring Partnership Ground Rules and Sample meeting agendas to set clear expectations and keep the conversations productive.
Phase 4: Evaluation & Continuous Improvement The final phase is all about measuring success and planning for the future. Use the Impact Story & KPI Reporting Template and Data Collection and Analysis Guidance to measure the program's effectiveness. The Continuous Feedback Loops section will help you gather insights to improve your program for future cohorts.
This toolkit is designed as a flexible resource that organizations can adapt to their own needs. All of the materials can be copied, customized, and branded to align with your organization’s style, culture, and program goals. Templates, questions, and visuals are meant to be tailored so they reflect your initiatives, priorities, and ways of working.
You can explore the toolkit in two ways:
Phase 1: Program Overview & Advocacy
This phase is all about getting buy-in and building the strategic case for the program. The materials here are designed for organizations to understand the "why" and convince leadership to move forward.
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Phase 2: Program Planning & Setup
This is the nuts-and-bolts phase where the program coordinator gets the pilot ready. These materials focus on the logistical and strategic planning needed before the program can launch.
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Phase 3: Program Delivery Resources
This phase is all about the actual launch and ongoing support for participants. The materials here are the playbooks and tools that everyone—from partners to liaisons—will use throughout their mentorship journey.
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Phase 4: Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
This final phase focuses on measuring the program's success and planning for its future. The documents here provide the tools to report on impact and make the program sustainable.
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