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13Jun11

Volunteer to become a mentor for “The FIRM”.

This summer, the PACTS Alumni Committee will be launching a brand-new endeavor in connection with The Franklin Institute. We’re calling it “The FIRM” – The Franklin Institute Resource for Mentoring. Our goal is to encourage students from around the region (including PACTS & SLA Students) to pursue college educations, with support and guidance from Mentors.

Who will serve as Mentors? Professionals, of all backgrounds who will commit to forming a relationship with one (or two) students. Since this is an alumni partnership program, we’re counting on the balance of these Mentors being PACTS Alumni Mentors.

As you consider the idea, remember the commitment to Mentoring is NOT all about meetings, and a lot of face-time with your student. We’re envisioning this a primarily “E-Mentoring” program, which means you’ll be communicating with our students primarily via email. In any case, we’re going to be supporting all of our Mentors via training, and encouragement to get your student relationships going.

Which brings me to our main point….this is a call for Volunteer Mentors. This summer, from July 6- August 12, we’ll be running a pilot of “The FIRM” with the teenage Explainer Students who will be working with the museum’s summer program. Since these students will be at the museum on weekdays for six weeks, we’ll be able to have close interaction with them, and you. By the end of the summer, we’ll be able to bring everyone together for a focus group that will help us to refine the elements of the program before its larger launch in the future.

This program is of high priority to the museum’s Education Vice President Frederic Bertley, PACTS Director Michael Burch, and I know it will become near and dear to the hearts of PACTS Alumni Members far and wide. If you’re interested, please reply via email before Friday, June 17, 2011. We’ll set up a conference call (or meeting depending on schedules) shortly thereafter to get everyone ready for launch. As always, you can reach me, and indicate your interest by emailing me at manuelsmith-at-gmail-dot-com

I look forward to your replies, questions, and especially your confirmations to participate. Thanks again for your time, consideration, and ongoing support of the PACTS Alumni Committee.

Manny Smith
Alumni Committee Chairperson