Mentor an Emerging Creative Professional!
AOBAwesome!
#AOBAwesome is a behind the scenes look on the young professionals who work in our studio. Meet Julia, an English major at #UMD interested in careers in digital content media. Check out Julia’s website here!
Mentorship at AOB
Mentor recruitment happens in the Fall (Oct-Dec.). If you are interested in being a mentor, please fill out our Mentor Interest form and we will reach out once recruitment opens!
For questions, please contact our College and Career Readiness Coordinator, Kelly Palmer, kpalmer@artsontheblock.com.
Launched in 2019, the mission of the Mentorship Program is to complement the collaborative emphasis of AOB studio work with individualized one-on-one mentorship that supports emerging artists to envision and achieve their educational and career goals. As AOB apprentices and studio crew form meaningful and mutual relationships with creative professionals, they:
- Practice self-promotion and self-advocacy;
- Learn long-term envisioning and planning skills;
- Receive specialized assistance with their endeavors; and
- Develop a social and professional network beyond AOB.
Inspire Achievement as an AOB Mentor!
AOB Mentors are empowering, knowledgeable, resourceful, adult volunteers who serve as a support and trusted confidant to an emerging creative and helps ensure that important academic, professional, and life skill milestones are met. They also expose young artists to a network of opportunities and a wide array of resources while encouraging positive professional and educational choices and building pathways to long-term goals. What’s more, one-on-one mentorship is a proven tool for achieving inclusion and equity in the creative industries where familiarity with professional norms and a strong network of connections can be the key to a young person’s success.
Mentor Responsibilities to AOB Emerging Artists
- Commit to a 12 month relationship with a young creative
- Meet at least 4 hours per month (or 1 hour/week), to engage in professional/educational/career development activities
- Be encouraging, supportive, and communicate with consistency
- Honor all commitments made to the emerging creative and AOB
- Be respectful of our young creative’s time, opinions, and decision-making
- Serve as a positive role model via Positive Youth Development
- Be comfortable and able to establish appropriate boundaries with youth
- Help young creatives develop a milestone plan for achieving their long-term educational/career goals
Mentor Responsibilities to Arts on the Block
- Attend meetings with other Mentors to discuss program successes and areas to improve
- Communicate regularly with Program Coordinators to track the progress and goals of our emerging creatives
- Support building a safe, supportive, welcoming, and trauma-sensitive environment
Qualifications
- At least 5 years of professional experience
- Submit an application with 2 references
- Previous volunteer experience desired
- Exhibit a genuine passion to empower young creative leaders
- Have a solid network of connections and a willingness to share resources and make professional contacts
- Pass a criminal background check
- Reside in the DMV area or be an AOB alum living elsewhere and able to work remotely
