Mentors Program Guidelines The Rangers Guild Mentors are a group of devoted Rangers dedicated to providing guidance to the less experienced Guild members. Their goal is to help new members become comfortable with their new Guild and responsibilities, while teaching them the many ways of a Ranger. Mentors provide advice in various areas such as Guild Policy, character development, etiquette, roleplay and exploration. The Program is team oriented and will be comprised of at least three teams. Each team contains Mentors of progressive ranks, headed by a Team Leader. Guild Lieutenants (GLs) oversee the teams and ensure that the Program runs smoothly and successfully. Each Mentor plays an important part in providing an enriched environment benefiting all Guild members. Mentor Ranks Within the Mentors Program, it is possible to advance to higher ranks. Each rank is progressively more challenging. All ranks, beyond those in Training, have some duties in common. In addition to the obvious tasks involved with tutoring, they are expected to provide information and to help welcome newcomers to our Guild. In doing so, they should offer to send them a Welcome Pack, ask if they have any immediate questions and offer them an armband. Generally, once a Mentor has completed the training period, he/she is considered dedicated to the Program and is given more responsibility and duties. Mentors are familiar with various topics, which includes knowledge of our Guild Charter and history, roleplaying, weaponsmithing, training, mapping, various policies, expectations, etiquette, character development, etc. The Program also offers some flexibility for those who wish to help in a particular area or excel in a certain expertise, but do not have the time needed to tutor one-on-one. For more on this, please see the Special Mentor rank below. Optionally, Ranger Guild Mentors will be identified by an ~M~ designator in their title. Current Ranger Mentor ranks and their associated duties are as follows. Mentor in Training: After a Ranger has been accepted into the Mentor Program, they will spend a minimum of three weeks assisting more experienced Mentors with their students, studying the Handbook and learning the Guidelines of the program. Once their training Mentor feels they are ready to teach on their own, the Mentor in Training will be promoted to the rank of Ranger Mentor. A Mentor in Training has several duties. They are to attend at least three individual training sessions with more experienced mentors and/or classes taught by other Mentors. Additionally, a Mentor in Training should greet new Rangers, inform them about the Mentor Program and give rune armbands when appropriate. While in training, a Mentor needs to learn some of the different skill costs for various classes, learn where the training areas are and be able to intelligently discuss and defend the Guild Charter, History, and Policies. They will meet casually with new Rangers and answer any questions they might have. If unable to answer the question, they will contact their trainer or another experienced mentor. When a Mentor has completed their training, they should be able to mentor a student individually, handle common questions and be able to teach/discuss guild related issues pertaining to the topics referenced above with a small group of Rangers. While Mentors are encouraged to be well versed in all areas, a Mentor need only be an expert in one area to advance. In other words, pick a topic and be prepared to explain and defend it to others. Ranger Mentor: At this rank, a Mentor will teach Rangers on an individual and small group basis. A Mentors Armbrace will be awarded. They may have up to five students at any one time and are expected to evaluate their students and provide information to keep other mentors informed about the student's progress. A Ranger Mentor may also teach small informal classes or hold discussions on any of the topics referenced above. In addition to teaching, a Ranger Mentor is expected to recruit new Ranger students into the program. A Mentor does not wait for someone to come to them; instead they actively seek out those new to the Guild, check on their progress and answer any questions they might have. They will direct them to the appropriate web page, various documents and to different Programs when appropriate. Mentors will keep in contact with those new to the Guild via tells, messages and by spending time in the Guild. When a new student is obtained, the Mentor will record it in the Mentors Database and will update it as the student progresses. In order to advance to the next Rank, a mentor must have mentored Rangers on an individual basis, recruited students to the Program, adhered to the guidelines and be prepared to teach a class or hold a discussion on at least two different topics. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable in training recommendations for a variety of classes and/or goals. Mentors acknowledge that students and their needs are to be addressed on an individual basis. Team Leaders will evaluate their progress and make promotion recommendations as appropriate. Dedicated Mentor: A mentor who has proven to be a positive force within the Guild and who is active in gshouts, posts and with students may find themselves at this rank. In addition to their normal mentoring duties, a Dedicated Mentor should expect to do assist the GLs with special projects that may involve research or preparation of materials for other mentors/students. The Dedicated Mentor will continue to increase their knowledge of the Guild and should be able to discuss at least three of the previously mentioned topics. They will hold at least one class, discussion and/or event each RL month. They may have up to ten students and will be expected to help train new Mentors. When a new student is obtained, the Mentor will record it in the Mentors Database and will update it as the student progresses. Because of the their experience and depth of knowledge, an Honoured Mentor may find themselves assisting Rangers who have more challenges than the average Guild member. They must demonstrate patience and an ability to handle problems without losing control. At this rank, they may also review applications, and assist with interviewing prospective Mentors at the discretion of their Team Leader and/or the Mentor GLs. The Team Leader will evaluate their progress and promotion recommendations will be made as appropriate. Guardian Mentor: While a Guardian Mentor may still teach a few Rangers, their primary goal is to recruit remarkable Rangers into the Program, teach Mentors of lower rank and monitor the progress of other Mentors. A Guardian Mentor should still meet regularly with new Rangers and assist them with their acclimation to the Guild, even if the Ranger is not in the Program. A Guardian Mentor will often host small classes, events or discussions to encourage students to ask questions and to learn the ways of the Redwood. Some at this rank will serve as Team Leaders, heading a group of four to five Mentors of varying rank. Leaders are responsible for their team members' progress within the Program. They are required to help maintain the Mentors Database to keep it current and further inform the Mentors GLs as appropriate. These Mentors also provide guidance to their team members in adhering to the Program Guidelines. Guardian Mentors offer advice for promotion, optionally approve applications, assist with interviewing, assign students to other Mentors, teach new Mentors and may act as backup for the Mentors GLs. GL Roles All the GO's are the backbone of this Program. They are responsible for coordinating and organizing Mentor activities and all that is involved in meeting the Program's goals. They serve Mentors in facilitating an effectively functioning team. Both GLs have the same responsibilities and duties, although they may segregate the roles as they deem appropriate. Specific duties, which may also be delegated, include the following: Recruitment. The team roster will be reviewed at least monthly to identify inactive members. An attempt will be made to contact them and unless they intend to support the team as required, they will be retired. A notice will be sent monthly to all Team Leaders seeking recommendations for replacements. Prospective mentors will be approached and encouraged to apply if interested. Additionally, gshouts, gnotices and message board posts will be done as needed for ongoing recruitment to maintain an active team. The Mentors Database will be kept current at all times and a roster will be posted on the Guild's message board as needed. Application. Prospective mentors will complete a form, available on the Mentors web site which will be sent to both GLs. The GLs may choose to consult with Team Leaders, but will decide within one week and notify the applicant of their decision. If the person is accepted as a Specialty Mentor, at least one GL will follow-up with an interview before deciding. New mentors will be assigned a rank and added to the team with the least amount of members. Training. The GLs will ensure that each mentor has access to vital information needed to assist them in providing guidance. Information will include such things as the Charter, Welcome Pack, Mentors Database, Mentor Handbook, Guild Policies, etc. They will regularly meet with team members, whether individually or in a group, to evaluate training needs. Classes and/or one-on-one instruction will be provided as needed on a regular basis. Communication. A mailing list will be used to facilitate correspondence amongst team members. This list may be used to distribute training info., obtaining feedback, exchange of ideas, etc. Activity will be monitored to encourage team spirit and to enforce accountability. The Mentors GLs will also ensure that the Mentors Database is maintained. Meetings will be held at least once each RL month. Additional meetings will be held as needed to promote group objectives. The GLs will keep the GM informed of Program status and will promptly notify him/her of any problems and/or difficulties requiring further attention. An article pertaining to the Mentor Program will be provided to the Guild Scribe on a monthly basis for inclusion in the Guild's Newsletter. It may include an overview of current activity, upcoming events, news pertaining to team members, etc. Additionally, regular updates will be provided to the Mentors webmaster to ensure that the Mentors web site reflects current and accurate information. Promotions. Activity and progress will be monitored to identify mentors ready to advance in rank and to recognize outstanding contributions. Consultation with Team Leaders, review of the Mentors Database, and personal observation will be done on a day-to-day basis. The GLs will ensure that appropriate recognition is provided at least monthly. Application Process Guild members seeking to become a Mentor will first submit an application to the GLs. The application is found below and will be reviewed by a Mentors GL upon receipt. Optionally, Team Leaders and/or other GOs may also review any application. At the GLs discretion, a Ranger that has shown an excellence in either a specific area or has demonstrated a broad array of knowledge can be asked to become a Mentor without need of an application. Applicants will be notified within one earth week of acceptance or rejection. If a rejection is needed, advice on how to proceed and/or gain additional knowledge will be presented as warranted. Student Recruitment Any Guild members seeking guidance or having questions may contact any Mentor or one of the GLs to be assigned a Mentor. Mentors will actively seek newcomers and students on a regular basis and respond to questions from Guild members as able. They will encourage members to tag their gshouts so that they may be contacted in person. There are many ways to identify newcomers and obtain students, as follows: 1) Review the Gwho. Look for those without titles. They may want a Mentor or otherwise have questions; ask them. 2) Frequent the Guild recall point. Newer members can almost always be found there. You'll know who they are by the way they run in and out of each room, trying to figure out where they are or asking people for gold, or directions on how to find this or that. Ask if they would like a Mentor or have questions that you can help with. 3) Monitor the gshouts. When someone is asking a general type question, it's a good indication that they are new to the Guild. If they have not tagged, ask who they are and contact them individually. Again, offer to help mentor or answer other questions they may have. 4) Guildshout often that you are a Mentor and offer assistance to any newcomers or others having questions. 5) Hold an activity targeted to the newcomers, such as a discussion of Guild History, policies or Guild Programs. You may also hold some other event that focuses on teaching something or that requires thought, such as a game of Guild Tag or scavenger hunts, etc. If it's clear that participants are new to the Guild, ask if they have a Mentor. Share the results on the Guild's message board. 7) Post a message on the Guild's message board indicating that you're a Mentor asking for a reply if anyone would like one. 8) Attend other Guild activities on a regular basis. Again, identify the newcomers and offer assistance. 9) Ask the Guild Scribe to include a brief article for you in the Guild's newsletter and/or distribute it via the Rangers Guild mailing list. Note: A "New Student" is a Guild member that has enrolled in the Program, not someone that you've answered a few questions for and have no further contact with. Title Policy Many Rangers walk the lands with titles before their names. Do you often ponder how? In accordance with the Policy, there are two ways to obtain a title: The first option is to achieve guild level 21 and then take some time to prepare a meaningful self-history. If you then post it on the Guild's message board, you may request a title from the GuildMistress/Master (GM). You may also send the GM a message with the title request. Perhaps you find it very trying to obtain guild level 21, or would prefer another means of obtaining a title. The second option is to enter the Mentors Program as a student. To enter the Program, please contact a Guild Mentor or Guild Officer (GO). You will be assigned a Mentor who is usually available when you are. The Mentor, or the Mentor's Guild Lieutenant (GL), will provide instructions on how to complete the five-step Program. You may complete these steps in any order (except for the last), and take as long as needed. 1) The student will be required to post their history on the Guild's message board. The Mentor will explain the roleplay that can be developed by doing so, and that it will help introduce them to other Guild members. 2) The student will be required to meet with their Mentor a minimum of two times to discuss any questions he or she may have. The first meeting referenced above is not considered one of the two. These meetings should help remedy any questions the student has about the Guild and the lands. 3) The student shall be required to talk with two Ranger elders (age 40 and up) about what being a Ranger means to them. If the student's mentor fits in this category then it will count as one. This will help him/her to have a sense of how the Rangers Guild can be more then just a Guild, but also a home. 4) The student will be required to attend one scheduled Guild event. The event may be from the following programs: Events (Task Force), Hunts, or Mentors. This will encourage the Ranger to get to know people in the Guild and keep them actively participating. If a student is on at odd times; thus unable to make any events, he/she may discuss this with their mentor, and the Mentor's GL will make a decision accordingly. 5) The student is required to meet with the Mentor's GL for a final talk. The GL will ask how they liked/disliked the program and what they have learned. This will aid the Mentor's GL in resolving repetitive problems. At this point, the student will give his/her title request to the Mentor's GL. Upon completion of the 5th step, the Mentor's GL will inform the GM of the Ranger's title request.