2022 SFI Conference Green Mentor Cohort

May 01, 2022— August 31, 2022

“Even a small step forward is a great achievement for a mentor to see—the mentee ready to go toward their objective and what we have discussed, that’s really cool.”
Étienne Vézina Manager of forestry and certification Resolute Forest Products SFI-CERTIFIED ORGANIZATION

“Even a small step forward is a great achievement for a mentor to see—the mentee ready to go toward their objective and what we have discussed, that’s really cool.”
Étienne Vézina Manager of forestry and certification Resolute Forest Products SFI-CERTIFIED ORGANIZATION

“Being matched with someone also in my field gave me the opportunity to still be a part of and discuss the industry in depth, which really made a world of difference as I navigated my future goals and aspirations… I’m quite confident I have built a relationship that I can continue far into my career.”
Alexandra Lalande PLT Canada Green Mentee

“Being matched with someone also in my field gave me the opportunity to still be a part of and discuss the industry in depth, which really made a world of difference as I navigated my future goals and aspirations… I’m quite confident I have built a relationship that I can continue far into my career.”

Alexandra Lalande

PLT Canada Green Mentee

In June, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Project Learning Tree (PLT) will engage with some of the foremost thought leaders in the forest and environmental education sectors at the 2022 SFI/PLT Annual Conference.

This year’s theme is Collaborating for Communities and Forests, and we will be connecting leaders from the forest sector, including conservation, community, and educational professionals, and PLT coordinators and educators to find even more ways to collaborate and learn from each other.

SFI will be sponsoring a small delegation of students and young professionals to attend the SFI/PLT Annual Conference from June 14-16, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin and participate in a four-month mentorship program.

Successful applicants will have an all-expenses-paid opportunity to join the 2022 SFI/PLT Annual Conference. This is a chance to meet and network with like-minded young adults, students, and employers, to gain valuable knowledge from experts in the field, and to share your voice in this important discussion.

The 2022 SFI Conference Green Mentor program is mentee-driven. Mentees are expected to initiate contact and guide the conversation. Matched pairs should meet at least 2–3 hours per month. Webinars on mentorship and forest careers will also be available during the four-month program.

Please note that the program will be offered in English only.

Benefits of participation

Grow your professional network.
Build confidence in your skills and abilities.
Plan your green career pathway and learn about different opportunities.
Develop new soft skills like communication, goal setting, and problem solving.
Meet your mentor in person at the 2022 SFI/PLT Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.

There are limited spots available in the program, so interested individuals should understand that there is no guarantee they will be accepted into the program if they apply.

Timeline

Selected participants will be contacted in May and will be provided welcome packages with details on the program, including expectations and schedules. Once selected, participants will attend the Kickoff Webinar in June, which will cover the basics of mentorship and how to make the most of the mentorship program as a mentee. Participants will then get the chance to meet with their mentors and other mentees at the 2022 SFI/PLT Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. The program will continue virtually until September, 2022.

May: Accepted applicants notified
June: Kickoff Webinar and Mentorship Training (Online). Meet and Greet at the SFI/PLT Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin
July–August: Mentorship continues (Online/in-person if safe to do so)
September: Mentorship program ends; Final Celebration (Online)

Eligibility and Participation Requirements for Mentees

Are you looking to expand your forest and conservation knowledge, goals, and network? Ever think, I want a mentor? Well, students and young professionals ages 18–35 can become mentees in the 2022 SFI Conference Green Mentor Cohort.

In the Green Mentor program, mentees drive the relationship with their mentors and actively pursue conversations with them. Mentees also develop clear career goals within the forest and conservation sector and reflect on their progress throughout the four-month mentorship match.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply as a mentee, you must:

Be between 18–35 years old. We will make exceptions as needed.
Be available to meet your mentor 2–3 hours per month (virtually).
Want support planning your career pathway in the forest and conservation sector.
Have specific skills or habits you want to improve.
Commit to the four months of the program and respect the time of your mentor.
Be able to attend the SFI/PLT Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin from June 14-16, 2022.

If you are accepted as a mentee, you will need to:

Set a goal at the beginning of the program and submit a proposal to your mentor.
Come prepared with topics for each mentorship meeting (with support from the 2022 SFI Conference Green Mentor program training materials).
Participate in skill development and self-reflection.
Engage in a learning process that will help you develop your career pathway. This process might include webinars and training modules in addition to interacting with your mentor.
Complete the Career Pathway Plan online course by the end of the four-month mentorship term. You will be guided by the SFI Conference Green Mentor team and your mentor on how to do this.
Work collaboratively with the SFI Conference Green Mentor team to ensure that you and your mentor are satisfied with the program.

Applying means you understand and commit to the requirements and expectations listed above.