The best ways to recruit mentors/supporters for your program

Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Finding the right supporters is key to unlocking that potential, but recruiting them can sometimes be challenging. Here are some of the best ways to recruit supporters for your program using different platforms, emails, and social media.

Start with Your Network

The best supporters are often those who know you or are familiar with your work. Reach out to people in your network with relevant experience or expertise, such as students, alumni, and staff. They may be willing to support you themselves or connect you with others who can help.

Create a Mentor Recruitment Process

Expression of Interest Form: Capture mentor interest concisely by creating an expression of interest form using a tool like Microsoft Forms. Check out an example of an Expression of Interest form.

Vygo Platform:

1. Ensure that mentor access to your program is restricted.
2. Direct interested supporters to your program and ask them to join as a supporter.
3. Under 'Mentor Management,' check the 'Pending' list regularly.
4. Reach out to potential supporters for the next steps.

Leverage Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for recruiting supporters. LinkedIn is excellent for finding potential industry supporters, while TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are popular with higher education students.

1. Create eye-catching digital assets.
2. Add videos with captions.
3. Utilise a good Call-To-Action.
4. A/B test your social media campaigns.
5. Select the right target audience.

Utilise Institutional Communication Channels

Use your institution's communication channels, such as the student portal app, digital screens, and newsletters, to spread the word about your mentorship program.

1. Post regular updates and information on the student portal app.
2. Use digital screens around campus to display graphics and information.
3. Include program details in newsletters sent to students, staff, and alumni.

Send Emails

Craft targeted emails explaining your program, the supporter role, benefits, and how their expertise could help. Include a clear call to action on how to join. Embed videos of previous supporters' experiences and add your expression of interest form. Check out example supporter recruitment emails.

Attend Networking Events

Attend events at your institution, industry, or field of interest. Introduce yourself to potential supporters and ask if they would be willing to discuss mentorship opportunities further.

Leverage Existing Programs, Clubs, and Societies

Reach out to existing mentorship programs, clubs, or societies within your institution or community. They generally have a large student base and may help your program if it aligns with their mission.

Host Events

Consider hosting events like stalls, free breakfasts, or coffee meetups. To increase visibility, piggyback on other popular events at your institution.

Promote in Academic Lectures and Tutorials

Get in front of students by reaching out to relevant academics and presenting your program during lectures and tutorials. Use Vygo PowerPoint slides that include your Vygo platform QR code.

Update Your Website

Ensure your website content is relevant and appealing with a clear call to action. Check data analytics to track performance and identify any drop-off points.

Enable Supporters to Succeed

Use the Tier Mentor Model to structure and support your mentors effectively. This model can help mentors understand their roles better and enhance their mentoring experience.

Overall, recruiting supporters for your program can take effort, but there are many approaches you can take. By leveraging your network, using mentorship platforms, and reaching out through social media and email, you can find the right supporters to help you achieve your goals.