2024 Program Guidelines

Apply to Becom a Mentor or Mentee

Welcome to GMCA’s Mentoring Program. If you are a mentor, thank you for your willingness to serve and give back to a new city clerk. If you are a mentee, we appreciate your initiative and desire to gain valuable insight from our seasoned clerks and expand your knowledge of local government so that you can be most effective in your new role.

Local government is a complex and constantly changing environment. For new clerks, it can be daunting to take on the role of clerk and immediately be responsible for the many duties that clerks oversee. Below is a list of benefits of participating in the mentoring program for both the mentor and the mentee.

Benefits of Being a Mentor

• The satisfaction that comes from giving back and sharing your knowledge 
• A new perspective 
• A deeper appreciation for the value you can offer 
• Improved communication skills  
• Developed leadership skills 
• Authentic relationships  

Benefits of Being a Mentee

• Gain practical advice, encouragement, and support 
• Learn from the experience of others 
• Increase your social confidence 
• Become more empowered to make decisions 
• Develop your communication and personal skills 
• Develop strategies for working through situations within local government 

Program Outline

To participate in this program, clerks must be a member of GMCA. For more information on how to join, visit the GMCA website.

New clerks participating in the program are assigned to an experienced mentor. During the first year, mentors and mentees agree to the following:

• Schedule an initial virtual meeting to establish the mentor/mentee relationship. (GMA staff will help facilitate this meeting).
• Visit each other’s city at least one time. (Must be agreed upon by both parties).
• Meet in person or communicate by phone, email, or virtual meetings as often as needed, but at least once a month.

Mentor Responsibilities

• Initiate contact with the mentee.
• Provide ongoing guidance, support, and encouragement.
• Share common practices.
• Assist with resources, tools, and information.
• Identify opportunities and encourage involvement in GMA & CVIOG training.

Mentee Responsibilities

• Ask questions and solicit advice.
• Initiate contacting the mentor when needed.
• Be willing to listen to the mentor.
• Devote time to the mentoring program.

GMA/GMCA Responsibilities

• Assign mentee with a mentor serving in a like size city and closely related by services and location.
• Facilitate the initial meeting of the mentor and mentee.
• Follow up with mentor and mentee throughout the one-year program to ensure both parties receive the necessary feedback and communication. This may be facilitated through the following:
  • Emails 
  • Phone Calls 
  • Virtual Meetings 
  • Surveys 

If it is determined that the assigned mentor or mentee is not a good fit for the other or is not following the program’s requirements, GMA/GMCA staff will reassign the mentor or mentee as appropriate.  

We hope you find value and fulfillment in this program. Remember, this program is beneficial to both the mentee and the mentor. If done appropriately, both participants can gain knowledge and experience in their roles from one another. If you have questions, concerns, or feedback, please get in touch with either program facilitator: Sherri Bailey by email or phone at (470) 755-1357. 

Mentor Checklist

Download a printable PDF of the Mentor Checklist.

• Attend the first virtual meeting with the mentee facilitated by GMA staff 
• Follow up within the first two weeks of the meeting to see how the mentee is doing and what questions they may have. Share resources with them that you have found beneficial to you in your role over the years 
• Schedule a monthly check-in. It can be a phone call, virtual meeting, or in person. We highly encourage you to check in with your mentee in one of these ways and not with just an email. Emails are encouraged throughout the year to share information, send motivational notes, etc., but each month take the time to SPEAK with your mentee. Also, you may want to consider an agenda so that you can be prepared; however, at the same time, be flexible so that it can be open and personal 
• Visit the mentee’s city at least one time within the first three months of the program. 
• Invite your mentee to your city (e.g., attend a meeting, community event, etc.) 
• Encourage mentees on various training opportunities and events in which they can build their networks 
• Set goals and expectations to help guide the mentorship 

Mentee Checklist

Download a printable PDF of the Mentee Checklist.

• Attend first virtual meeting with mentor facilitated by GMA staff 
• Reach out to your mentor anytime you have a question or need support 
• Visit your mentor’s city at least once within the first three months of the program 
• Invite your mentor to your city (e.g., attend a meeting, community event, etc.) 
• Devote time to the mentor program 
• Be flexible and open to learning. By listening to the advice of your mentor, you can learn from their experience to help guide you  
• Set goals and expectations to help guide the mentorship