Mentorship is a two-way partnership in which an experienced individual passes on their knowledge, experience and professional connections to help a less experienced individual.

LIP helps
newcomers settle
in rural communities.

LIP Mission

Benefits of Mentorship

  • Build community involvement
  • Develop relationships within the community
  • Make a difference and positively impact the lives of others
  • Increase intercultural perspective and competency
  • Expand personal and professional networks
  • Recognize participation with certificates of appreciation and formal acknowledgements

Why Mentor

  • Share valuable knowledge based on personal experiences
  • Work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
  • Improve personal understanding of issues and barriers affecting newcomers in Canada
  • Develop personalized coaching, communication and motivational leadership skills
  • Help others succeed

Mentor Roles and Responsibilities

  • Identify agenda and goals with the newcomer
  • Define communication expectations and methods with the newcomer
  • Agree upon appropriate timeframes of mentorship services
  • Participate in monthly check-ins with a mentor coach
  • Ensure confidentiality

Mentoring Support Resources

The Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) team will assist mentors with a variety of tasks, including:

  • Assistance pairing mentors and newcomers
  • Availability and scheduling issues
  • Beginning, pausing or ending a mentorship
  • Support and guidance through challenges
  • Addressing concerns between the mentor and newcomer
  • Inquiries of commitment renewal

Mentor Resources

The following are potential resources for mentors:

  • Online resources offering mentoring tips
  • Information about existing relevant community services and resources 
  • Methods to measuring success
  • Workshops for personal development, leadership skill building and intercultural competency training
  • Information about potential meeting spaces including coffee shops, offices, libraries, parks and online platforms

Embracing Our Values

The following are the LIP core values:

  • Caring: Have a sincere and compassionate interest in the well-being of your newcomer
  • Integrity: Believe in trust, honesty, and fairness in your relationship and transactions with your newcomer
  • Learning: Believe in the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and development
  • Respect: Value the dignity and uniqueness of your mentor. Value the equity and diversity in our community

The Mentorship Process

DECIDE

The first step is about deciding why and how you want to become a mentor. Why should you join? How can you help? 

APPLY

Tell us about you. Complete the interactive Mentor Application Form to the best of your ability and comfort level.

MATCH

Connect with your mentor coach for helpful tools and training. Then meet the newcomer you have been matched with.

GROW

Build community connections with your newcomer. Have fun celebrating diversity and inclusion. Share learning!

Helpful Skills of a Mentor

  • Non-judgemental mindset
  • Active listening
  • Empathy
  • Intuition
  • Passion
  • Determination
  • Kindness
  • Advocacy
  • Willingness to learn

Thoughtful Techniques

  • Respect the self-determination and autonomy of all newcomers
  • Encourage engagement
  • Ask permission to share insights
  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Acknowledge emotions and lived experiences
  • Follow stipulated agenda
  • Practice self-care and reflection
  • Remain aware of cultural differences

Strategy for Success

  • Help identify goals and create an action plan
  • Assist in identifying and managing risks or potential barriers
  • Review and adjust goals
  • Coach, educate and inform the newcomer
  • Celebrate successes!

Helping newcomers benefit from the knowledge, experience and networks of mentors in our community.

Become a Mentor
Request a Mentor
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