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The Society of American Archivists’ Mentoring Program—now in its 20th year—is designed to bring together members with shared interest in various aspects of the archival profession. The program’s goal is to cultivate career development and communication between members with areas of expertise and members who want to build their knowledge within those areas.
Students, educators, working archivists, records managers, and retirees—every SAA member is eligible to participate as a mentor or protégé.
SAA's Mentoring Program Subcommittee matches participants based on subject interests or geographic location. When a match is made, committee members notify the mentor and protégé, providing contact information and suggested guidelines. Together, the participating individuals determine their expectations and how to best structure their relationship. SAA encourages participants to stay involved for at least one year. Certainly, participants can extend this relationship as desired.
To apply as either a mentor or a protégé, click the link below and complete the form on the next page. SAA's Mentoring Program Subcommittee will contact you after reviewing your application. However, please understand that processing may be delayed for applications received between August 1 and September 1 due to preparation for SAA's Annual Meeting. Still, the subcommittee will attempt to identify matches during that time.
Please note that the mentoring program is a member benefit only available to active members of SAA. For other questions about the Mentoring Program, please email the Mentoring Program Subcommittee members by using our contact form.
Not an SAA member? Learn more or join now!
Think you don’t have expertise to share? Some of our colleagues waiting for mentors are just getting started in the profession and are looking for advice on schools, classes, career trajectory, résumé development, and interviewing skills. In addition, we frequently receive requests for mentors who live in particular geographic regions or who have expertise in a specific topic area.
Once matched, you and your protégé will determine the structure of your relationship. It might include exploring and exchanging thoughts on current trends in the archival profession together, introducing your protégé to other archives colleagues, or recommending Annual Meeting sessions to attend. The possibilities are endless, and your valuable advice and guidance could grow or launch an archivist’s career.