Each year, the network will offer a limited number of “forming organization mentorships” to promising leaders who are exploring the formation of an EAO in their states.
How far along do we have to be in the planning stages to be accepted?
- The group has have at least a loosely organized “kitchen cabinet” that meets regularly to plan the formation of a new EAO in their state
- This group’s policy aims are sufficiently developed to demonstrate consistency with the network’s policy principles.
- An individual is leading this effort who anticipates playing a role after the group is formally launched (may be as a board member, the lead staff person, a founding funder, etc.)
- The individual leader applying for apprenticeship can provide a strategic, tactical analysis of the state’s education reform landscape with some initial thinking about initial areas of work.
What are benefits of this mentorship?
- Twice annual meetings with a peer network to discuss policy research and the strategies and tactics for advancing that research (costs of meals and meeting expenses are covered)
- Once board is formalized, additional scholarship for board or other staff members to attend the annual policy summit (covers meeting and meal costs, but not travel)
- Twice annual apprentice meetings with seasoned EAO leaders
- Assignment of a formal mentor for a year, which would include a day or two onsite in the new state with the mentor, a day or two shadowing the mentor in the established state and ongoing access to strategic advice from a seasoned EAO leader.
What are the commitments to stay in this affiliation?
- Prior to each meeting, provide a report of progress toward formalizing the new organization. (In other words, must show progress in fundraising, board development, finding talent, etc. between bi-annual meetings.)
- Permission to share this information with interested funders providing support to the apprentice effort.
