Diversify Dietetics Mentor Program

First, our structured mentor program provides customized mentor/mentee matches. Unlike the “ do it yourself” virtual mentor programs, our team carefully studies each mentor and mentee profile to ensure we are identifying the best match for you. We then provide resources for mentors and mentees to facilitate a successful relationship. While mentors are phenomenal at providing assistance when it comes to professional-related topics, some mentors may be inexperienced or uncomfortable in assisting their mentees with academic-related resources. We help fill in those gaps, saving our mentors precious time, and ensuring our mentees are getting the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Second, we have asked all mentees and mentors to commit to minimum program requirements in order to facilitate an effective mentor relationship. There also is little data available on what makes a successful mentor/mentee relationship for dietetics students of color. Our structured mentor program format allows us to collect data and continue to refine best practices for mentor programs.

• All Mentors must read, Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack resource.

• Meet with your mentor/mentee at least one hour per month (virtual or in-person) for the duration of program year.

• Develop jointly written goals (i.e.- documented and measurable) and sign the mentor program agreement with established goals.

• Provide formal feedback through the Diversify Dietetics' evaluation process.

Third, we don't think that dietetics students of color can only be mentored by dietetics professionals of color. But we DO believe that any professional that serves as a mentor must acknowledge and understand the systemic barriers that impact students and professionals of color in this field. It is our duty to provide our mentees a safe and protected space in the dietetics profession. It is required that all Mentor Program volunteers are committed to identifying and working to manage their own unconscious biases and microagressive thoughts and behaviors related to working with students of color.

We ask that, no matter their race or ethnicity, all Diversify Dietetics Volunteers read the following article before deciding to apply to volunteer in work with the Dietetics Community: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.

This article is by no means a completion of the personal work mentioned above, but an introduction to the realities that the students of our Community are facing, and to why we require that volunteers are committed to working on their own thoughts and behaviors towards their inherent privileges. If you read this work and are unsure if you are a good fit to mentor in this program, check out this resource to continue your work, and we encourage you to apply to volunteer at a future time, when you feel ready.