NEW MEMBER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Sons of the American Revolution is an organization with a wide variety of programs, procedures and rituals that have grown up over our long existence. As most Chapters only meet monthly and State organizations once or twice yearly and have much business to transact at every meeting, it can take a new member a long time to become accustomed to the procedures and significance of each phase of a meeting, the workings of the State and National Societies and how a member can participate and contribute to the work of the SAR.
Younger members who have an active life filled with daily employment, raising of children, running of businesses etc. do not have much time to dedicate to learning and reading about the society. In providing new member mentorship, the focus will be on providing information regarding the S.A.R. in general and the chapter in particular, and on any interests the new member has that will have them become involved in the chapter.
Spending just a few minutes with a mentor who can give accurate and thoughtful answers to a new member's questions will ease the anxiety a new member feels when seeking to acclimate themselves to a new organization. For those wishing to explore or get involved further, it is helpful to have an experienced hand show the proper course to take. A mentor can meet with the new member outside of SAR functions to allow an expanded time for discussion.
A mentor would be:
• A chapter member who would either volunteer or be assigned by the chapter to work with a new member
• Able to introduce, guide, and foster a long-term relationship with the new member.
• Have a good understanding of the chapter's officers, committees, its activities, and goals.
• May or may not be the 1st or 2nd line sponsor for the new member.
• Should have sufficient time and energy to provide the needed support in the integrating the new member into the SAR.
A mentor can:
• Provide introductions to other members(at all levels)
• Greet him at a meeting and sit with him to guide him through the rituals
• Review basic SAR protocol
• Explain the officers and their roles in the organization
• Explain future leadership opportunities
• Explain the aims of the many committees of the SAR
• Show where to find more information(websites, handbooks)
• Learn his interests and skills then help him find a way to apply them in SAR
• Invite him to participate in a Color Guard action
• Invite him to present awards (Citizenship, youth related, flag certificates, etc.)
• Invite him to a DAR or CAR event
• Invite him to attend a state meeting
• Invite him to become an officer of the chapter after consistent participation
If you do not have a Chapter Mentor and would like to request one, please fill out this form and we will have one of our helpful mentors contact you.