Spring 2009 – Press Secretary Mentoring Program

Keeping constituents and the press back home informed of the great work our bosses are doing is crucial. That’s why the Democratic Communicators Network (www.democraticcommunicators.net) created a mentoring program to help new press secretaries become familiar with resources, learn about additional tools of the trade, and make connections with senior press staff on the Hill. Essentially, the mentoring program provides a link to pass knowledge from more experienced communications directors to new press staffers.

After three successful classes of graduates, we are ready to move forward with the next class of participants. Please note that previous mentors are welcome (and encouraged) to participate again.

About the Program:

This program is a three month commitment. After you have expressed your interest with this following email, I will send you a short survey. Based on those answers, mentees will be matched to mentors.

Each month focuses on a central discussion theme with questions/exercises that the pairs are advised to review. These cover topics like your media plan, press events, and even advice on office politics. These topics are just suggestions to get discussion started; often pairs end up talking about a variety of other issues. You and your partner are required to meet periodically throughout the month (approximately 4 hours a month is expected) and the DCNet team will follow up with each of you throughout the program to see how things are going.

Those are the basics.

If you are interested, please respond to this email and answer the following questions:

1. Name:

2. Your Member’s Name/State/District number:

3. Phone:

4. Email address:

5. Would you like to be a Mentor (more than two years of Hill press experience) or Mentee (less than one year of Hill press experience):

5. Can you commit 4 hours a month to the program for 3 months?