Mentor-Editor FAQ
for Mentors
1. How fast must I respond to my Mentee?
Upon agreeing to a match, you agree to respond to your Mentee within 24 hours (so we can confirm the match), and to provide rapid feedback—ideally within 24 hours and always within a few days. It is crucial to the integrity of the program that you respect this commitment. If something comes up and you cannot meet your commitment, contact us immediately.
2. What kind of feedback should I give?
Start with at least THREE positive pieces of feedback. For example, simply: “I’m glad to meet you, your topic is important, and it’s great that you have written this. The point you raise in you’re fourth paragraph is particularly interesting.” Our mission is to increase the number of women/underrepresented experts in public discourse, so it is important that your feedback is honest and constructive, but never dissuasive. Research shows that most people hear constructive/critical feedback better after a 3:1 or even 4:1 ratio of positive engagement has been established. Beyond this, it’s up to you.
3. What if my Mentee’s op-ed is not good?
Very few of our emerging voices are professional writers, and many have never been edited. If your Mentee's op-ed lacks structure or is missing basic elements, suggest they review our website guidelines on Op-ed Writing: Tips and Tricks.
4. What if I disagree with my Mentee's point of view?
Our mandate is to increase the diversity of voices and ideas in the world–voices of all genders, sexualities, classes, backgrounds, ethnicities, and opinions, including voices and opinions we may not agree with. The OpEd Project does not support hate speech, but we have a very high bar for refusing to support a woman’s/minority’s voice. If you are matched with a Mentee who holds an opinion you disagree with, remember that your role is nevertheless to support their voice. You may play Devil’s Advocate, in a respectful way—but your commitment is to act as mentor, not adversary. However, we never expect a Mentor to compromise their integrity. In the event of disagreement that would prevent a positive mentoring experience, we ask Mentors to decline the match and let us know immediately. We’ll understand.
5. What if my Mentee asks for help pitching?
You are not obliged to help your mentee pitch, nor are you expected to share your contacts, but please give feedback on their pitch, and offer suggestions as you feel appropriate. You can also refer your Mentee to our website resources on Pitching and Submission Information for 100+ top media outlets.
6. What is our goal?
We are not trying to provide a service; we are trying to create an outcome. A starting goal is to increase the number of women thought leaders in key commentary forums to a tipping point (30%). Therefore, whatever you can do to help your Mentee succeed—please do!
7. What about men?
About 20% of our Alums are men, the majority of them underrepresented. All male Alums have chosen to attend a program that is overwhelmingly focused on the empowerment of women and underrepresented voices. Having done so, we consider them part of our mission, part of the solution, and deserving of mentorship. However, if you only wish to be matched with women identifying Mentees, no worries—just let us know.
8. Do I have to be an expert on the topic to mentor a piece?
We consider Mentor-Editors to be experts in persuasive writing, regardless of the topic matter. You do not need to be an expert on the topic to mentor the piece. It would be great to see if you understand the topic based on the piece the Mentee wrote. That would be really valuable feedback for them.