Mentor-Editor Basics
for Mentors

The Mentor-Editor Program is our high-level volunteer program, in which experienced journalists and commentary experts connect with and give feedback to the diverse participants (overwhelmingly women of all backgrounds) who come through our programs. Mentor-Editors are journalists, editors, and columnists who are committed to finally, once and for all, improving the diversity and quality of our national and global conversation. They have a track record of success publishing in respected and vetted outlets and a commitment to lifting others. A list of OpEd Project Mentor-Editors is here.

Mentors come from all walks of life—from editors to weekly columnists to war correspondents and Pulitzer Prize winners. Mentees come from all walks of life as well—from an astrophysicist to a stay-at-home mom, to a blogger in Syria, to a woman in a prison reentry program—and often have unique expertise on their topics. We strive to make matches that enrich both Mentee and Mentor alike. Although the engagement is brief, it is powerful: Mentors statistically double their Mentee’s odds of publication success—to over 70%. As a result, Mentees have changed the history of nations and the world.

Mentees agree to these guidelines as a condition for the match. Our goal is to make it possible for Mentors to make a significant difference in a meaningful way, in a brief amount of time.

Expectations of mentors

  • Meaningful engagement: We ask Mentors to serve at least four times a year (1-2 hours per match on average), and more often if they are able. Most Mentors mentor every other month (six times a year). On occasion, they form longer relationships. Mentors may also ask to go on a 3, 6, or 12-month break as needed.

  • Constructive feedback: For each match, we ask Mentors to provide constructive and honest feedback on a single op-ed draft. In most cases, this involves providing initial feedback, followed by a few back-and-forths to answer questions. The feedback can involve copy-editing, big ideas, or both.

  • Kind and clear tone: We ask Mentors to support and empower your Mentees in a tone that encourages and inspires. We strive to treat Mentees in the way we ourselves want to be treated. Note: Mentors are welcome to share contacts or help Mentees pitch, but this is not expected.

  • Prompt response: Upon agreeing to a match, we ask Mentors to respond to their Mentee within 24 hours to acknowledge the match, and then to provide feedback on their op-ed draft as quickly as possible—ideally within 48 hours and always within a few days. If something comes up, let us know immediately so we can re-match your Mentee.

  • In case of disagreement: Our aim is to elevate a diversity of necessary voices, with whom we may sometimes disagree. 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.

Benefits for mentors

  • Guest access to OpEd Project Programs: Mentors are invited to join OpEd Project workshops, office hours, and public events as our guests ($1,500+ value).

  • Scholarship bank: Mentors can nominate up to 10 scholarships a year ($5,000 value). You may invite your nominees to apply here, using your name, and they will receive top priority.

  • Powerful network: Join a powerful community of like-minded media thought leaders, who are committed to once and for all improving the diversity and quality of our national and global conversation.

  • Meaningful impact: The OpEd Project does a significant amount of advanced work and provides structure and human judgment to create the best possible matches—so that you can have a powerful impact, across a diverse population, in a short amount of time (that would otherwise be highly unlikely).

  • Professional development opportunities: Mentors are invited to periodic networking events and trainings, and receive priority consideration for paid opportunities with our Editorial Coaching and Fellowship teams.

APPLY

Mentor-Editor application here.

refer a mentor

To refer a Mentor-Editor, please send them this application form and ask them to use your name in the referral category.

FAQ

See our FAQ here.