What is I-O?

Currently, we have more requests for senior members (those who have been members of SIOP for 5 years or more) than volunteers, so we need your help! Also, because we hope our current shortage of senior member volunteers is only temporary, we want to invite new members (those who have joined SIOP within the last 2 years) to participate in the program.

Before getting into the details of the program, we want to acknowledge and thank Beth Chung and Joan Glaman for creating and launching the program. Beth designed the program and much of the information in this article is taken directly from the guidelines and material she developed. Joan administered the program during its first year and played an important role in getting the program launched. Our thanks to both Beth and Joan for creating such a great program! 

What Is M2M All About?

The goals of the M2M program are to integrate new members into the profession and the Society quickly. It was launched, in part, due to feedback from new members that information dissemination and integration into SIOP were important issues. Ultimately, it is hoped that this program will help establish a cadre of new members who are active in the profession and the Society.

The program targets new members who have joined SIOP within the past 2 years. Junior members are paired with senior members (i.e., those who have been SIOP members for 5 years or more). Coordinated by SIOPs Membership Committee, junior and senior members are paired based on a number of criteria including: 

• Geographic location
• Employment setting (practitioner, academic)
• Interests
• Other expressed preferences that we are able to accommodate

By design, the program is loosely structured so that individual pairs can determine the course of their relationship. Relationships are generally expected to last for approximately a year. We ask senior members to initiate first contact with the junior member but ask junior members to take the lead in initiating subsequent contacts (e.g., every couple of months or as needed). Suggested areas of discussion for a first contact (whether it be in person, e-mail or phone) include the following: 

• Background information (e.g., where grew up, where obtained degree, current job, etc.)
• Research interests or areas of work expertise
• Expectations for relationship (e.g., frequency of contact, areas of discussion for future contact, etc.)
• Exchange of information on SIOP if junior member has questions

We also suggest that senior and junior pairs try to meet in person at SIOP if possible.

Although the program itself is loosely structured by design, the role of the senior member has been defined. Specifically, 

A senior member IS:

• A resource person especially in areas regarding SIOP. For example:
• Sharing perceptions about SIOP and its opportunities (e.g., annual SIOP conference, perceptions regarding what SIOP does, relationship to APA and APS, TIP, etc.).
• Explaining how to get more involved in SIOP (e.g., joining committees, submitting proposals for the SIOP conference, participating in social events5k run, tours, etc.).
• Providing SIOP background/history or directing new member to the appropriate person to get this kind of information.
• A possible resource person for networking with others in SIOP (e.g., introduce to others at conference social events, provides suggestions for references if junior member needs a discussant for a symposium proposal, etc.).
• Someone who may be able to provide early career advice such as what to look for in a job, time management, organizational politics, etc.

A senior member IS NOT:

• A recruiter used to find the junior member a job.
• Expected to commit a lot of time and resources.
• Expected to chaperone the junior member at the SIOP conference.

Why Should You Volunteer?

Now comes the real purpose of this articleconvincing you to volunteer. I know many of you are probably reading this and thinkingYeah, it sounds like a good program, but Im really busy, Im sure others will volunteer, Im not an expert about SIOP, etc. Well, here are some responses to all those excuses: 

• I dont have time. We know you are busy and participation does take some time. But, it doesnt take a lot of time. Plus, the program is flexible and you and your partner can work out the particulars so it works with (not against) your schedules.
• Others will volunteerthey dont need me. We dont have throngs of volunteers. And we need you in particular because you may have just the right mix of professional interests, geographic location, and so forth that makes you a perfect match for a new member. Remember, despite SIOPs size, we currently have a wait list of junior members waiting for a mentor!
• Im not an expert about SIOP. Think you dont know enough about SIOP? Well, you know more than the new member. SIOP has grown quite a bit in the last several years so it can be somewhat intimidating for someone new to navigate the ins and outs of SIOP membership.

Of course, last but not least, its an opportunity to give back to the Society, to share your expertise with a new member, and foster new professional relationships. Feedback from participants in the program has been overwhelmingly positive as illustrated by the following testimonials. First, a couple from senior members:

It was fun mentoring. First of all, I made a new friend and colleague that in all probability never would have occurred without this process. Second, it is always a privilege to share the excitement of our profession with colleagues. I was delighted to have the opportunity and look forward to doing it again and again (Joel Moses, Applied Research Corporation).

I am very pleased that I volunteered as a mentor for the SIOP program. I was paired with Ken Brown of the University of Iowa and we have had many pleasurable interactions due to the SIOP mentoring program. After our pairing, Ken and I spoke on the phone and subsequently shared a meal at a conference. I believe we both enjoyed the conversation and our sharing of work and life experiences with each other. Since our initial pairing, Ken and I have had many interactions and are currently collaborating on several research projects. Ken has helped me learn about our field and to grow and develop my skills, which was one of the outcomes I was hoping for from the program. More broadly, I feel fortunate to have developed a relationship with Ken, a relationship that I know will continue much beyond the formal SIOP mentoring program (Dan Turban, University of Missouri).

And some feedback from junior members: 

My mentor is Dan Turban, and the experience has been excellent. Although I had met him in the past, the formal mentoring relationship led us to set aside time for a phone conversation and a one-on-one meeting at a conference. We shared stories and I learned a great deal about Dans view of the field. He provided support and tips that were extremely helpful. Also, during these meetings, we discovered overlapping interests that neither of us knew going in, and we are now collaborating on 3 projects. So, in addition to the psychosocial support provided by Dan, I have received some instrumental outcomes. So, the program is a great opportunity, and I would encourage people to give it a try! (Ken Brown, University of Iowa). 

I have been working with my mentor (Jane Bryan, Hewitt Associates) for about 6 months now. I cannot begin to explain how much she has assisted me and helped me to grow within my current job and as a professional. As a new professional, I am facing challenges and skill gaps that I never expected or prepared for. My mentor has helped me to improve my skills (e.g., thinking strategically, decision making, working with difficult people) at a faster rate than I would have through simple on-the-job experience. She is able to share her knowledge and encourages self-reflection and growth at a deeper level. In general, it is terrific to have someone outside my organization with whom I can speak about current issues and interests (Kate Suckow, Senior Researcher, Microsoft). 

So, we hope well be flooded with requests to volunteer. And new SIOP membersdont let our current shortage of senior members dissuade you. Participation can provide you with a host of benefits too including networking opportunities, a chance to learn about and become involved in the Society, and the chance to acquire other useful information (e.g., early career advice) to facilitate integration into the profession.

If you are interested in participating as a senior or junior member, please provide the information requested below, and e-mail this information to Annette Towler at atowler@carbon.cudenver.edu, or print this form and fax it to Annette at (303) 556-3520. More information about the program can be found at http://www.siop.org/membertomember.aspx.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the SIOP Administrative Office at siop@siop.org or call (419) 353-0032.

Click here to access the M2M Form.

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