THE PROGRAM MISSION
The mission - the "primary goal," as it were - of the Mentor Program is deceptively simple: integration.
What is "integration"? Integration is educating a player about, both at a one-on-one and organizational level, the intricacies, nuances, standards, and conventions of the given community a Mentor is a part of, as well as educating a player on the basic fundamentals of roleplay on NationStates. Namely, this means teaching a player about the two-way street of voluntary consent (do what you will, but so may everyone else), the different standards of play from one board to the next, the differences in Out-of-Character culture and custom from one community to another, the differing expectations a community has for every potential member of said community (both new and old), and a variety of other complexities which arise in such an environment as the NationStates' roleplaying community. That is not to say there is not a degree of overlap from one roleplaying community to the next, as the ultimate fundamentals are often the same, but that does mean that - in the end - what one community (or sub-community) might accept here, is not the same thing a community will accept there.
Thus, it is a Mentor's duty to provide players with the adequate tools they need to make a conscious choice about community involvement (whether large or small in its breadth), while providing them with the advice and assistance which is likely to maximize their enjoyment on NationStates and as a part of NationStates roleplaying. For many communities - especially on the N&I RP boards - this means teaching a player the conventions and standards of fair play so that they always have an avenue to select which may maximize their potential for roleplay partners.
EXPECTATIONS
- Or - A brief overview of what NS Staff and players expect from our Mentors, and what standards to they hold themselves to.
First and foremost, a Mentor abides by the same rules and regulations of conduct as any other player, and to not attempt to utilize their position as a Moderator-appointed Mentor for personal advantage or gain; Mentors may be volunteering tutors, but that does not mean they are the law, nor does it mean they have punitive powers. Players, please do not ask them to act outside of these parameters.
Mentors are not Moderators: Mentors are players selected by the Mentor Program (and confirmed by Moderation) for being knowledgeable in roleplaying, knowledgeable of their respective communities (and respectful of differences between communities), pro-active (such as being involved in projects meant to provide community-based help, information, or (sub-)community organization), amicable, and with a willingness to both educate and learn. Basically, Mentors are mod-appointed tutors/experienced players placed to help.
Mentors are pro-active: Mentors are expected to be regularly and consistently involved in their communities. There are times when Mentors go on leave (take time off for illness, real life projects, finals or other education-related matters, or a nice vacation). They usually have teammates cover for them during the absence.
Mentors are available: Mentors make themselves available to other players, Mentors, and Moderation/Administration in a helpful and positive manner which furthers the mission of their office, the efficacy of the Mentor Program, the betterment of the roleplaying community, and the functioning of the NationStates website and to assist Moderators in this capacity whenever available.
Mentors operate as a team: They are willing to admit a lack of knowledge if a player requires assistance outside that Mentor's scope. The operation catchphrase, "I don't know, but I know someone that does!", is one all Mentors heartily embrace. Mentors will make an effort to forward the questioning player to a Mentor (or other player) that is more experienced or more likely to have an answer to said question(s). This is especially pertinent with respect to different (sub-)communities in the roleplaying community and both respecting and knowing differences exist between such. This allows you, the player, to reach out to any Mentor in a pinch, without worrying about which Mentors cover what topics.
Mentors work to solve conflicts: A Mentor can - when approached with a difficult situation - provide a player with the appropriate direction as to solving a conflict, be that providing mediation, ignoring a troublesome player (both offsite and onsite), and directing the player to the appropriate avenue for filing a Moderation report or Getting Help Request. Please do not hesitate to call upon one for roleplay mediation purposes. See above regarding team operation; some Mentors specialize in mediation.
Mentors are people, too: A Mentor is not expected to place their real life on the back-burner, subject themselves to abuse or harassment (offsite or onsite), or be forced beyond their role as a volunteer and otherwise be forced to interact with players to which they do not wish to. Like Moderators, Mentors are entitled to the Right of Refusal.
MENTOR SELECTION
There's no great mystery, really. Most Mentors were nominated by Moderators, by other Mentors, or by members of their community.
Criteria
Mentors are selected based on a variety of factors. The expectations listed above give you a general idea of the attributes we look for when seeking new recruits - they must display the ability to adhere to these standards! Some facets are more intangible than others ("people skills," "having a good, neutral, helpful attitude," etc.) and this isn't largely the black-and-white process I imagine some expect it to be.
In addition to the Expectations above, there are some extra criteria candidates should understand:
- Mentors are expected to understand their position does not remove their right to have personal opinions and express them, but that they are willing - and able - to separate such from their Mentor duties.
- Mentors are expected to know when "enough is enough." Some players simply do not want help and it can be a drain of resources to try and assist a player who has repeatedly shown they do not want such and are unwilling to heed our advice.
- Mentors are expected to formally resign if a situation arises where they are unable/unwilling to fulfill their role. This is not the same as taking a week vacation; we have an inactivity thread specifically for that sort of thing. Not signing onto the forums for a lengthy period of time, not contributing to Mentor-related discussions, and generally not exercising their duties and, thus, fulfilling the purpose of their jacket results in the loss of that jacket. This is not a "cool kids club"; it's a responsibility.
- Mentors are expected to recognize NS is, fundamentally, just a game; real life is more important and should not be sacrificed. This is to include the so-called "Right of Refusal": a Mentor doesn't have to help anyone they do not want to. They are volunteers.
Nomination
There isn't a formal nomination process so much as a player is suggested for consideration by a Mentor (either due to their own observation, being contacted by someone who is interested [but not a blatant self-nomination], or by being approached by another player suggesting a third party might make a good addition) or Moderator.
There are two ways to nominate someone:
- Telegram a Mentor
- Telegram a Senior Mentor
Include the following in your telegram:
- Your nomination's name. (Or primary nation, if the player has more than one)
- Why you think they are a good candidate for the Mentor Program
- Reasons why you think your nomination may not make a good candidate for the Mentor Program (Remember, folks, nobody's perfect!)
- List of links to threads/posts/dispatches by your nomination that you think supports your reasons
- Any other assorted information you feel should be mentioned regarding the nomination
Process
Be aware that we may not have the need for new Mentors. Nominations are kept on file, however.
The first stage is Moderation clearance. Individuals with poor track records may be disqualified at this stage. Demeanor has much bearing on one's ability to handle Mentor responsibilities. Egregious activity (in the person's subforum or in other areas on the site) may be grounds for denial.
The second stage is an initial vetting process. The nominee is brought to the attention the Mentor Team. Mentors may weigh in at this point, assessing pros and cons with regard to how well they do/do not fit the Program. Senior Mentors contribute to the vetting process by impartially examining the nominee's conduct on the forums, scrutinizing their posting habits (and whether or not the nominee has a positive or poor reputation), assessing the "advice" dolled out by the nominee as well as their "approach" when that nominee answers questions, and verifying that the supportive information provided by the nominator is accurate.
The third stage occurs once a candidate passes muster. Kyrusia or Senior Mentor will contact the nominee to see if they are willing to serve in the Program. A questionnaire may be sent out at this time. Candidates must return the questionnaire in a reasonable amount of time.
Fourth stage is the review of that questionnaire. This is done by the the entire Mentor Team. If the nominee's answers are favorable, selection is put to a vote. A candidate with a majority vote is thus appointed as a Mentor.
Oh my god, WHY?!
The vetting process ensures that no single Mentor can push a friend through without approval of administration and team. It weeds out nominations submitted simply because a player is popular within their group. It verifies that the nominee has the maturity and skills necessary to discharge their duties in a professional manner.
Mentors are often privy to sensitive stuff. Players may lose their tempers due to in-game frustrations, and may lash out at a Mentor - a situation that requires the Mentor to divorce their ego and personal opinions in order to respond calmly and rationally. Mentors are in a position of trust. This is why on-site behavior is scrutinized. To be a Mentor, you need to have the trust of the community as well as the trust of site Staff.
THE MENTOR TEAM
As with any volunteer organization, the Mentor Team an entity comprising multiple people with a collective goal. It is hierarchical, meaning there are different levels of management within the group which function collectively for the betterment of the Program itself.
Program Oversight and Management:
Kyrusia, a member of the Moderation Team, serves as Director for the NS Mentor Program. He is responsible for not only the Program itself, but for the management of our volunteer Mentors. This includes maintaining the integrity of the Program as a whole, the daily operations of said Program, the establishment of Program Aims, advising Mentors when Moderation input is required, assisting Mentors in their efforts to support the community, and approving Mentor appointment.
In addition, Kyru continues to serve as a Roleplay Mentor for his community (N&I).
Senior Mentors:
Senior Mentors are appointed by Kyrusia and divided into two departments: N&I and P2TM.
Senior Mentors assist with daily operations and the management of the Mentor volunteers in their department. In addition, they work with Kyrusia to implement any changes he makes to the Program as a whole. They keep him apprised of issues, and work closely with him to solve problems brought to light by individual Mentors. They help ease new Mentors into the Program. They may, at times, volunteer to head special projects. This supportive role allows Kyrusia to focus on the larger picture, but it also takes burden off the individual Mentor, allowing them to focus squarely on mentoring within their own communities.
In addition, Senior Mentors continue to serve as Rolplay Mentors within their unique community.
Senior RP Mentors
Maltropia, N&I
The Macabees, N&I
Cerillium, P2TM
Swith Witherward, P2TM
Mentors:
Mentors are appointed to their position by Moderators following the aforementioned vetting and selection process. They are divided into two departments managed by Senior Mentors: N&I and P2TM.
Mentor expectations (and thus duties) are outlined above. In addition, Mentors often volunteer to head special projects or serve on teams/committees for these projects.
N&I RP Mentors
Aquitayne
Havensky
Lamoni
Lubyak
Mokastana
Santheres
Sunset
The State of Monavia
P2TM Mentors
Esternial
G-Tech Corporation
Giovenith
Mincaldenteans
The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness
Zarkenis Ultima