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1  Introduction

1.1 Welcome

Thank you for volunteering to be a mentor for the rOpenSci Champions Program.

We develop this guide to help you to navigate the logistics of the program and provide tools for your role as mentor.

As a living document we build together, we are always grateful for feedback, improvements and contributions.

1.2 Role Description

Mentors will play a vital role in the rOpenSci Champions Program by advising and inspiring their mentees. Mentors will also connect their mentees to people, programs, and organizations; recommend, resources, readings, training, and experiences; and provide feedback on the mentee’s project.

You will work with Champions to develop their project, which can be one of the following options:

  • Create a new package;

  • Go through the review process with an R package they have already developed;

  • Serve as a reviewer for the rOpenSci software peer review system.

Mentors may also support Champions with delivering other activities including: giving a talk, writing blog posts, and teaching other community members.

1.3 Timeline

The total time commitment is expected to be approximately 2-4 hours per month from {start month} {start year} - {end month} {end year} to complete the following tentative program timeline.

Date Event Detail Duration
First month Select Champions Review, rank and select 1-2 reviewed projects to mentor. 2 h
Second month Kick-off meeting Learn about the program, review the program expectations, and address questions. Meet mentees. 1.5 h
Third/fourth month Training How to mentor and logistics on the program. 2 h
First to fifth month Meeting with mentee Provide feedback and guidance on the mentee’s project. Connect them with other experts, mentors or community members. Recommend training and resources for the mentee’s project. 1 meeting per month, 0.5 h
First quarter Champions cohort meeting [optional] Champions will present their project and get feedback. 1.5 h
First quarter Mentors cohort meeting A space for mentors to share experiences, questions and progress on their mentorships. 1 h
Sixth to last month Meeting with mentee Provide feedback and guidance on the mentee’s project. Connect them with other experts, mentors or community members. Recommend training and resources for the mentee’s project. 1 meeting per month, 0.5 h
Second quarter Champions cohort meeting [optional]: Reflections on projects Champions will be invited to share takeaways from their projects with the cohort. 1.5 h
Second quarter Mentors cohort meeting A space for mentors to share experiences, questions and progress on their mentorships. 1 h
Third quarter Champions cohort meeting [optional]: Reflections on events Champions will be invited to share takeaways from their events with the cohort. 1.5 h
Third quarter Mentors cohort meeting A space for mentors to share experiences, questions and progress on their mentorships. 1 h
Fourth quarter Cohort meeting: Reflections on the program Mentors will be invited to share takeaways from the program and help define future roles for Champions. 1.5 h
Fourth quarter Mentors cohort meeting A space for mentors to share experiences, questions and progress on their mentorships. 1 h
Last month End of term Close the cohort and define new roles for Champions and Mentors. 1 h

1.5 Feedback

Contributions of all kinds are welcome, from suggestions for improvements to errata and new material. Please, contact the Community Manager with your ideas.