Program Overview
The Empower & Elevate Mentee Program is a 6-month mentorship designed for individuals passionate about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) advocacy. This program provides structured guidance, skill-building, and networking opportunities to help mentees grow as impactful advocates in the HS community.
Through mentorship, mentees will learn how to effectively share their stories, create awareness campaigns, engage with healthcare professionals, and contribute to meaningful change in the HS space.
1. Who Can Be a Mentee?
This program is for individuals who:
✅ Are passionate about raising awareness and advocating for HS.
✅ Want to develop skills in public speaking, social media advocacy, or community outreach.
✅ Need guidance from experienced HS advocates.
✅ Are committed to participating for 6 months and actively engaging with their mentor.
📝 No prior advocacy experience required! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your advocacy to the next level, this program will provide the support you need.
2. How the Program Works
- Program Length: 6 months
- Mentorship Style: One-on-one mentor pairings
- Meeting Frequency: Biweekly or monthly (determined by mentor/mentee)
- Communication Methods: Virtual meetings (Zoom, phone, email, Slack/Discord)
- Progress Check-ins: Midpoint (Month 3) and Final Review (Month 6)
Mentees will work with their mentor to set personalized advocacy goals and receive structured support in achieving them.
3. What Mentees Will Gain
📌 Personalized Mentorship – Learn directly from experienced HS advocates.
📌 Advocacy Skill Building – Gain tools to raise awareness and educate others about HS.
📌 Community & Networking – Connect with fellow advocates and build meaningful relationships.
📌 Hands-on Experience – Receive guidance on real advocacy projects and initiatives.
Mentees will have the opportunity to work on projects such as:
- Creating educational content (social media, blogs, or videos).
- Organizing or participating in HS awareness campaigns.
- Building relationships with healthcare professionals & researchers.
- Exploring opportunities in policy advocacy.
4. Program Expectations
✔️ Attend scheduled mentorship meetings and actively participate.
✔️ Set clear advocacy goals and work toward them with guidance.
✔️ Engage with program resources and networking opportunities.
✔️ Maintain professionalism and respect boundaries within the program.
5. Application & Selection Process
📝 Step 1: Apply – Fill out the mentee application form (coming soon!).
💬 Step 2: Matching – Get paired with a mentor based on your advocacy goals and interests.
🎉 Step 3: Kickoff Call – Meet your mentor, set goals, and begin your advocacy journey!
6. Program Completion & Future Opportunities
🎓 Graduation & Recognition – At the end of the 6-month program, mentees will receive a completion certificate and be recognized for their advocacy growth.
🌟 Continued Support – Mentees will have the opportunity to stay connected through the Mentorship Alumni Network and continue their advocacy work with ongoing support.
🔄 Future Mentorship Opportunities – Graduates may be invited to become mentors in future cohorts, continuing to uplift the HS advocacy community.