WEC- FX PROGRAM
Our goal is to be a program in which we exemplify the power of positively influencing others. This will create a participatory environment for our members as well as interdependency for our future executives –– or special FX as we will familiarly call them. Our program will provide our members the ability to give back; assist in perpetuating growth and longevity of the club, encourage younger women to become members, generate additional sponsorship potential from the business community, create greater visibility for WEC and enable our members to expose their business services to a larger audience.
Our FX’s will be rising female executives or entrepreneurs. They will be considered associate members of WEC and will be committed to spending quality time with us at luncheons and other activities, including Cannon Circles, GEM lunches, book club, retreats and committees.
The FX will be bright, energetic young women targeted by their peers or supervisors as rising stars in their companies or self-nominated, highly –motivated young women who will be starting their own business within the one year. Qualifications will include a minimum of 2 years college and 2 years professional work experience. Applications will require a resume, 2 business and 1 personal references and an essay about future goals and objectives to include what they intend to get out of the program. The FX will make a 2-year commitment to the program and will pay tuition of $125/ year for the privilege of participating. (Since we are learning as we go, the committee decided to waive the application fee for this year’s applicants.) At the conclusion of their first year as an FX, there will be an opportunity for one FX to sit on our Board of Directors for the following term.
The FX’s will have a blue colored name tag so that we will all be able to identify them and embrace them as associate members of our club.
Imagine the impact we can have on these women –– and they on us –– by being able to offer our various experiences and expertise on an extended basis. By providing coaching and advice, and encouraging them to network with all members, we can have a profound effect on their careers and personal successes. We believe this new approach to mentoring will be of great value to both the FX and to you.
WEC Mentoring Program FAQs
What is the FX program?
FX stands for Future Executive and is a new WEC mentoring program designed to help young female executives/business owners/professionals succeed in their careers. This program replaces our high-school mentoring program
What is the program’s purpose?
- Encourage and positively influence future female executives
- Provide FX with mentors and resources of club members
- Provide members with an opportunity to share experience and wisdom
- Exchange of ideas between members and up-and-coming executives
What are the program’s benefits?
- Contribute to community by guiding future executives
- Increase visibility for WEC within the community
- Enable members to expose their business services to a larger audience
- Perpetuate growth of WEC
Who is a potential FX candidate?
- Bright, energetic young women targeted by their peers or supervisors as rising stars in their companies or self-nominated, highly-motivated young women who will be starting their own business within one year
- Referrals from WEC members, members’ organizations, community businesses
What are the requirements to join the program?
- Minimum 2 years college or technical training
- 2 years work experience
- Resume, references (2 business/1 personal)
- Essay on future goals and what they expect to get out of our program
- One-year commitment
- $125 registration fee
What are some of the privileges?
- Designated as Associate Member of WEC
- Attend luncheons, Cannon Circles, GEM lunches, book club, retreat, fundraisers and all social events at no cost
- Welcome as non-voting members to attend Board meetings
- Eligible for membership upon program completion
Who are the mentors?
- Chair of Mentor committee reports to VP Community Involvement
- Members will indicate what they have to offer
- FX’s will outline what they need
- Committee facilitates match of mentors and FX’s
How will we know how we’re doing?
•Mentors and FX members will provide feedback by phone or email on a quarterly basis
Future Executive Mentoring Program
Guidelines for WEC FX Associate Members:
(Letter and Recommendations)
Thank you for participating as an integral part of our new mentoring initiative! With your participation, this program will further develop our abilities to help young women, as you become future executives, and through you, extend our influence into the community.
In an effort to extend the experience, at least two mentors will be assigned to each FX Associate Member. The mentors will divide up responsibilities; one person will be designated as the primary contact, the other as secondary.
In order for the new program to succeed, we ask you for a commitment of two years. Your other commitments will include:
- Telephone contact twice monthly
- Face-to-face contact monthly
- Attendance at a minimum of 5 luncheons and participation on 1 committee per year
We encourage you to participate in other WEC activities such as Cannon Circle, GEM Lunches, Book Club, the Retreat, etc.
We will ask each FX’s to fill out and return a form at the end of each year, which we will use to improve the program, and influence the possibility of your being chosen as a board member for the following year.
Spending time in a work environment (not necessarily yours) is an intrinsic part of the mentoring process. We encourage you to invite your mentors to visit you in your work environment. You can also “shadow” your mentor while they work or ask them to arrange for you to spend some time with other WEC members at their work place.
We believe the benefits of this mentoring program will be rewarding for you, the mentors and Women’s Executive Club. We hope you will reach your highest potential as we share our enthusiasm, experience, and energy with you!
Sincerely,
V.P. of Community Involvement