Purpose

APrIGF fellows will be supported by mentors through a buddy program designed to provide fellows an opportunity to learn about the APrIGF process and participate more effectively during the event. While accomplished fellows will automatically join the MSG as Observers, it is anticipated that some fellows might be interested to become active members and volunteer for the different committees and working groups that make the event possible every year.

A call for volunteers from the MSG or the IG community will be structured to engage with selected fellows.

It is not expected for the mentors to be subject matter experts. However, these volunteers should have a clear understanding of the APrIGF process (have attended at least two of the past 10 APrIGF events), and a sufficient level of experience in Internet governance (IG) related issues, preferably with the issues in the Asia Pacific region.

For the duration of the program, both mentors and participating fellows should adhere to the MSG Operating Principles, Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct.

Support to Mentors

The Fellowship Committee (FC) and the MSG have the authority to select the mentors. The mentors’ names will be officially recognized and published on the website.

An e-certificate will be given to each mentor and their names will be listed on the official website to express gratitude to their contributions.

Role of Mentors / Goal of Mentoring

• Prior to and during the APrIGF, mentors should be available to advise and provide support to their mentees in understanding APrIGF processes and share their views about IG issues.
• Mentors should discuss the needs of their mentees, identify their expectation of what each mentee wants to achieve through the APrIGF meeting, encourage them to plan their time at the meeting once the schedule is out, identify sessions of their interest, suggest potential ones which are beneficial for them, etc. In case of any issue that arises during APrIGF sessions, mentors should be available and readily accessible to explore those topics and offer help as an opportunity to learn.
• Mentors should guide and encourage fellows to attend sessions (if they are not speakers) and possibly participate in the active discussion groups during and after the conference.
• Mentors should encourage fellows to express their opinions at appropriate times during APrIGF sessions, asking questions that will help them to learn, and to respect other opinions.
• Mentors should assist fellows during APrIGF to expand their network and encourage them to join IG communities in future.
• Mentors can introduce other IG-related social media groups and mailing lists regionally and globally after the meeting, including the alumni Facebook group and mailing list. Mentors should encourage and support fellows to join platforms for discussion and exchange ideas on IG development in the Asia Pacific region and preferably connect them to the organizers of NRIs (SIGs, YIGF, IGA, IGFs) and/or experienced community member in their city/country (in person if at meeting) or at least remotely to ensure fellows can continue engagement.

Expected Activities 

• Mentors should attend the specifically designed orientation session to learn the requirements and be prepared for the role.
• Mentors are expected to work closely with the FC, to make sure the program runs smoothly according to plan. They may be invited to FC meetings to report the fellows’ progress and discuss any issues that arise during the program.
• Buddy groups should be formed after the mentors and fellows have acquainted with each other, through profile matching and communications.
• Mentors should identify their mentees’ strengths, weaknesses and interests, and help them find the activity which best suits their interest and personality. Activities include (but not limited to):
  – Becoming a speaker in a session of their interest, contributing to the discussion.
  – Organizing fellows’ own session on a selected topic, led by their mentors.
  – Doing a presentation as a rapporteur in the summary session.
• Weekly online meetings (e.g. Zoom or Skype) are supposed to be self-organized for mentors and fellows, or individual buddy groups. Mentors can suggest topics to be discussed at the meetings and encourage fellows to think and express their views on IG issues.
• Direct communication channels (instant messaging) are expected to be created within each buddy group, to share IG issues and discussions, to update on any progress and to immediately inform any APrIGF program news and updates.

Wrap-up

Debriefing sessions: Mentors should organize a short debriefing with their mentees from time to time during the conference to discuss key learnings that fellows gathered, foster connections or answer any unresolved queries. The debriefing discussions can further filter into the mentor-mentee report.

Mentor(s) and mentees among the same group should prepare a report after the mentoring has concluded. It is important for mentors and mentees to reflect on each other’s role and ensure that there is constructive discussion to further improve the mentoring program.