To partner experienced program managers with new program managers.

To help new program managers understand their roles as program managers, acquire perspective on the relationship between their state or local immunization programs and the CDC’s National Immunization Program, and learn about outside resources available to them (such as AIM, other national associations and publications and products from CDC and other national public health groups) from persons who have been in a program management job for a longer period of time.

To provide confidential advice and counsel to new program managers.

AIM will solicit volunteers from experienced AIM members (5 years experience of more) to serve as mentors.

New program managers will be sent a “welcome packet” from AIM and will be contacted by AIM Executive Director to assess their needs/wants in a mentor.

Mentors will be matched to new program managers by the AIM Membership Committee.

Mentors will be asked to contact their protégés by phone to begin the relationship.

Mentors and protégés are encouraged to maintain an open relationship.

The mentor program will last a minimum of one calendar year.

Mentors and protégés will be invited to meet in-person twice a year at the National Immunization Conference and the annual program managers meeting. These in-person meeting opportunities will be coordinated by AIM, but will be voluntary. Mentors and protégés are free to meet as their schedules permit.

Mentors and protégés will be invited to participate in quarterly conference calls to discuss challenges and issues.

Mentors and protégés will be asked to fill out an evaluation form after completion of the mentor year.

Mentors will be acknowledged with a certificate of recognition at the annual program managers meeting.

AIM will sponsor a meeting for new program managers at the annual program managers meeting. Mentors will also be invited to participate.

The AIM Membership Committee will work with new program managers and CDC/NIP staff to identify resources and topics for the meeting to orient new program managers to the National Immunization Program and to AIM.

The AIM Membership Committee will review evaluations and make enhancements to the mentor program at least annually.