The Next Generation: A Handbook for Mentoring Future Union Leaders, just released by the Berger-Marks Foundation and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), provides hands-on advice and concrete tools for unions and other organizations to develop and implement mentoring programs for members and staff.

IWPR Study Director Cynthia Hess, Ph.D., wrote the handbook with funding provided by the Berger-Marks Foundation. The handbook includes step-by-step guidance, as well as sample surveys and other tools, which can be used to ensure a successful mentoring program. Hess drew on the experiences of several union leaders who have participated in or led mentoring and leadership development programs.

“Mentoring can help unions diversify their leadership,” Hess writes in her introduction.

This handbook examines the positive aspects of mentoring and provides a resource for expanding mentoring to take into account the diversity of the labor movement.

Linda Foley, president of the Berger-Marks Foundation, writes in the manual’s foreword:

Systematic access to good advice and non-judgmental evaluation by other activists and leaders is essential for the development of future activist leaders. In today’s complex and difficult economic environment, we can’t leave tomorrow’s leadership to chance.

"The Next Generation: A Handbook for Mentoring Future Union Leaders" is available in print or online from the Berger-Marks Foundation. Contact the foundation at bergermarks@gmail.com for more information about obtaining single or multiple copies.