Mentoring Futures Program

We believe mentoring is integral to the future of sound science and land stewardship.

The Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) is composed of professionals from around the world, who together play a key role in wildland fire and fire ecology research, education, management, and policy. We value the diversity of perspectives and range of experiences held by our members and consider it our greatest strength. The Mentoring Futures Program provides an opportunity to utilize the specialized knowledge and skills of AFE’s network to benefit the next generation. This program builds on AFE’s long-standing practice of providing opportunities for students and early career professionals.

The goal of the Mentoring Futures Program is to actively cultivate the future of wildland fire and resource conservation by investing in future leaders.  

Who Can Apply?

This program is open to all AFE members. If you are not sure if your membership is active, click here to check before applying. If you need financial assistance to become a member, please contact us. We welcome participants who will contribute to increasing the diversity of future wildland fire professionals and who help grow AFE’s representation of diverse backgrounds.  

Mentors and mentees can be in any career stage and have a focus in any wildland fire-related discipline or field.

What Will Participants Do?

Mentors and mentees will get to know one another; identify key questions, resources, and professional development opportunities; and determine actions to work toward agreed upon goals. AFE provides a mentoring agreement to help participants develop a plan.

We offer webinars or discussion groups to all participants to provide professional developement and career readiness opportunities.

What Is the Time Commitment?

Our expectation is that you dedicate at least 1 hour per month for 1 year.

Apply to become a Mentee!

  • Are you seeking input about how to advance your career goals?

  • Are you looking for feedback on research focus areas or on a special project?

  • Do you want to learn more about careers or studies in fire ecology and management?

  • Do you have complex multidisciplinary management or research issues you need help understanding?

Apply to become a Mentor!

  • Would you like to invest in the future of fire ecology and management?

  • Do you enjoy being a leader?

  • Do you like problem-solving?

  • Do you have time to listen and offer suggestions?

  • Do you want to share your knowledge and experiences with the next generation of fire ecologists, fuel specialists, and resource managers?

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