PURPOSE: To enhance the first year experience of new members in our Society in order to promote their knowledge and enjoyment of orchids and to encourage their participation in the Society's activities.

HOW IT WORKS: This program will be administered by the MOS Membership Committee. When new members join our Society, their orientation to the MOS will include being formally assigned to a Mentor who will agree to act as a resource to that member during their first year in the Society. Initially, Mentors will be selected from volunteers on the MOS Board, but the Membership Committee will solicit other volunteers from the Society as well. A Mentor should be assigned with an understanding of the new member's orchid growing interests, and he or she should represent a "good fit" with the new member.

The Mentor's responsibilities will include:

1. Assisting the Membership Committee in orienting the new member to the workings of the Society.
2. Giving the new member support in their orchid hobby by answering questions in person at meetings, by phone, and by email.
3. Providing the new member with introductions to other members who can also serve as resources.
4. Encouraging and enlisting the new member to volunteer for the Society's activities, including such things as our Annual Show, our Auction, and various Show Exhibits.
5. Initiating periodic contact with the new member during the course of their first year of membership to ensure that their MOS experience is positive and fulfilling.

Also, new members should feel free to contact Chu or Pamela at membership@massorchid.org if they have any questions.