Testimonial from ACWR Past President and Mentor, Mary Ann Gschwind, fspa:

 “In fall of 2006, the ACWR Board initiated a mentoring program. Since then, several of us “veteran” archivists have served as mentors for newer ACWR members.   In my experience, serving as a mentor has been easy to plan and implement.  Those I have mentored were from the upper Midwest so drove to La Crosse, WI, to spend one to two days with me in our FSPA Archives.   I provided room and board at our motherhouse.   (It is possible, of course, for the mentor to visit the new archivist at her site, too.)   Since those new archivists have visited with me, there has been some ongoing mentoring via emails and phone calls.  Focus of our face-to-face sessions was on basics such as accessioning, preservation, photographs, scrapbooks, ACCESS database, etc.  Practical tips re: archival supplies and commonly used catalogs were also included…There is no need for any new Archivist to be on her own when experienced archivists are more than willing to be mentors.  We are here for each other.   Blessings as you continue your vital ministry in your congregations!”

  If you are a member who is either interested in becoming a mentor or would like to seek out a mentor in your area, please contact the ACWR National Office by email  (acwr@juno.com) or mail (ACWR National Office, 5900 Delhi Road, Mt. St. Joseph, OH 45051).