YAF/COF UPDATE

YAF UPDATE From the COF Executive Committee

Mentoring When It Really Matters by Secretary Frances Halsband, FAIA

One of my responsibilities as a member of the Executive Committee is staying in touch with the Young Architects Forum (YAF) a group in AIA for those who have been licensed for less than ten years. Emerging Professionals (EP) a broader category, embraces Associate members, those at the beginning of the licensing journey. Many of the local AIA components have active YAF and EP groups. This year, as economic uncertainty looms, and human rights come to the forefront of discussion, YAF is especially tuned to the need for mentorship. The College of Fellows lists Mentorship as a principal goal. How can we bring these two groups together in productive discussion?

YAF/EP groups have created dozens of inventive, fun, educational mentorship programs around the country. YAF has a system of YARDS (apologies for more acronyms!). They are Young Architects Regional Directors. College of Fellows Regional Representatives, celebrated elsewhere in this newsletter, are perfectly situated to foster connections, RR/YARD. Each COF Regional Representative is in touch with about one hundred Fellows in their area. As far as I can tell, Fellows are not characterized by shyness, introversion, or avoidance of difficulty. Now that you have read this far, I’d like to suggest that you think about connecting with a young architects group. Your RR can facilitate that connection or you can get in touch directly with your local component.

Here are a few of the programs around the country:

In Michigan, NOMA Project Pipeline encourages more diverse groups to enter the profession. In New York City, Torch offers panel presentations and small group discussions with Fellows on a variety of topics. Transitions, Food for Thought, Vision, Talk to a Fellow, and Archway are the catchy titles of programs in the Ohio Valley. Mentoring programs in California components have their own websites describing activities. Archilamp, and Leadership Academy are offered in South Carolina, and Virginia has organized 360 Mentoring. Finally, if you are anywhere near Orlando, be sure to look into Drink and Draw. Come to think of it, that works online too.

Share the wealth of your own experience! YAF welcomes your help. Please do reach out to your COF Regional Rep or local chapter.