Quality Based Membership

Quality-Based Membership is a continuous improvement process for mentoring programs that seek to align to national best practices. Program staff complete a self-assessment and work collaboratively with our team to create a 12-month Road to Membership Work plan that models MENTOR’s Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. 

The first level of Quality-Based Membership is Bronze Affiliate Membership. The next two levels are Silver Level Affiliate and Gold Level Affiliate.

Levels of Membership

  • Gold Level Affiliate Members + Grantees are formal youth mentoring programs or organizations that have successfully completed the requirements of the National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS) and have been awarded the NQMS seal. Gold Members agree to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Membership Agreement and complete an annual membership recertification. In addition, Gold Grantees agree to meet the specific requirements set forth in the Grant Agreement.
  • Silver Level Affiliate Members + Grantees are formal youth mentoring programs or organizations that have been in operation for at least one year and are actively engaged in completing the National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS). Silver Affiliate Members are designated as such after an on-site visit and interview with MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies staff evaluating their readiness to advance from Bronze Affiliate Member. Silver Grantee Members must complete the NQMS within the two-year grant cycle. Silver Members agree to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Membership Agreement and complete an annual membership recertification. In addition, Silver Grantees agree to meet the specific requirements set forth in the Grant Agreement.
  • Bronze Level Affiliate Members + Grantees are non-profit youth serving organizations, mentoring programs, service organizations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, cultural institutions, institutions of higher education, foundations, or other non-profit entities with a demonstrated commitment to youth mentoring as a direct service provider or strategic partner who helps with mentor referrals. Bronze Affiliate Members agree to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Membership Agreement and complete an annual membership recertification. In addition, Bronze Grantees agree to meet the specific requirements set forth in the Grant Agreement.