The SI-MI Mentoring (Social Identity Matters In Mentoring) training has been developed by a cross-Society group of plant scientists at all career stages with guidance and feedback from mentoring experts at CIMER and Movement Consulting. Participants enrolled in the SI-MI course will learn how to be more socially conscious and culturally responsive mentors by engaging in course readings, homework, and live virtual discussions.
The Fall SI-MI Mentoring Course will run every other week for seven sessions (on Fridays, from August 28 through November 20) and covers topics including color-evasive practices in academia, engaging in impactful mentor-mentee conversations, shifting from a deficit-based to an asset-based mindset, intersectionality, and developing greater cultural awareness.
Applications are open for the SI-MI Facilitator Training Program (FTP) now through May 8th, 2026! If you are a plant scientist who is passionate about social justice and wants to use your knowledge to improve the field, we encourage you to apply.
Selected participants will learn how to deliver the SI-MI curriculum to scientists who wish to become better, more socially conscious mentors. The training is free of charge. Some participants who complete the training will be invited to facilitate the Fall 2026 SI-MI mentoring course, and will be eligible for a stipend upon completion of the course.
The FTP will be conducted virtually over two half-days (4 hours each) on June 24th and June 30th 2026. Participants must be able to attend both training days and be familiar with social justice frameworks, as they will be in a position to teach sensitive concepts to the SI-MI cohort.
The FTP is designed to be as accessible as possible. We will have 5 minute breaks every 25 minutes to take care of our bodies, lessen Zoom fatigue, and help our minds process the information. We will also use captions, communicate verbally and through the chat, and deliver training information and assignments ahead of time. Once selected, participants will have the opportunity to communicate any accommodations they may need.
The following is a high-level overview of the FTP agenda:
June 24th – Facilitation Concepts
- Logistics: Zoom for SI-MI
- Addressing Power Dynamics as facilitators
- How to Facilitate Difficult Conversations
- Validating Participant Responses in Real Time
- Cultural Competency
Homework: Prepare a section of the SI-MI course to facilitate for the class
June 30th – Facilitation Practice
- Mock Facilitation: Presentations and Feedback
- Q&A
Participants who complete the FTP training and all assignments will receive a certificate of completion. This training will provide a good foundation for other future facilitation projects.
Apply here by Friday, May 8: https://forms.gle/m775HGCX22RqWZnW8
We will notify you of the status of your application the week of May 20.
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