The SI-MI Mentoring (Social Identity Matters In Mentoring) Program 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.
The SI-MI Program includes two complementary components:
- The SI-MI Mentoring Course, where participants will learn how to be more socially conscious and culturally responsive mentors by engaging in course readings, homework, and live virtual discussions.
- The Facilitator Training Program (FTP), which is designed to prepare instructors on how to deliver the Mentoring Course to participants.
| SI-MI Mentoring Course | SI-MI Facilitator Training Program (FTP) |
| Learning experience for participants (what is taught) | Preparation for instructors (how to teach it) |
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Topics include:
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When:
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When:
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| Applications will open in the summer. | Applications are now open through May 8. |
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. This training is free of charge, and contingent on funding a stipend will be provided for participants who help facilitate the Fall 2026 SI-MI Course.
Facilitator Training Program Description
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.
The deadline to apply is Friday, May 8. We will notify you of the status of your application the week of May 20. Please visit this link to apply: https://forms.gle/m775HGCX22RqWZnW8
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