R 031429Z Mar 16
MARADMIN 123/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/MENTOR MATCH SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENT//
POC/M.K. RANKIN/DC MRA/MP/MPC/-/TEL: 703-432-9420//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  This MARADMIN announces the release of a new service designed to assist in matching individuals interested in sharing their knowledge, experience, and expertise with individuals interested in working with experienced professional experts to develop their talent and career prospects.  The new service is called "Mentor Match," and is available to all Civilian Marines. 
2.  Discussion
    a.  Mentor-Match Services (MMS) is designed to help establish learning connections; it is not designed to be a mentoring or leadership development program.  It works under the premise that the two roles, mentor and mentee, are not roles exclusive to a supervisory hierarchy or chain-of-command relationship.  The roles are defined as:
        (1) Mentor - An experienced person capable of conveying specific skills and knowledge.
        (2) Mentee - A person seeking to develop specific skills and knowledge that will enhance professional and personal development.
    b.  The service allows participants to register in an online directory as a mentor or mentee, and identify their specific skills or developmental interests.  Once registered, the service will show potential matches and allows either a mentor or mentee to initiate a meeting to determine if the two participants can form an enriching relationship.
    c.  After an initial meeting, participants can establish an agreement that they will work together toward meeting the goals of the mentee.  At the end of the agreement period, participants will be asked to evaluate their experience.  The evaluation is voluntary.
3.  Phased Access to MMS
    a.  Mentor Registration.  During March 2016, any civilian employee interested in becoming a mentor as defined above can access the MMS by going to their Total Workforce Management Services (TWMS) self-service account located at:  https:(back-slash)(back-slash)mytwms.navy.mil. Once on the self-service screen, click on the "Mentoring" button from the Navigation Menu located on the left side of the screen. 
        (1) This period provides those interested in being a mentor an opportunity to register in the directory before mentees begin registering.
        (2) Match recommendations and the ability to search the directory for mentees will not be available during this timeframe.
    b.  Open Registration.  Beginning 4 April, MMS will be accessible to all civilian employees.  At this time, registered mentors and mentees are matched based on their geographic locations.  Access to the service is the same as described in paragraph 3.a. above.
4.  Training and User Guides
    a.  When first accessing the MMS, registrants are required to take the "Basics of Mentoring" training on TWMS before being allowed to proceed.  This course gives an overview of the various roles and responsibilities, and suggests mentoring and learner techniques that support a successful mentoring event.
    b.  User guides and a video tutorial for performing various functions within the MMS can be found at:  https:(back-slash)(back-slash)www.manpower.usmc.mil(back-slash)TWMS.
    c. Additional training options can be found on the MMS "Resources" tab after registering.
5.  MMS Administration and Oversight
    a.  Command Training Coordinators (CTC) and the Higher Headquarters Oversight Manager (HHOM) are designated in TWMS.  The CTC and HHOM will be responsible for supporting participants during the connection process through system monitoring and reporting.  This will permit them to assist in facilitating connections in appropriate situations.
    b. The CTC and HHOM will support anyone using the MMS that have questions or experience technical issues. 
6.  This is a great opportunity for senior leaders and our best and brightest to help add to the arsenal of talent within the Marine Corps. Everyone is encouraged to participate and leaders are urged to support use of the MMS to help grow our mission capability.
7.  Approved for release by LtGen M. A. Brilakis, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//