For the first time, the National Association of Science Writers will coordinate a mentoring program at the 1996 Baltimore meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science to help young professionals in the fields of science reporting and public affairs meet and learn from veteran mentors.
Over the course of the meeting, NASW will be arranging for young professionals and students to be teamed up one-on-one for one day with established science writers and public information officers. Here's how it works: The mentor and his/her charge will meet for breakfast, and-barring any unforeseen difficulties-will stay together all day until dinner. You'll go to the same sessions, interview sources together, work the press together-all the things that make the AAAS meeting worthwhile. As a young professional, you'll see how the pros do it. As a veteran, you'll be sharing your experience with the next generation of science writers.
We're asking for volunteer mentors who could give one day to the program during the AAAS annual meeting (either Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, February 9-12). You'll be matched up in advance with your charge, so you'll have a chance to talk briefly in advance and make arrangements to meet over breakfast.
Coordinator for this program is NASW Board Member Rick Borchelt, special assistant for public affairs in the White House Executive Office of the President. If you have questions, call Rick at 202-456-6020 (days) or e-mail him: (rborchelt@ostp.eop.gov).
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