Written by Sara Walters, Programs Manager at Keep Texas Beautiful
Michael Rosales is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the City of Andrews and serves as the President and Affiliate Coordinator for Keep Andrews Beautiful. Michael is newer to working on the operational side of nonprofits but has expertise in taking a struggling and dormant affiliate and turning it into a thriving and active affiliate. In fact, with Michael’s leadership, Keep Andrews Beautiful has now been a Gold Star affiliate two years in a row!
Michael is fairly new to being a mentor with just a year and a half of experience under his belt so far, but he has already become a close confidant to communities seeking help!
Why did you choose to become a mentor?
“To be honest, I had been contemplating contacting KTB about seeking a mentor when I received an email from Sara Walters asking if I would be interested in becoming a KTB Affiliate Mentor. Sara mentioned that although I hadn’t been around the KTB world for too long, she thought that I would be able to provide guidance to those looking to get back to Good Standing or for those starting over. With that being said, I became a mentor to help guide new affiliate coordinators into becoming successful in their community, with their superiors, and with being a KTB affiliate.”
What is your favorite part about being a mentor?
“Two things:
- Learning. I have learned so much through those I have mentored that sometimes I feel like I am getting more out of this program than my mentee!”
- My dream and purpose in life is to help others achieve their dream and purpose. Being a mentor allows me to live my dream.
What is the hardest part about being a mentor?
“The hardest part has been the best part. Being new to the work and world of KTB and all that they do, I did not have the education, training, or experience that most people in this field usually have. I had to work twice as hard and twice as long to get to where I am…and I am still going at that same pace, which has been a plus for me and for those that I serve.”
What are you looking forward to most at the conference? And how do you think affiliates can use this time most effectively?
“Learning and connecting with others. And…cruising down the Colorado River to watch the unforgettable sight of 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats emerging from underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset of course!
To use this time most effectively is a three-fold answer:
- Take lots of notes and learn all you can.
- Connect with others with the intent of following up with those you connect with.
- Applying what you learn once the conference is over.”
We hope you join us at the annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference in Austin this June 27-29, 2022. Michael and other mentors will be presenting at the conference during a panel discussion where you get to pick a mentor’s brain and get your questions answered by seasoned affiliates. Following the panel discussion will be a networking opportunity where you can take Michael’s advice and connect with others from around the state.
Mentor Program Information
Are you interested in connecting with a more seasoned affiliate to help learn the ropes of KTB and get inspired with new ideas, or are you an affiliate who’s ready to pass along your knowledge to other up-and-coming affiliates? Each mentee is paired with a mentor for at least one year and reaches out to provide guidance at least four times. If being a mentee is something you’re interested in, please fill out this brief form so we can best match you with an appropriate mentor. Or if you would like to get started on becoming a mentor, please fill out this form or contact Sara Walters at swalters@ktb.org for more information.
