1. What Mentoring Is

Mentoring is about guiding podlings toward independence, not managing them. You help the community learn how the ASF works and grow into a self-governing project.

Mentors:

• Explain the ASF culture, such as consensus, community over code, and meritocracy.
• Model good practice through transparent decision-making and collaboration.
• Support rather than control. Mentors guide, the PPMC leads.

2. Who Can Be a Mentor

• Incubator PMC (IPMC) members may mentor podlings.
• Any ASF Member can ask to join the IPMC by emailing private@incubator.apache.org.
• Active participation and familiarity with ASF processes are expected.

Before volunteering:

• Make sure you have time to engage on the podling’s mailing lists.
• Review key ASF policies, including releases, branding, privacy, and the Code of Conduct.

3. Joining a Podling

1. Read the project’s Proposal on the Incubator Wiki.
2. 2. Ask the PPMC or initial proposers if they would like you to join as a mentor. 
3. Confirm your offer on the general@incubator.apache.org list.
4. After the IPMC votes to accept the proposal, the podling is officially established.

4. Your First Steps as a Mentor

• Welcome the community on their new dev@ list.
• Check use of the “(incubating)” qualifier and the Incubator Disclaimer.
• Encourage all discussion to stay public and archived.
• Review the Podling Orientation Guide with them.

5. Ongoing Mentoring

• Review and sign off on monthly podling reports.
• Help with the first Apache release, an important learning milestone.
• Encourage diverse and active contributors.
• Watch for ASF culture alignment such as community decisions, respectful debate, and openness.
• Step back gradually as the podling matures.

6. When You Need Help

You are not alone. Mentoring is a collaborative effort.

Ask on:

• general@incubator.apache.org for IPMC guidance.
• Or consult these resources:
  
  • Mentor Onboarding Guide
  • Mentor Quick Start Guide
  • Mentor Handbook 
• Or other Incubator training materials including the Mentor Path

7. The Goal

Graduation readiness is not about perfection. It is about independence.

A successful podling can:

• Make decisions openly.
• Manage releases and governance without mentor intervention.
• Maintain ASF culture on its own.

That is when you have succeeded as a mentor.