As an applied anthropologist I am concerned with the practical uses of anthropology to create positive change. Most often that means work outside of an academic context. For those of us who work in this space, we are often left wondering where we can turn to connect with other practitioners, and possibly even mentors. One such group is the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) which focuses on applied anthropology but also offers an anthropology mentor program.
About National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA)
The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology is a membership organization for those who apply and practice anthropology in a range of contexts, whether as practitioners, academics, or students.
MISSION: NAPA was founded in 1983 to promote the practice of anthropology and the interests of practicing anthropologists, and to further the practice of anthropology as a profession.
About NAPA’s Anthropology Mentor Program
NAPA’s Mentor Program provides information on anthropology careers, and tries to match students, new professionals, and mid-level and senior career changers with professional anthropologists for an ongoing professional relationship.
The Mentor Program is open to individuals of any age and status, regardless of previous experience in any professional or academic setting. When matched, mentors and mentees are expected to keep in regular contact for at least one year. The frequency and methods of contact can be established by both sides, but email and telephone calls should be supplemented by at least one in-person meeting. This will typically take place at an annual meeting but is not a precursor to contacts getting underway.
To read more about the program, check out the website.
Other Applied Anthropology Organizations
Check out these posts if you are interested in learning more about other applied anthropology organizations including the Ethnographic Praxis in Industry Conference, the EASA Applied Anthropology Network Applied Anthropology Network Why the World Needs Anthropologists: Designing the Future, and the Business Anthropology website and community.
