This is a guest post by Tracy Wright, a crusader and advocate for the anti- sexual violence movement at the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Recently, I celebrated my six-year anniversary working in the anti-sexual violence movement and with the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (please hold all applause until the end). In addition to being excited about this milestone of sorts, I began to reflect on how and why I continue to do this work. The answer is simple: sound mentorship.

For the purpose of this blog, the conglomerate of allies, visionaries, advocates and survivors who serve as my mentorship circle will be coined as investors. Essentially, that’s what they are. They cultivated a relationship, believed in a product’s potential, invested time and resources and took risks. Although they don’t anticipate fiscal gains, these investors do require a sound return in work product, ethics, advocacy and sustainability. Keep in mind that working with these investors is no easy feat because they can be overbearing. However, as a product, one has to grasp that their tactics are coming from a place of wanting to see kinetic energy transform to potential energy and that energy manifest into social change. If you, as a product, are in a place where you want to seek investors and their buy in, here are five things I think are key in merging investor and product.

1. Time Commitment. Just as anti-oppression work is a lifelong process, so is mentorship. Both entities have to enter into the realm of mentor and mentee with an understanding that ideals and needs shift but time can’t be a factor in doing the greater good.

2. Critical Thinking. Don’t be misled that mentorship is an utopian relationship. For me, most of that time is spent correcting mishaps, shaping thoughts and sharing information all of which are vital to leadership development. Challenging questions are the core of preparing the product to respond to mistakes and streamlining processes.

3. Push Past Personal Boundaries. Six years ago, to say I was timid and shy would be an understatement. Today I present, spearhead projects and even write articles. Never bragging but indeed humbled by the turn of events. With every opportunity afforded me, I enter into it knowing that I would not be in a place to be receptive of it without my investors. They pushed me my past my constraints through esteem building, access to professional development and believing in my brand.

4. Honesty. My, aren’t my investors honest! When I do something right, they are the first to praise. When I make a mistake, they are the first to correct. That consistency is appreciated. At first it was a tough adjustment because I took their constructive criticisms personally. As I grew as a person, I became more receptive to my investor’s firm hand and insight to do and be better.

5. Willingness to Grow. Investors, or at least the good ones, want to see their product grow and flourish. This is the same for mentors. The relationship is entered into with growth at the forefront. Growth in the form of a willingness to learn, take risks, make mistakes and be the best product possible.

I am no household name. I am sure I won’t end the epidemic of sexual violence. What I do know is that my product is sound and I am in a good place to do good work. Now that I think about it, that is all my investors wanted from me initially. Now I have the task of seeking out products, ensuring they are planted in good ground to change the world; that in itself exceeds anything money can buy.

Tracy D. Wright is the Technical Assistance Provider and Women of Color Leadership Project Coordinator with the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA) for the National Resource Sharing Project. Her current work provides technical assistance and training to 16 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions. In this capacity, Tracy works with national entities to create a coordinated response to ending sexual violence, addresses emerging issues and carves out initiatives specifically for women of color in the anti-sexual violence movement. Tracy’s initial work in the women’s anti-violence movement began as a project intern with NCCASA where she compiled an analysis of over 75 sexual assault service providers in North Carolina. Fully committed to a life of service, Tracy has served on the boards of the Wake County Commission for Women and the Achievement Academy of Durham. She regularly lends time and talents to Wright Interactions and Reaching Your Goals, Inc. Ms. Wright holds a BA in Mass Communications from Shaw University and a Masters of Science in Print Journalism from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She was also a graduate of the North Carolina Center for Women in Public Service Summer Institute.