E-020 · Theme 2 · Mentoring & Pathways
Mentor Identification Badges
Use Mentor Identification Badges to make mentoring and personal development easier to find, choose and sustain.
Developed further: this summary now draws on an initiative-specific internal editorial draft and attributed references. Human review has not started and will open only at the Full-Corpus Review Build.
What could this idea change?
It helps knowledge, confidence and encouragement move between members instead of resting with a few people.
It may suit: Members seeking guidance or a new challenge, and the people offering practical support.
A simple way to start
- Ask recent members and guests where they currently get stuck and whether a visible first-contact cue would help or create discomfort. Who could lead it: Member experience lead
- Define the badge role in plain language, list the questions wearers can answer, and name the people or services to whom other matters must be referred. Who could lead it: Member experience lead with secretary
- Invite volunteers, confirm that wearing the badge is optional, brief them in short scenarios and check that each person is comfortable saying they do not know. Who could lead it: Mentoring coordinator
- Create two low-cost prototypes, test readability and meaning with members who did not design them, and provide the same contact information verbally and in the event material. Who could lead it: Communications lead with access contact
- Pilot the badge at two different gatherings, introduce the wearers without implying special status and record only the types of questions or referrals received. Who could lead it: Meeting or event lead
What should we look for?
- After 90 days, review Mentor Identification Badges. Look for suitable matches, regular check-ins and progress against goals chosen by the participating member.
- Newcomers who can identify at least one appropriate first contact without prompting after the welcome.
- Questions correctly answered or referred, rather than improvised beyond the wearer's brief.
- Wearers who report that the role, duration and backup were clear and manageable.
- Users who can access an equivalent contact route without relying on the visual badge.
Before we say yes
- Does it fit a real local need?
- Can people take part safely and fairly?
- Are the facts, permissions and Rotary branding right?
- Who will lead it, and when will we review it?