E-028 · Theme 2 · Mentoring & Pathways

Mentorship Lunch Series

Use Mentorship Lunch Series to make mentoring and personal development easier to find, choose and sustain.

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

  1. Ask members to nominate the questions or transitions they would value discussing, then group the responses into three useful topics without publishing names or personal circumstances. Who could lead it: Mentorship lunch coordinator
  2. Invite hosts whose experience fits each topic, disclose any conflict and brief them to share experience, ask questions and refer rather than prescribe. Who could lead it: Mentorship lunch coordinator
  3. Choose accessible, affordable arrangements, make food optional and offer the same topic by online or telephone conversation where the venue or timing does not work. Who could lead it: Event and inclusion contacts
  4. Invite opt-in registrations, explain the topic and privacy limits and let participants send a question privately without requiring a public introduction. Who could lead it: Mentorship lunch coordinator
  5. Run each conversation with a short welcome, two or three participant questions, several perspectives and a closing round in which each person may choose one action or simply reflect. Who could lead it: Lunch host

What should we look for?

  • After 90 days, review Mentorship Lunch Series. Look for suitable matches, regular check-ins and progress against goals chosen by the participating member.
  • Invited participants who can take part in their preferred affordable and accessible format.
  • Sessions in which every participant has a genuine opportunity to ask, pass or contribute without sales or disclosure pressure.
  • Participant-chosen actions, introductions or referrals completed after the lunches.
  • A clear repeat, redesign, alternate-pathway or stop decision after the three-session pilot.

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?