E-103 · Theme 2 · Intergenerational & Life Stage Support

Mentoring Across Generations

Use Mentoring Across Generations to keep participation realistic as members move through different work, family, health and life stages.

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. Agree the purpose, suitable topics, reciprocal principle, boundaries and issues that must move to a separate club or professional process. Who could lead it: Program lead and club board sponsor
  2. Invite members to name what they can share, what they want to explore and how they prefer to meet, without asking them to identify a generation. Who could lead it: Program coordinator
  3. Propose topic-based matches, disclose the reason for each match and obtain separate agreement from both members before exchanging contact details. Who could lead it: Program coordinator
  4. Begin with a shared agreement, alternate who brings the question or practice task and keep discussion within the chosen topics. Who could lead it: Mentoring pairs
  5. Check each person privately for safety, usefulness, access and fit, and offer adjustment, rematching or closure without requiring an explanation. Who could lead it: Program coordinator

What should we look for?

  • After 90 days, review Mentoring Across Generations. Look for members choosing workable forms of participation and staying connected without pressure to disclose private circumstances.
  • Pairs accepted for topic fit rather than age-based allocation.
  • Both members reporting that they gave and received something useful.
  • Midpoint changes, rematches or exits completed without pressure or disclosure.
  • Matching and contact records deleted after closeout and learning reported only with permission.

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?