R-057 · Theme 3 · Leadership Pathways

Rotary Leadership Mentorship Network

Use Rotary Leadership Mentorship Network to make leadership opportunities visible and supported for members who are ready to grow.

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. Write a decision brief for Rotary Leadership Mentorship Network: define which matches and network supports will improve development, the evidence already held, people affected, local authority, fixed constraints, success signals and stop conditions. Who could lead it: Board sponsor and leadership-development lead
  2. Publish the capability or decision need, invite expressions of interest, make selection criteria and conflicts visible, and agree a role, authority, workload, support and exit route. Who could lead it: Board sponsor and leadership-development lead with the access and privacy contacts
  3. Build and test a network of screened mentors offering several leadership specialities; use the Leadership Mentorship Network Register, rehearse the boundary wording, check materials and confirm who can decide, refer, pause or close the activity. Who could lead it: Mentor, facilitator or role supervisor
  4. Use real but bounded practice, observation, reflection and feedback; protect confidential board or member information; and keep every decision with its authorised office-holder. Capture only the evidence needed to judge whether the trial achieved its stated aim: give participants choice and reduce dependence on one mentor. Who could lead it: Mentor, facilitator or role supervisor
  5. Analyse the evidence against the starting point, validate meaning with the people involved, record exceptions and unintended effects, and prepare a governed matching pool and supervision cycle without overstating what the trial proves. Who could lead it: Mentor, facilitator or role supervisor and an independent reviewer

What should we look for?

  • After 90 days, review Rotary Leadership Mentorship Network. Look for transparent opportunities, supported first assignments and members choosing whether and how they wish to progress.
  • Rotary Leadership Mentorship Network produces a governed matching pool and supervision cycle by the promised decision date, with evidence limitations and any participation gaps stated.
  • Participants complete a defined capability goal or work product with observed evidence rather than attendance alone.
  • Authority, delegation, conflicts, confidentiality and workload stay within the written role agreement.
  • Feedback and handover records show what changed, what remains unsupported and what the club will do next.

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?