Earning the Blue Badge

Why do I have a Red Label on my Badge?

For the past several decades, a new member was provided an initial, temporary, large, round, red badge upon joining the club.  After the new club member satisfied the requirements of the “blue badge checklist”, the red badge was exchanged for the permanent large, round, blue badge with the new member’s name and classification imprinted on it.
 
After 85 years, the club switched to providing new members with rectangular, blue membership badge already engraved with the Rotarian’s name and classification, and affixed with a red “New Member” label.  The red label is removed when the new Rotarian completes seven of the following 10 tasks, including the two mandatory items numbers nine and ten, with the support of the sponsor or mentor to complete the process timely.  The major purpose of this process is to ensure that new Rotarians are integrated into the club’s membership conscientiously, purposefully, and that they acquire basic knowledge of the club’s history and operations as well as the recognition and acquaintanceship of all of the existing members … and have some fun doing so!
 

The Red Label Removal Qualification Task List

  1. Obtain initials of 75% of the club’s membership on a roster sheet provided for this purpose.
  2. Join at least one committee, attend a committee meeting, and become involved in a committee project.
  3. Exhibit perfect attendance for one month.
  4. “Make up” a missed meeting at a different Rotary club and report your experience to the club membership afterward.
  5. Attend at least one club social event.
  6. Attend at least one club board of directors meeting, which are typically held on the third Thursday of each month (2023-2024).
  7. Volunteer at the Registration Desk for two in-person meetings.
  8. Send a professional photograph to the webmaster for your ClubRunner website profile.
  9. Log into the ClubRunner website and update your profile. The webmaster will send you an email with your user name and initial password.**
  10. Give your Classification Talk, preferably at an in-person meeting. Notify the club president when you are ready to give your talk during a Monday regular meeting.**
 
*Board meetings are scheduled on the third Thursday during 2023-2024.
**This is a mandatory task.