Badges and Civic Leadership Award
One of the missions of our organization is to develop strong student leaders. LeadMN has a leadership curriculum that is focused on four skill areas that empower our student leaders to collaboratively solve problems, become independent thinkers, and exhibit creative leadership skills. These four skill areas include leadership, equity, advocacy, and professional development.
During each academic year, we offer a number of digital badges that encompass the four skills areas. Digital badges are a validated indicator of accomplishment, skill, quality, or interest that can be earned in various learning environments. Badges can then be displayed electronically on LinkedIn to show prospective employers certain skills an individual has mastered.
At LeadMN, all students that attend our conferences have the opportunity to earn digital badges by participating in workshops and trainings. Students can also earn the Civic Leadership Award by collecting a certain number of badges throughout one academic and conference year.
How badging works:
There will be 13 different badges students can earn throughout the year. The badges offered at each conference will be described in the conference packet and Whova app. Please note: not all workshops and trainings have a digital badge associated with them. In the back of the attendee nametags, there will be a badge card for each badge a student can acquire at a conference. Depending on which badge they choose to earn, they must attend a workshop, fill out the card with their name and email, then drop the corresponding card into the collection box. LeadMN will send a digital badge to the email address provided.
Each student that would like to earn digital badges must create a Badgr account. This is a free and easy four-step process.
How the Civic Leadership Award Works:
Students that earn 9 out of the 13 badges by March 16, 2020, will be recognized during the Spring General Assembly and will be awarded the Civic Leadership Award. This award is a medal that may be worn at a commencement ceremony.
Students may also earn their badges for leadership positions. These badges are not included in the 13 badges offered at conferences. In order to earn these badges, students must complete a one-year term for the following positions: Governing Council, Platform Committee, Student Senate President, Fiscal Committee, Steering Committee, Diversity Committee, or Minnesota State Committee member.
If you have any questions about badges or the Civic Leadership Award, please contact LeadMN's Director of Programs and Events, Lindsay Barton at lbarton@leadmn.org or 651-203-9452.