introducing: Results Canada’s volunteer merit badges!

At Results Canada, we know that real change happens through consistent, collective action. Volunteers like you are the ones making that happen.

That is why we are introducing annual volunteer merit badges to recognize the unique and powerful ways each of you contributes to our mission of ending extreme poverty. These badges are not about doing everything. They are about finding your lane and committing to it with purpose.

Pick one (or more) of the merit badge categories below as your personal challenge to accomplish over a calendar year. We’ll count everything you’ve done since January toward your badge, so no need to wait! Keep going strong with your work to reach the milestones outlined below and earn recognition. Whether you’re a writer, a connector, a consistent doer, or a behind-the-scenes leader, there’s a path for you to grow and be recognized.

The winners will be announced on International Volunteer Day – December 5. Please find the different ways you can achieve a Results merit badge:

🌟Publisher Extraordinaire Merit Badge🌟

Published at least 12 letters to the editor (LTEs) or op-eds in newspapers or through Volunteer Voices over the year.

You’re someone who doesn’t just care – you speak up. This merit badge celebrates volunteers who raise public awareness through powerful, well-timed writing. Whether you’ve written for national outlets or your local paper, your voice helps shape public opinion and influence decision-makers.

Why it matters: Parliamentarians and the public pay attention to the media. When your name shows up under an advocacy piece, it signals that Canadians care deeply about the issues we campaign on.

How to succeed:

• Make it a habit — aim for one (or more) LTE(s) or op-eds every month.
• Use our latest call to action as inspiration and starting point.
• Submit each LTE or op-ed to 10 or more newspapers every month.
• 2 weeks after you’ve submitted, check if you got published in any of the newspapers.
• Your LTE or op-ed didn’t get published? Remember, send it to our Volunteer Voices.
• Report your action.

🌟Digital Advocate Merit Badge🌟

Posted 24+ campaign-related posts on your social media platforms throughout the year.

You’ve used your online presence and made it a space for advocacy. Whether you’re raising awareness, urging others to take action, or sharing your wins, this merit badge celebrates the digital messengers of our movement.

Why it matters: Social media can spark conversations, influence perceptions, and pressure leaders, especially when content is personal and authentic.

How to succeed:

• Read the “get published in the media” section of our your tools page – it has tons of tips and tricks to help you succeed.
• Create original posts or use our click-to-tweet actions to raise awareness of the importance of ending extreme poverty.
• Tag @ResultsCda and your MP every time.
• Use the information in our monthly calls to action or take action alerts to craft your content but make it your own and explain why the issue matters to you.
• Use relevant hashtags (like #TogetherWeLead #EndPoverty)
• Consider making short videos or stories to diversify your content.
• Report your action.

🌟Advocacy on the Hill merit badge🌟

Completed at least 8 parliamentary actions (emails, meetings, attending events, or calls to Members of Parliament, Senators, or Ministers) over the course of the year.

You understand the power of political will, and you’ve stayed consistent in building it. This merit badge goes to those who’ve shown up to take political action, whether it’s emailing, meeting, or calling a parliamentarian, or attending an event with your Member of Parliament or other parliamentarian.

Why it matters: Political engagement is our bread and butter. Every touchpoint with a parliamentarian, even just a short message, builds pressure for action.

How to succeed:

• Read the “engage your Member of Parliament (MP)” section of our your tools page – it has tons of tips and tricks to help you succeed.
• Set reminders or pair the action with your group’s monthly meeting.
• Personalize your messages by sharing a story, asking a question, or tying it to your riding.
• If you can, meet your MP or another parliamentarian in person or virtually at least once a year.
• Report your action.

🌟Lighting up Canada merit badge🌟

Sent out at least 10 landmark requests across Canada and secured at least 4 successful lightings for World Tuberculosis Day (March 24).

This award recognizes volunteers who went above and beyond in getting landmarks across Canada lit up in red for World TB Day (March 24) – a key moment in our global health advocacy.

Why it matters: World TB Day is crucial to our work. Landmarks lit in red help raise public awareness, signal support from the community, and build momentum for lifesaving investments in TB programs worldwide.

How to succeed:

• Start outreach early – cities and landmarks book up fast.
• Use the language in the guide we release every year.
• Follow up persistently (and politely!).
• Celebrate every win – every light counts.
• Track your progress in our spreadsheet linked in the guide.

🌟Advocacy Ace merit badge🌟

Attended 10 Action Kick-Off (AKO) calls in the year.

You show up – again and again. The AKO award celebrates those who prioritize learning, community, and staying informed. You didn’t just take action, you made space to understand why it matters and how to do it well.

Why it matters: The AKO calls are where we unpack context, build momentum, and connect as a team. Showing up monthly is a powerful act of commitment.

How to succeed:

• Add all AKO call dates to your calendar in advance – they are the 1st Thursday of every month except for June (when we have our AGM) and December (when we have our volunteer appreciation call)
• Show up live when you can but watch replays if not.
• Ask questions, share ideas, and engage in the chat.
• Invite others to join, it’s more fun together!
• Report your action.

🌟Leadership excellence merit badge🌟

Took actions across categories and demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative, and support for others.

This is our highest honour. It goes to someone who not only took consistent, meaningful action – but also supported others in doing the same. You inspired. You organized. You built community. You lived the spirit of Results.

Why it matters: Movements grow when people lead with heart, clarity, and purpose. We don’t just need action – we need leadership.

How to succeed:

• Take at least one action from our call to action every month.
• Mentor or check in on newer volunteers.
• Take initiative in your local group, organize meetings or debriefs.
• Keep showing up with energy, ideas, and kindness.
• Report your action.