What is a micro-credential? AGRM micro-credentials (represented by digital badges) are performance-based assessments that allow rescue mission professionals to showcase their growing skills. Micro-credentials credit earners for skills that they already have, in addition to learning through the process of earning a badge.

Sample Badge:

Public Image Stack Micro-credentials will be stackable, meaning, rescue mission professionals will be able to earn multiple badges in each area of expertise. In 2017, AGRM began development of the program with the Public Image Stack, which will eventually be comprised of three badges, the first of which is the Media Interview Readiness Micro-credential. In the future, the stack will also include badges in Crisis Communications and Branding.

What’s the point of a micro-credential? The area of micro-credentialing is relatively new, but as AGRM’s program develops, AGRM will work with colleges to recognize and value micro-credential achievement. At its heart, micro-credentialing demonstrates a commitment to your field and a high level of peer-evaluated expertise.

How can they be used? Micro-credential earners can share a link to their earned micro-credential with administration, supervisors, mentors, peers, or friends. The badges can be embedded on websites or shared via social media and will link to a webpage outlining what the earner mastered in order to achieve a particular micro-credential.

What’s the process of earning and using AGRM micro-credentials? Register for the program at www.agrm.org/mcregister After registration and approval, AGRM will invite you via email to join our badging platform, BadgeList, and to start working on your micro-credential.

The process, continued… Fulfill the requirements for your badge using the BadgeList platform. For example, in order to earn the "Media Interview Readiness" micro-credential, you will be required to: Attend the seminar "Performing Well Under Media Pressure" and enter some main points you took away from the session; Develop key messages for your mission; Submit an artifact, such as a link to an interview you performed, a story where you were quoted, or a role-playing video featuring you as the interviewee; and Enter a personal reflection about what you learned in the process of earning your badge.

The process, continued… Most badges can be earned following an estimated 3–10 hours of work and learning. For each micro-credential, you’ll find submission criteria, recommended resources for preparing a submission, and a scoring rubric. For instance, to help students complete the Key Messages portion of the Media Interview Readiness Micro-Credential, AGRM provides a rubric: Passing: Key messages are clear and concise (each can be delivered in fewer than 20 seconds); Key messages are written as they will be spoken, so language is casual, yet professional; Key messages convey the character of your organization; Key messages do not marginalize any population; Key messages can stand apart from any context (because the interviewer may not include any context)

The process, continued… AGRM also provides a training document:

Here’s what submitting evidence on BadgeList looks like:

Submitting evidence on BadgeList:

Submitting evidence on BadgeList:

Submitting evidence on BadgeList:

The process, continued… After you have submitted each piece of evidence, content experts will be notified so that they can review your evidence. You will either be endorsed to receive your badge, or you’ll be given further direction to tweak your submission. Once you’ve been awarded a badge, you’ll receive an email:

The process, continued… When you share your accomplishment, those whom you invite can view your badge… You don’t have to wear a cape in your profile photo… … but you’ll feel pretty super.

The process, continued… …They can also see what mastery was required to earn the badge and, if you choose, they can see your other badges:

Moving forward In the future, AGRM hopes to be able to award badges in many different areas of rescue mission ministry. Tracking Outcomes Shelter Management Major Donor Development Chaplaincy Human Resources Social Enterprise Management And other areas… The growth of this program depends on your response!

Thank you!