ORCA
Open Recognition Community App
ORCA (Open Recognition Community App) is an open-source infrastructure designed to support communities of practice as places of recognition. It enables individuals, groups, and organisations to create, share, and connect digital recognitions (Open Badges) across systems.
ORCA provides “pods” for local communities and “metapods” to interconnect them, making visible the skills, contributions, and experiences that emerge across diverse contexts. Its purpose is to empower people, communities and organisations to recognise each other, build trust networks, and articulate recognition beyond formal credentialing systems.
ORCA was developed by Skybridge Skills
Activity: Claim your ORCA Trust Badge
Trust is at the heart of learning communities, teams and professional networks, but it is not always visible. In this activity, you’ll join the In TRUST We Grow community in ORCA and claim your first trust badge.
This is a simple introduction to ORCA and open recognition. By claiming the badge, you become part of a live trust-based recognition community and can begin exploring how digital badges can represent relationships, contribution and belonging, not just formal achievement.
Activity Snapshot
Estimated Time: 5 - 10 minutes
What You'll Do: Claim the In TRUST We Grow badge and join the ORCA trust community.
Who's It For: Anyone interested in open recognition, community badges, peer recognition and trust-based credentials.
What You'll Need: An internet connection and a willingness to reflect briefly on why you want to join the community.
What You'll Get: Your In TRUST We Grow digital credential and access to the ORCA trust community.
Next Activity Coming Soon
You’ve claimed your ORCA trust badge. Soon, you’ll be able to use it to recognise someone in your network and help grow a visible community of trust.
Step by step instructions
Step 1. Visit ORCA
Go to the ORCA trust community page and find the In TRUST We Grow badge. trust.orcapods.org
Step 2. Claim the Badge
Select Claim and follow the prompts.
You may be invited to add a short statement about why you want to join the community. This is optional, but it is a good opportunity to share what trust, recognition or community means to you.
Step 3. Join the Community
Once you have claimed the badge, you become a member of the In TRUST We Grow community.
Need Support?
If you have questions, encounter technical issues, or would like help completing an activity, we're here to help.
Email us at badgesandpit@lifelonglearningpractice.com and we'll do our best to assist you or connect you with the activity provider.
Share Your Achievement
Completed the activity? We'd love to see what you discovered.
Share your badge, skills profile, wallet, insights or reflections on LinkedIn and help others explore the world of digital credentials and skills recognition.
Use #BadgeSandpit in your post so the community can follow your journey and discover new ideas, tools and opportunities.
