Document WP-CLI contributor badge and association process

bin/handbook-manifest.json

@@ -832,5 +832,11 @@
         "slug": "wp-cli-warning",
         "markdown_source": "https:\/\/github.com\/wp-cli\/handbook\/blob\/main\/internal-api\/wp-cli-warning.md",
         "parent": "internal-api"
+    },
+    "cli-contributor-badge": {
+        "title": "WP-CLI Contributor Badge",
+        "slug": "cli-contributor-badge",
+        "markdown_source": "https:\/\/github.com\/wp-cli\/handbook\/blob\/main\/contributions\/cli-contributor-badge.md",
+        "parent": "contributions"
     }
 }

contributions/cli-contributor-badge.md

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+# WP-CLI Contributor Badge
+
+The **WP-CLI Contributor Badge** recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the WP-CLI project.  
+This badge is displayed on a contributor’s WordPress.org profile and highlights their involvement in maintaining and improving WP-CLI.
+
+---
+
+## What is the WP-CLI Contributor Badge?
+
+The WP-CLI Contributor Badge is an official WordPress.org profile badge awarded to contributors who actively participate in the WP-CLI project through code, documentation, reviews, testing, triage, or community support.
+
+The badge is managed via the WordPress.org profile association system.
+
+---
+
+## Eligibility criteria
+
+You may be eligible for the WP-CLI Contributor Badge if you have made consistent and valuable contributions such as:
+
+- Submitting pull requests to WP-CLI repositories
+- Reviewing or testing pull requests
+- Reporting bugs or helping triage issues
+- Improving documentation in the WP-CLI handbook
+- Participating in WP-CLI Hack Days or Contributor Days
+- Supporting users in WP-CLI-related discussions
+
+There is no strict minimum requirement. Contributions are evaluated based on quality, impact, and consistency.
+
+---
+
+## Badge assignment process
+
+The WP-CLI Contributor Badge is assigned through the WordPress.org **profile associations** system.
+
+### How it works
+
+1. WP-CLI maintainers review contributor activity across WP-CLI repositories and documentation.
+2. Eligible contributors are added to the **WP-CLI Contributors association**.
+3. Once associated, the **WP-CLI Contributor Badge** automatically appears on the contributor’s WordPress.org profile.
+
+The official association page can be found here:  
+👉 https://profiles.wordpress.org/associations/cli-contributor
+
+---
+
+## Missing the badge?
+
+If you believe you qualify for the WP-CLI Contributor Badge but do not see it on your profile:
+
+- Confirm that your GitHub account is linked to your WordPress.org profile
+- Ensure your contributions are publicly visible (PRs, issues, reviews)
+- Reach out to WP-CLI maintainers with links to your contributions for review
+
+---
+
+## Get started contributing
+
+If you are new to WP-CLI contributions:
+
+- Read the [Contributing](https://make.wordpress.org/cli/handbook/contributions/) guide
+- Look for open issues in WP-CLI repositories
+- Join a WP-CLI Hack Day or WordCamp Contributor Day
+
+Your contributions help strengthen the WP-CLI ecosystem and the wider WordPress community 💙