Table of Contents >
   Part K. Maintaining Quality and Rewarding Accomplishments... >
      Chapter 41. Rewarding Accomplishments >
         Section 6. Honoring Community Champions >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Honoring Community Champions

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Val Renault

Checklist

Here you will find a checklist outlining the main points of the section.


What is a community champion?

__ You know that a community champion is a person who works hard and well to start and/or support an initiative or intervention, to bring a program or idea to reality, or to otherwise improve the quality of life of a particular group or of the community as a whole.


Why honor community champions?

__ You honor community champions because it creates an example for the rest of the community to follow.

__ You honor community champions because it provides an occasion to highlight and explain community issues.

__ You honor community champions because it demonstrates that even one person can be an effective agent for change, and encourages democratic action.

__ You honor community champions because it makes not only that person, but others engaged in community service feel that they and their work are valued and appreciated.

__ You honor community champions because it shows the community who the real heroes are.

__ You honor community champions because it can help to prepare the community for future initiatives.


Who should honor community champions?

__ You know that among those who are most likely to honor community champions are

  • Health and human service agencies.
  • Local coalitions or initiatives.
  • Local, or local branches of state and national advocacy organizations that focus on the disadvantaged, the environment, health and social issues, or other community concerns.
  • United Way and other charitable organizations.
  • Schools.
  • Self-constituted citizen oversight or advocacy groups.
  • Neighborhood associations.


When should you honor community champions?

__ You honor a community champion on the achievement of a goal in which the honoree has been deeply involved.

__ You honor community champions on a regular basis.

__ You honor community champions on appropriate special occasions related to their work.


How do you honor community champions?

__ You consider your resources.

__ You determine your procedures for selecting and notifying honorees.

__ You involve the media.

__ You personalize the occasion.

__ You give the honoree something.

__ You record the occasion.

__ You choose an appropriate method:

  • Issue a press release
  • Hold a press conference.
  • Announce community champions on your web site.
  • Voice a public thank-you.
  • Write or get published a newspaper article or editorial focusing on the person 's contribution to the community.
  • Present a small gift or award at a public event.
  • Present a major, unique award or gift, where the presentation is either the reason for the event, or an important element of it.
  • Have a party.
  • Hold a roast.
  • Regularly schedule community champion awards.

__ You continue to honor community champions forever.