What is a community champion?
___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?
___It creates an example for the rest of the community to follow
___It provides an occasion to highlight and explain community issues
___It demonstrates that even one person can be an effective agent for change, and encourages democratic action
___It makes not only that person, but others engaged in community service feel that they and their work are valued and appreciated
___It shows the community who the real heroes are
___It can help to prepare the community for future initiatives
Who should honor community champions?
___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?
___When a goal is achieved in which the honoree has been deeply involved
___On a regular basis
___On appropriate special occasions related to their work
How do you honor community champions?
___Consider your resources
___Determine your procedures for selecting and notifying honorees
___Involve the media
___Personalize the occasion
___Give the honoree something
___Record the occasion
___Choose an appropriate method:
- Issue a press release
- Hold a press conference
- Announce community champions on your website
- 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
___Continue to honor community champions forever