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Recognizing individuals who work hard to improve the community and bring positive change. It creates examples for others, highlights community issues, and shows appreciation for community service. Various organizations and occasions can be used to honor community champions.
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What is a community champion? A public official, a community leader, a concerned citizen, a health or human service worker, a volunteer, anyone 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
Why honor community champions? (cont.) • 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. • Advocacy organizations that focus on community concerns. • United Way and other charitable organizations. • Schools. • Self-constituted citizen oversight or advocacy groups. • Neighborhood associations
When should you honor community champions? • The achievement of a goal in which the champion has been deeply involved • Community champions are honored on a regular basis • Special occasions: National issue days, ceremonies
How do you honor community champions? General guidelines for honoring a community champion • Consider your resources • Determine your process for selecting and notifying honorees • Involve the media • Personalize • Give her something • Record the occasion
How do you honor community champions? (cont.) Some specific ways to honor community champions • Issue a press release • Hold a press conference • Voice a public thank-you • Put community champion awards on your website.
How do you honor community champions? (cont.) • Write or get published a newspaper article • Present a small gift or award at a public event • Present a major, unique award or gift, where the presentation is the reason for the event • Have a party
How do you honor community champions? (cont.) • Hold a roast • Regularly schedule community champion awards • Continue to honor community champions forever