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Honoring Community Champions

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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How do you honor community champions?

(cont.)

• Hold a roast• Regularly schedule community champion awards • Continue to honor community champions forever