Who is a Community Champion?
Community champions are trusted, local individuals who help activate ideas, bring people together, shape community-driven solutions, and sustain momentum over time. They play essential roles across the Community Change Six-step Model by mobilizing, connecting, shaping solutions, and sustaining momentum.
What Community Champions Do at their Core
Mobilize: Turn ideas into first steps
Community champions help groups move from “we should…” to “let’s start…”. They do this by:
- Encouraging people to take small, doable actions rather than waiting for perfect plans.
- Helping clarify priorities so the group knows what to tackle first.
- Creating a sense of shared purpose that makes people feel ready to act.
This early activation is often what transforms a good idea into a real initiative.
Connect: Strengthen relationships and networks
Champions build bridges. They:
- Bring together people who might not otherwise meet.
- Spot shared goals across different groups, organizations, or neighborhoods.
- Help uncover new perspectives, partnerships, tools, and resources that expand what’s possible.
These connections often become the backbone of long-term success.
Shape Solutions: Ground ideas in lived experience
Because champions understand community realities, they help ensure solutions are:
- Practical
- Relevant
- Rooted in lived experience
- Designed with the community, not for it
They help groups test ideas, adjust quickly, and stay focused on what works.
Sustain Momentum: Keep people engaged over time
Champions help maintain steady progress by:
- Checking in, encouraging, and celebrating progress (even small wins).
- Keeping communication flowing so people feel informed and included.
- Helping the group navigate setbacks without losing energy.
- Showing up consistently, which builds trust and keeps the effort moving forward.
Momentum isn’t about speed, it’s about steady, reliable movement. Champions help make that possible.
Putting it all together
A community champion is someone who:
- Activates people
- Connects them
- Co-creates solutions
- Sustains the effort
They’re the spark, the glue, the guide, and the steady hand.
How Champions Support the Six-Step Change Model
Consider these roles of a community champion while reviewing the Community Change Six-Step Model. These roles can be aligned to the steps as outlined below.
• Mobilize supports Steps 1 & 5: Identify the Need; Make a Plan and Act
• Connect supports Step 2: Bring People Together
• Shape Solutions supports Steps 3 & 4: Explore What’s Working; Gather Resources
• Sustain Momentum supports Steps 5 & 6: Make a Plan and Act; Reflect and Share
Print
Email