Community Change Hub

Step 2: Bring People Together

Community champions often act as connectors who help engage overlooked voices, bridge sectors, and energize others to turn ideas into action.

Real change happens when people come together, talk openly, and listen to those who are closest to the issue. When you create space for honest conversation, about what is working and what could be better, people feel invited to take part. When people feel heard and their ideas matter, they are more likely to take ownership. That sense of ownership is what helps change last.

Think about who should be involved

Start by identifying who needs to be part of the conversation from the beginning. Consider people who:

• Care about the issue
• Directly impacted by the issue
• Make decisions or influence how things are done
• Understand how the setting works day to day
• Have valuable insights but may be overlooked
• Are trusted, motivated, and able to help move ideas forward

For example, local law enforcement officers may understand safety issues that affect food pantry outreach. Youth often offer perspectives adults may miss. Some of these individuals may become community champions.

Having people from different sectors—such as schools, nonprofits, health care, businesses, or local government—can help the group share resources and ideas. Using a shared approach, such as the Collective Impact Framework, can strengthen the group’s results.

Questions to help guide your outreach

Ask:

• Who cares about or is impacted by this issue and wants to see improvement?
• Who can help make decisions or influence next steps?
• Who has the time, skills, or resources to support this work?
• Who has strong relationships with the people affected?
• Who could help turn ideas into action?
• Who are the philanthropic partners that might support the work?

Identify someone to guide the process

It is helpful to have a dedicated point person who can guide the group and keep the work moving forward. This individual could be someone from your organization or a partner willing to assist. While partners can provide valuable support and guidance, the organization or group closest to the issue should take the lead in decision-making, driving action, and sustaining the changes over time.