What could this idea change?
Recognises often-unseen contribution and helps residents discover community needs and organisations without turning recognition into a popularity contest.
M-T1-PS-04 · Theme 1
Community Hero Story Project
Profiles locally nominated people whose sustained community contribution illustrates practical service, collaboration and civic care.
Where this idea came from
- Playbook entry
- M-T1-PS-04 · Community Hero Story Project
- Theme
- Theme 1: Attraction & Visibility · Subtheme PS: Public Storytelling
- Source material
- Existing checked Theme 1 guide
- Linked playbook entry
- M-T1-PS-04 · Community Hero Story Project
Could this work in our club?
- Community members, local organisations, schools and media interested in credible examples of local service. Use when the club can invite nominations through broad community channels rather than its own network only.
Before you start
- Published eligibility, nomination, verification, conflict and consent rules.
- A diverse panel with no undisclosed connection to shortlisted nominees.
- A story and recognition format that does not imply an award, endorsement or background clearance.
At the end: Provide the featured person and nominator with the approved profile, route public offers to the relevant organisation, and review selection equity after each cycle.
Before your club says yes
Does the idea fit?
Talk with the people it is meant to serve and check that the need is real.
Who can say yes?
Name the person or group that can approve the work, spending and any safety arrangements.
Are people protected?
Check privacy, consent and safety. Collect only the information you genuinely need.
Can everyone take part?
Check the language, format, place, technology and cost for barriers.
Are the facts and permissions right?
Check names, claims, images, quotations, partner references and Rotary branding.
How will we learn?
Note where things stand now, check in at 30, 60 and 90 days, and decide what to do next.
Worksheets for your club
Open them online, print them or change them to suit the way your club works.
Communications and content planner
Use this worksheet to prepare clear messages and check the facts, permissions and approval before sharing them.
Open worksheetRecognition and selection planner
Use this worksheet to recognise people's contributions fairly and ask before sharing their story.
Open worksheetWorkflow and minimum-data register
Use this worksheet to map each step and keep only the information the club genuinely needs.
Open worksheet