Rotary District 9510Membership HubLegendary Clubs PackageM-T1-PS-04

M-T1-PS-04 · Detailed guide · 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

Why a club might use this

Recognises often-unseen contribution and helps residents discover community needs and organisations without turning recognition into a popularity contest.

Use it when

  • 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 the club starts

  • 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.

Capacity guide

Likely cost
$
Lead time
2-4 weeks
People
3-5 members

How to put it into practice

Detailed implementation steps for Community Hero Story Project
StepActionSuggested owner
1Define the contribution criteria and invite concise evidence-based nominations through accessible channels.Project Chair
2Screen eligibility, disclose panel conflicts and verify the nominated contribution with appropriate sources.Review Panel Convenor
3Approach selected people privately, explain the project and obtain voluntary participation and story permissions.Nominee Liaison
4Create a respectful profile centred on community contribution, collaborators and a relevant public action.Story Editor
5Release the profile, monitor corrections and document whether recognition benefited the featured cause.Communications Lead

Controls and safeguards

  • Never publish a nomination before the person accepts; provide a dignified decline and withdrawal route.
  • Verify material claims and clearly state that inclusion is recognition, not vetting, certification or Rotary endorsement.
  • High — unfair selection, unverified praise or implied endorsement can harm nominees and community trust.

What to measure

  • Eligible nominations received beyond Rotary networks

Follow-up: Provide the featured person and nominator with the approved profile, route public offers to the relevant organisation, and review selection equity after each cycle.

Related playbook entries

  • M-T1-PS-13
  • M-T1-PS-17
  • M-T1-PS-18

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.