Community Roles
The power and strength of successful communities lies in human-to-human connection and the ability to bring valuable content and conversation to members. Vibrant communities are rarely the work of a single individual; there are a number of roles that must be filled in order for the community to fulfill its purpose. When a community is not functioning, or not growing, it is useful to assess whether some of the key roles are being filled, and if not, how the functions of these roles might be supplied.
The community’s purpose needs to be clear, and four important roles must be filled. As you lead the development of your community, consider who can best fill these roles in your group. Download a synopsis of each role (PDF, below), including key information, and who would be a good fit.
Member
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Post, Comment, Reply, Like, Praise!
- Improve results through joint work
- Foster human-to-human relationships
- Reciprocate
- Share experiences
- Learn
QUALITIES
- Desire to be open, collaborate, share knowledge, and learn
- Desire to connect with others across the world
Likes to benefit others
Leader
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Set the group’s vision, mission and goals
- Engage others
- Sustain the community, help it thrive
QUALITIES
- Forward-thinking
- Innovative
- Enthusiastic, energetic, engaging
- Empathetic; understands alternate perspectives and viewpoints
Sponsor
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide approval, legitimize the community.
- Support others to build, nurture conversation.
- Galvanize UNICEF’s staff and partners participation.
- Make the group more visible.
QUALITIES
- Inspires others as a leader
- Believes in a culture of knowledge sharing, empowerment, ownership and accountability
- Willing to promote, defend the community to organizational decision makers
Champion
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide input, advice, and suggestions to members and leaders
- Put members’ needs first
- Help others participate
QUALITIES
- Networks and interacts well
- Power-user
- Influencer
- Passion for their area of expertise
- Engaged, responsive, flexible
- Proactive to initiate change