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Click play above to hear Dr. Jesse L. White, Jr., former Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, describe the Sparkplug model.
When it comes to community projects, the best results often come from individuals we call Human Sparkplugs. These are people who lead change by example without getting paid to do it!
 
Our Community Sparkplugs initiative helps local leaders use self-help and volunteerism to achieve results even in the absence of money. We work with foundations, the government and other philanthropy to support sparkplug trainings in their region, often asking the nonprofits they support to identify promising and emerging volunteer leaders.
 
Human Sparkplugs are more powerful than great plans, a big committee or even a lot of money in achieving organizational and community change. Sparkplugs are present in all places - although many are thwarted by too much planning, too many needs statements and other processes that get in the way of action.
 
Sparkplug Profile – Do you think you’re a sparkplug? Take our short survey to find out!!
 

Key characteristics:

Energy. Without it many projects will begin, but few will finish. And many will begin boldly, but end up as weak copies.
Bias to Act. Many people are at heart critics, planners, or boosters. Sparkplugs are doers. They want to solve problems, not study or decry them.
Results Orientation. Sparkplugs believe that the outcome, not process, matters most. Networking and capacity building are the means, not the end.
Personal Responsibility. Sparkplugs take responsibility for their own behavior.
Belief in Common Good. Sparkplugs look beyond what is good for their families and friends.
Inclined to Teams. Sparkplugs provide the juice, but know they need an engine!
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