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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. |
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| 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! |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Sparkplug Profile – Do you think you’re a sparkplug? Take our short survey to find out!! |
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Key characteristics: |
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Energy. Without it many projects
will begin, but few will finish. And many will begin
boldly, but end up as weak copies. |
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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. |
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Results Orientation. Sparkplugs believe
that the outcome, not process, matters most. Networking
and capacity building are the means, not the end. |
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Personal Responsibility. Sparkplugs
take responsibility for their own behavior. |
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Belief in Common Good. Sparkplugs
look beyond what is good for their families and friends. |
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Inclined to Teams. Sparkplugs provide
the juice, but know they need an engine! |
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