Network of Champions

Commit to Connect Champions are a part of a group of passionate leaders and innovators at the local, state and national levels who are dedicated to ending social isolation and loneliness. You will have opportunities to connect to and gain support from a collaborative network and stay informed on the latest research, tools and public awareness efforts from Commit to Connect. Champions will also be able to participate in opportunities, such as working groups and free networking events/learning opportunities.

Champions will support Commit to Connect’s vision to deliver appropriate, informed solutions to decrease isolation and loneliness among older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and its goal to reach up to 10 million socially isolated people. Read more about the role of Commit to Connect Champions.

Champions come from many backgrounds, communities and perspectives. At the core, Champions are leaders and innovators at the local, state or national level who are dedicated to ending social isolation and loneliness.

Examples of potential local Champions:

Staff and volunteer leaders from: community-based organizations, local foundations and philanthropic organizations, educational institutions, long-term care ombudsmen, senior centers, parks and recreation departments, respite providers, senior housing and long-term care (including CCRCs, nursing, assisted living), caregiver associations, food security (e.g. pantries) organizations, animal welfare organizations, faith-based organizations, educators, Centers for Independent Living, health care organizations, disability-focused organizations, veteran service organizations and elected officials/offices. Local Champions can also be self-advocates.

Examples of potential state Champions:

• Staff and leaders from: state government, or groups/initiatives within state governments/agencies (e.g. state aging and disability offices, Public Health, Mental Health, Departments of Education), state colleges/universities, long-term care state ombudsmen programs, nonprofits, associations and coalitions and/or private organizations with statewide reach, statewide philanthropic organizations, statewide assistive technology programs, university centers for excellence in developmental disabilities (UCEDD) network.

Examples of potential national Champions:

• Staff and leaders from: national associations, national organizations, national societies, national coalitions, foundations and philanthropic organizations, technology companies, national housing providers, health and long-term care providers, national health systems, national health plans and insurance companies, national faith-based organizations, and federal agencies.

Yes. However, Commit to Connect Champions are not permitted to promote commercial, political or personal interests within the Commit to Connect Network Hub or when representing Commit to Connect. Commit to Connect Champions may not use Commit to Connect logos or materials to promote commercial, political or personal interests.

While ongoing engagement is encouraged, the amount of time dedicated to this initiative is dependent on each Champion in the network.

Champions will have opportunities to participate in relevant learning and professional development activities, such as discussion forums, working groups and events. Feedback will be fostered through invitations to participate in occasional brief surveys or polls to help inform the improvement of the network and the overall Commit to Connect Initiative

Champions will help measure success towards the goal of reaching up to 10 million socially isolated older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers by tracking the total number of individuals reached periodically through their respective work (including through webinars, materials distributed in communities, social media messages etc.)

Champions may be asked to share information on their efforts to address social isolation through polls or other feedback mechanisms. In addition, Champions will have ways to share feedback, input and thoughts through discussion forums, optional surveys and polls, and more.