Ohio Civic Health Champions

Nomination & Selection Criteria

The OHIO Civic Health Champions Initiative is designed by Leadership Ohio to recognize everyday Ohioans who strengthen their communities through leadership in action. At a time when trust is low and division is high, civic health—how we participate, connect, and solve problems together—is critical to our state’s future. While the overall Civic Health Index shows how and where Ohio, as a state, can improve, Leadership Ohio believes we have everyday leaders in each of our communities who exemplify civic capacity building in action.

Nominate Your Civic Health Champion Today!
Leadership Ohio is looking for individuals who bring people together, increase engagement, build understanding across differences, and create real, lasting impact in their communities—often without formal titles or recognition. If you know someone who is making a difference in these ways, we invite you to nominate them and help us shine a light on the leadership that is moving Ohio forward.

Deadline for nomination is: July 30, 2026. Recipients for recognition will be selected by October 1, 2026. The Ohio Civic Health Champions recognition event will be held at our Annual Meeting on December 11th, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM in Central Ohio.

  • We encourage nominations of individuals who:

    • Demonstrate leadership through action, not position

    • Positively impact their community or region in Ohio

    • Work collaboratively across sectors or differences

    • Show a sustained commitment to improving civic life

    • May or may not hold formal leadership roles

  • Nominees are evaluated across five core domains of civic health:

    Community Engagement & Participation
    Encourages others to get involved and actively participate in community or civic life.

    Civic Knowledge & Awareness
    Helps others better understand issues, systems, or opportunities that impact their community.

    Bridging Divides & Building Trust
    Brings together individuals from different backgrounds or perspectives to foster understanding and collaboration.

    Community Problem-Solving & Collaboration
    Identifies challenges and works with others to create practical, community-driven solutions.

    Long-Term Impact & Commitment
    Demonstrates sustained effort and creates lasting, meaningful change in their community.

  • Nominations are submitted through our online form and include:

    • Basic information about the nominee and nominator

    • Narrative responses aligned with the five civic health domains

    • Optional supporting materials (links, testimonials, photos, anything you believe would help the nominee)

    • Nominations are reviewed by Leadership Ohio and/or a designated selection committee

    • Each nominee is evaluated based on the strength, clarity, and impact of their contributions across the five domains

    • Emphasis is placed on real-world impact, collaboration, and ability to build trust across differences

    • Selected individuals will be named Leadership Ohio Civic Health Champions

    • Public recognition through Leadership Ohio social media platforms

    • Featured storytelling (digital, written, or video)

    • Invitations to Leadership Ohio events and programs

    • Recognition at annual recognition ceremony

    • Opportunities to connect with a statewide network of leaders

  • Nomination Form Link: https://forms.gle/QDVRQsUUSD7j2nDF6

    Recognition: Selected recipients will be recognized on Friday, December 11, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM in central Ohio during the Leadership Ohio Annual Meeting.
    Deadline for Nominations: July 30, 2026

    Help us recognize those making a difference across Ohio