Celebrating Everyday Community Leadership
Small Town Heroes celebrates local people whose service, leadership and generosity make Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties stronger.
About the Small Town Heroes Campaign
United Way of Northwest Illinois created the Small Town Heroes campaign in 2016 to recognize people who quietly make a meaningful difference throughout Northwest Illinois.
These community heroes give their time, skills and energy to help others. Some lead local projects, support neighbors, strengthen nonprofit organizations or create new opportunities. Others make a difference through years of dependable service that may not receive public attention.
Small Town Heroes reflects what it means to LIVE UNITED: people working together and using their individual strengths to improve the communities they call home.
What Makes Someone a Small Town Hero?
There is no single type of community hero. The strongest nominations explain what the individual has done, who has benefited and why that service is meaningful.
Service Beyond Expectations
The nominee contributes beyond the ordinary expectations of a job, title or formal responsibility.
Servant Leadership
The nominee places the needs of other people or the wider community ahead of personal recognition.
Meaningful Local Impact
Their actions have created a positive and identifiable change for local residents, organizations or neighborhoods.
Inspiration to Others
Their example encourages other people to volunteer, collaborate, lead or become more involved in the community.
How to Prepare a Strong Nomination
A detailed nomination helps reviewers understand the person’s contribution. When preparing your submission, consider including:
- Specific examples of how the nominee has helped other people or the community.
- The organizations, neighborhoods or groups affected by their work.
- How long the individual has been involved.
- Results or positive changes connected to their service.
- Ways the nominee has encouraged other people to participate or give back.
Sharing the Stories of Northwest Illinois
The Small Town Heroes campaign has featured artistic portraits by Kurt Koester Photography and personal reflections from people who give their time and talents to the region. The campaign has also received support from FHN.
Sharing these stories recognizes individual service while showing others that meaningful community change can begin with one person choosing to help.
Honoring Small Town Heroes also helps preserve stories of service that might otherwise go unnoticed. These stories show how volunteering, mentoring, leadership and everyday acts of care can create lasting change throughout Northwest Illinois.
Nomination Information
Nomination periods, deadlines and recognition-event details may change each year. Contact United Way of Northwest Illinois for information about the current Small Town Heroes nomination cycle.
Small Town Heroes Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be nominated as a Small Town Hero?
Nominees should be people making a positive difference in Stephenson, Jo Daviess or Carroll County. Contact United Way for the current cycle’s complete eligibility requirements.
Does the nominee need to work for a nonprofit?
Community service can happen through many roles and settings. The nomination should clearly explain how the person’s actions benefit the community beyond their normal responsibilities.
When do nominations open?
The schedule may change annually. Contact United Way of Northwest Illinois for current nomination dates, deadlines and form availability.
Help Us Celebrate Local Leadership
Tell us about someone whose service and leadership deserve recognition.
Contact United Way of Northwest Illinois or call 815-232-5184.
SMALL TOWN HEROES IS SPONSORED BY:
