Asking questions and taking notes may need to wait until a journalist first builds a relationship with people in a civic space. Four Types of Community Leaders 1. Official leaders People who hold elected positions, work for government agencies, or are heads of large institutions. Civic leaders People who hold recognized civic positions within the community. Usually the people that reporters go to when trying to expand their sources.
Connectors Move in-between organizations and civic conversations.
Tend to be people who interact with multiple organizations, institutions and people carrying and spreading ideas, messages, and social norms from place to place. Connectors often have no official capacity. Catalysts Leaders whom people look to in their everyday lives for community expertise, historical perspective and wisdom. Often are responsible for encouraging others to get involved in civic life. The respected neighbors, co-workers, and lay church leaders in peoples lives.