TOPIC 2: VETTING POTENTIAL

CHAMPIONS

By the end of this lesson you will be able to research and discover any
potential pitfalls

LESSON 1: IDENTIFYING CHAMPIONS STATUS

TOPIC 1: HOW TO REACH OUT TO POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS COMPLETED

TOPIC 2: VETTING POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS START NOW

Spotting Potential Red Flags

Before you start conducting outreach to the potential champions that you
identified we recommend that you do some light research of their accounts to
check for any red flags as to why they might be a problematic addition to our
By network.
the end of this lesson you will be able to build a successful pitch
together to reach out to all of the high-quality leads you identified in
Lesson 1.
 Industry Red Flags Controversial
Connections Viewpoints
Taken money or supported Any off-color
Big Tobacco or other statements/views that could
problematic industries reflect poorly on us

Political
Liabilities
Political connections/views that
hinder your ability to work with
government partners
 Industry Connection
Our number one concern is working with someone who has taken paid
endorsements from the Tobacco Industry. While highly unlikely for most
Champions you will recruit, its very important to flag for higher profile
celebrities who might have taken paid endorsement deals in the past.
 Industry Connection

In addition to avoiding Champions with industry connections, it’s important

to avoid Champions with connections to other industries with problematic
health outcomes including:
• Beverage Makers
• Unhealthy Foods
• Alcohol
 Controversial Statements

We do not want to publicly affiliate with anyone who could

damage your brand and so its important to vet whether or not any
potential Champion, especially a highly visible Champion, has
espoused problematic views before.
 Political Liabilities
In addition to a target’s personal liabilities, its important to understand
their political liabilities as well. An individual may have a large audience,
but if they are sharply critical of the government you’re working with, they
might not be a good messenger, regardless of the validity of their
criticism.
Conduct Research
While you don’t have the resources to conduct deep research into
everyone you engage with, do some surface research using Google and
their social feeds to see if a red flag pops up.
Intentional Application Process
We will have an official application process to vet the Champions that will
ask them questions regarding the red flags raised in this lesson.
Next Steps

You have now completed Topic 2 for Lesson 2 of the Tobacco Control Champions Network
Manager Training. The assignment for this lesson will be drafting a letter to a potential
Champion that you do not have an existing relationship with. We will be providing you with
sample outreach letters to help you with your assignments.

LESSON 2: RECRUITING CHAMPIONS STATUS

TOPIC 1: HOW TO REACH OUT TO POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS FINISHED

TOPIC 2: VETTING POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS FINISHED

 Questions?

If you have questions or concerns about the curriculum and your work, you can reach us at
trainer@digitaladvocacycenter.com

The Tobacco Control Champions Network is a project of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.