We’re deep into football season! Across the country, families and friends are gathering to watch the athleticism, planning, and teamwork that make this sport so popular. We cheer for our teams, root for our heroes, and bond with others over this uniquely American game. While I can’t claim to have the same deep knowledge as some fans, I enjoy the strategy and spectacle.

As I watch, my attention is often drawn to one player in particular: the quarterback.

A quarterback has a daunting task. They must understand their teammates’ strengths and vulnerabilities. They walk onto the field with a set of potential plays in mind. Then, they assess the other team’s defense in real-time and make split-second decisions on the best way to move the ball forward. All of this while dodging opponents determined to bring them down.

It’s a high-pressure role that requires constant reassessment, adaptability, and focus on the ultimate goal: getting the ball into the end zone. Then, after each play, they must wipe the dirt off their knees and set up to do it all over again. While we see the big plays with physics-defying catches or superhuman runs on highlight films, most plays are grinding, inch-by-inch, yard-by-yard efforts, and forward movement isn’t a given.

As I watch these quarterbacks, I can’t help but think of Purpose Built Network Members—our very own Community Quarterback organizations. In our model, we call our Network Members “Community Quarterback” (CQ) organizations because they play a similar role that football quarterbacks play within their neighborhoods.

Here are a few parallels I see:

Community Quarterbacks are out on the field

Each CQ organization is locally connected, deeply invested, and committed to a specific neighborhood and the people who live there. They are proximate to the people and place.

They are laser-focused on the end goal

Just as a quarterback keeps their eyes on the end zone, CQs are fixed on the vision and goals their neighbors have identified. Goals could be 10 yards—or 10 years—away. Some could be 50 yards – or years – away. No matter how close or far that goal line may be, the CQ keeps it in clear focus mapping out a strategy to get to the next milestone along the journey.

Strategy first, execution second

CQs must serve as strategists who leverage the strengths of diverse players and partners. To do that, they need a deep understanding of various fields and perspectives —from residents to housing developers to educators to public sector leaders. They help everyone collaborate effectively by understanding the needs and pain points of each partner. Then, they serve as an honest broker who can create win-win-win scenarios for everyone involved whenever possible. And when that isn’t possible, they must be transparent and accountable to all the parties involved.

Without trust, they’re getting sacked

A team without trust is a dysfunctional one. Just like a quarterback needs their offensive line to protect them, our CQs rely on strong relationships with community partners. These partnerships give CQs space to see the field and to make the right call. Without trust, the best-laid plans won’t succeed.

Community Quarterbacks rely on an off-field support team

No quarterback, or team, can succeed alone. Coaches, trainers, and support staff are essential to keeping quarterbacks focused, healthy, and ready to lead. At Purpose Built Communities, we are proud to be part of this support team. We connect CQs with experts within and outside of Purpose Built, help them collect data for evidence-based decisions, and even provide grants to strengthen their capacity. We want to do everything we can to keep them strong, healthy, and flexible.

At Purpose Built Communities, we could not be more proud of the Community Quarterback organizations that make up our network. They, and the people who bring them to life, are my personal heroes. And they’re just getting started! In my mind, we’re still in the first quarter when it comes to building a national movement of neighborhood-based revitalization.

That’s where you come in. If you’ve watched a football game, you know that the crowd can play a huge role in building momentum. Next time you tune into a game, take a moment and send a quick note of encouragement to one of our CQs or one of their leaders. You can find them all by clicking here. A little cheering can go a long way.

Let’s keep working together until we get our touchdown – a country where every neighborhood offers a pathway to prosperity.

Carol Naughton
President and CEO Purpose Built Communities