IBM Champions

One of the strengths of the IBM Champions and Rising Champions community is that advocacy doesn’t follow a single path.

People contribute in ways that match their experience, skills, time, and comfort level - or what their day job allows. Some write. Others speak, mentor, organize, teach, build, or provide feedback. Some show up publicly; others support the tech community more quietly behind the scenes.

That’s why the activities we evaluate are intentionally broad and grouped to help you choose how you want to contribute and grow.

Two Types of Advocacy Activities

All recognized advocacy supports the same goal: strengthening learning, trust, and connection across the IBM technology community.

Activities generally fall into two categories:

Core Activities

Foundational participation and contribution

Core activities are often where advocacy begins. They are accessible, flexible, and allow people to contribute in ways that fit naturally into their workflow.

Examples include:

• Community participation and discussion

• Social advocacy that adds perspective or learning

• Introductory content or reflections

• Event participation

• Product reviews or surveys

Core activities help advocates:

• Build confidence

• Find their voice

• Establish consistency

They are real, valued advocacy, and help to launch an advocacy portfolio.

Core Advocacy Activities

Foundational ways to participate and contribute
(Common at the Contributor level and throughout the journey)

Extended Activities

Deeper leadership, effort, and ownership

As advocates grow, many choose to take on activities that require more preparation, accountability, or sustained commitment.

Examples include:

• Speaking or teaching

• Publishing in‑depth content

• Leading or organizing user groups or events

• Mentoring others

• Contributing technically or strategically

• Participating in advisory or feedback programs

Extended activities tend to have a broader and longer‑lasting impact and are required to reach the Advocate and Influencer levels.

Deeper leadership, effort, and ownership
(More common at the Advocate and Influencer levels)

How to Read This Table

• Core activities help you build presence, confidence, and consistency

• Extended activities reflect leadership, responsibility, and broader ecosystem impact

• As advocates want to contribute more, they naturally move from primarily core → a mix → predominantly extended over time

• No one is expected to do everything. Patterns matter more than individual activities

Key Takeaway

Every authentic contribution strengthens the IBM ecosystem.
Progression isn’t about choosing the “highest” activity. It’s about finding the right mix for where you are now, and staying open to what’s next.

A Note on Social‑First Advocacy

Social platforms are a completely valid place to advocate. Many successful Champions and Rising Champions built their presence primarily there.

Over time, what matters is how social platforms are used:

• Amplifying messages helps ideas travel

• Adding insight, experience, or guidance helps people learn

For many advocates, social engagement is a starting point and often a bridge into extended activities as confidence and clarity grow. It is possible to earn IBM Influencer and even progress to IBM Champion with primarily social-first advocacy; however, typically

Choosing Your Path

No one is expected to do everything.

As Contributors move toward Advocate, Influencer, and eventually Champion consideration, we typically look for:

• A thoughtful mix of core and extended activities over time

• Signs of ownership, effort, and intention

• A pattern of contribution that strengthens the IBM tech community

Progression isn’t about the fastest path, it’s about a meaningful and sustainable one.

A Guide, Not a Judgment

The activities roster exists to help you make informed choices, not to limit how you contribute.

Every authentic contribution matters.
Every Champion once started by showing up, experimenting, and learning.

Start where you are. Choose what fits you. Stay curious about what’s next. Visit our article, Introducing the next evolution of the IBM Rising Champions Program.

Or learn more about each level: Contributor, Advocate, and Influencer.

Important note on IBM Z and LinuxONE advocacy: If your activity is primarily related to IBM Z and LinuxONE, you may want to begin with the IBM Z and LinuxONE Advocacy Hub. Please note that activities used for earning the IBM Z and LinuxONE community badges will not be double-counted for badges in the IBM Rising Champions Advocacy program; however, if you are evaluated for IBM Champion status, the selection committee may review all advocacy activity and consider any badges earned across each program.

Get started today!

If you are new to the IBM Rising Champions get started by applying today by filling in our Candidate Application. Once you’ve applied, you (along with other Rising Champions and Champions) will report advocacy activities using the Activity Reporting Form. Credible evidence and context are essential to support thoughtful evaluation across all program levels. 

** Please note: These events may not qualify as they are often job-related/required. If you choose to report this type of activity, please explain clearly how it goes beyond your job or business promotion.

*** Please note: Mentoring must be clearly distinguished from job duties. Supporting direct reports or other employees through training, guidance, or performance-related coaching that is not related to IBM technologies is not considered mentoring.

As always, the program reserves the right to update categories and badge/program definitions.

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