Final answer:
In community group persuasion, models are those who exemplify the desired actions, which can be live, verbal, or symbolic. These models serve to guide and motivate others through positive demonstration, edification, and representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In persuasion and communication within community groups, models are not simply well-intentioned individuals or attractive figures used in promotional material; they are essential exemplars that guide behavior. According to the theories of psychologist Albert Bandura, models come in three types: live, verbal, and symbolic. A live model demonstrates the behavior in person. For instance, seeing someone actually engage in recycling can inspire others to do the same. A verbal instructional model describes the desired behavior, like a teacher explaining the importance of honesty. Lastly, a symbolic model includes characters in media or influential figures who exhibit behaviors that can be emulated, such as a well-known public figure advocating for environmental conservation efforts.
Models are important in advocacy and policy because they can embody the principles and outcomes that advocates aim to achieve. By representing positive roles and behaviors, models can motivate and educate community members through a process that respects their capacity for critical reflection and active participation, aligning with asset-based approaches and the concept of Unconditional Positive Regard.