The Champions Community

With the Champions Community we aim to build an international community of professionals committed to humane, growth-oriented prison cultures.

We strive to empower leaders to act with vision, compassion, and accountability – so that dignity, staff well-being, and meaningful reintegration become the foundation of prison systems.

Our ambition is to grow a movement of Champions driving lasting cultural change towards a more just society.

The Champions Community film

This short film by Boo Xinying premiered at the European Justice Education & Leadership Summit in Vienna. It explains why the Champions Community was created and shares the stories and testimonies of the Champions from Germany, Czechia and Malta.

Moments from our first Summit

Organisers welcoming participants on stage at the European Justice Education & Leadership Summit

Speaker on stage presenting Growing Culture and the principles of growth

Speaker addressing the audience from the stage

Philipp Meissner of UNODC addressing the Summit

Speaker at the lectern beside a large projected drawing of a face

Team members at the Summit registration desk

Three people smiling in front of the Richtungswechsel and Champions Community banners

Participants in small circles during the Dialogue Islands session

Olivia Rope delivering the keynote The Human Rights Imperative

Petra Scicluna delivering the keynote The Champions of Change

Speaker at the lectern beside a slide of Champions of Change initiatives

Speaker addressing the Summit against a green-lit stage curtain

Speaker presenting on reframing leadership

Panel discussion The Journey of Change on stage

Speaker presenting on stage in front of a slide

Participant asking a question from the audience

Panellists sharing a smile during a discussion on stage

Panel discussion on leadership at senior level on stage

Wide view of the senior leadership panel on stage

Speaker on stage in front of the Champions Community slide

Participants raising their hands in the hall

Two people embracing on stage, with a bouquet of flowers

Panel discussion The Training of Leadership on stage

Summit participants applauding in the hall

Team members holding bouquets on stage at the close of the Summit

Participants raising their hands in the green-lit hall

European Justice Education & Leadership Summit, Vienna, 17–18 September 2026
Photos: © Leggou.Vision e.U / Richtungswechsel