diff --git a/.github/workflows/auto-triage-issues.md b/.github/workflows/auto-triage-issues.md
index 087e529b89..1022049016 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/auto-triage-issues.md
+++ b/.github/workflows/auto-triage-issues.md
@@ -122,9 +122,10 @@ When triggered by an issue event (opened/edited) or scheduled run, analyze issue
 When an issue is opened or edited:
 
 1. **Analyze the issue** that triggered this workflow (available in `github.event.issue`)
-2. **Classify the issue** based on its title and body content
-3. **Apply appropriate labels** using the `add_labels` tool
-4. If uncertain, add the `needs-triage` label for human review
+2. **Check if the author is a community member** — if `author_association` is `NONE`, `FIRST_TIME_CONTRIBUTOR`, `FIRST_TIMER`, or `CONTRIBUTOR`, and the author is **not** a bot (`user.type != "Bot"` and login does not end with `[bot]`), include `community` in the labels to apply
+3. **Classify the issue** based on its title and body content
+4. **Apply all labels** (including `community` if applicable) in a single `add_labels` call
+5. If uncertain about classification, add the `needs-triage` label for human review
 
 ### On Scheduled Runs (Every 6 Hours)
 
@@ -180,6 +181,14 @@ Apply component labels based on mentioned areas:
 - `priority-high` - Contains "critical", "urgent", "blocking", "important"
 - `good first issue` - Explicitly labeled as beginner-friendly or mentions "first time", "newcomer"
 
+### Community Label
+
+Apply the `community` label when:
+- `author_association` is `NONE`, `FIRST_TIME_CONTRIBUTOR`, `FIRST_TIMER`, or `CONTRIBUTOR`
+- **AND** the author is **not** a bot (`user.type != "Bot"` and login does not end with `[bot]`)
+
+This label identifies issues opened by external community members and read-only contributors who are not team members or org members.
+
 ### Special Categories
 
 - `automation` - Relates to automated workflows, bots, scheduled tasks