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APPLY NOW! Applications close August 22, 2024. The Miami Waterkeeper Ambassador program is a free 9-month program designed to develop community members so that they can become engaging local environmental leaders and positive changemakers. By the end of the program, Ambassadors will be able to address, and educate others on the complex interrelationships between the social, environmental, governmental and economic issues that underpin life in South Florida. Through a series of 12 immediately useful learning modules, participants will develop a strong understanding of the interconnected issues impacting Biscayne Bay, the surrounding watershed, and by extension our community. Miami Waterkeeper Ambassadors will also receive training and mentorship in effective civic engagement, science communication, and advocacy. Travel support funds are available to qualifying participants. Why Should I Apply? Are you interested in learning more about the key problems and potential solutions for our local watershed? The social and economic consequences of these issues? How governments and other decision-makers impact our waterways? If yes, our Ambassador Program is for you! You will: Develop relevant skill sets including science communication and effective civic advocacy Meet and learn from the Miami Waterkeeper staff, and leaders from like-minded partner organizations Cultivate a network and community that will support you as you continue on your journey Program Overview Through field trips, training workshops, and group dialogue, Miami Waterkeeper Ambassadors will receive training and mentorship in effective civic engagement, science communication, and advocacy. Each module will include: Prep materials designed to help you get the most out of each in-person session, so that we can immediately dive-in to deeper learning and discussion 2–4 hour in-person sessions, including field trips, hands-on events, training workshops, and more A post-session challenge assignment to solidify skills and build confidence Module topics will include: Core knowledge areas: South Florida water flow from the Everglades to the Bay: History, changes, and restoration Bay Basics: Key ecosystems, critical species, and interconnections Governance primer and civics 101: A crash-course in relevant agencies, decision-processes, and potential levers for change Intersections of justice and climate: An introduction to the many ways the health of Biscayne Bay intersects with the health of our society, from historic segregation to present-day justice concerns Critical skill development: Individual actions: What can you do in your daily life to protect the Bay Effective science communication: Learn strategies for engaging with different audiences and communicating complex issues Advocacy 101: Learn strategies for effectively engaging policy-makers for change Deeper dives into key problems and solutions: Sewage Plastics and Chemicals of emerging concern Stormwater Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure Fertilizer ordinance and good gardening In order to complete the program and receive their Ambassador Certificate, participants must attend an introductory session and complete 9 of the 12 modules. Who Can Apply? This program is directed at Miami-Dade residents who are 18 years and older. Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort open July 15, 2024 and close August 22, 2024. APPLY NOW! Questions? If you have further questions, email [email protected] or visit our FAQ page.
Join this program See all of our programs ›Join us for another year of spooky fun and community impact at our Spooky Clean-Up event! This year, we're thrilled to partner with The International SeaKeepers Society, FRUGA, and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park to bring you an even more exciting and festive experience. Date & Time:October 26th, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location:Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami-Dade, Florida, 33149, United States) Event Highlights: Clean-Up Effort: Roll up your sleeves and help us clear marine debris from our beautiful shoreline. All necessary clean-up supplies will be provided, but you're welcome to bring your own gloves and trash pickers if you prefer. Pumpkin Carving & Spooky Activities: While you're helping clean up, take a break at our pumpkin carving station and enjoy some spooky-themed activities that are fun for all ages! Costume Contest: Come dressed in your best Halloween costume! We'll be judging costumes after the clean-up, with prizes for the most creative and spooky outfits. FRUGA Beverage Tasting: From 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, reward yourself with complimentary beverages provided by FRUGA. It's a great way to refresh after a morning of hard work and celebrate our collective efforts. Marine Debris Weigh-In: We'll conclude the event by weighing the marine debris collected and sharing the impact we've made together. Community Partners: FRUGA was born to steal the hearts of all fruit lovers. Like magic inside a can, FRUGA captures the delicate natural flavor of nature's most wonderful gifts — fruits. From now on, every sip will have a purpose and a story to tell. All our FRUGAS are packed with the power of prebiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant fiber, ensuring every drop is as wholesome as it is delicious! The International SeaKeepers Society promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the future wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues. The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust promotes the preservation of a passive open green-space that includes nature trails, recreational facilities and museum structures appropriate and compatible with the nature of Virginia Key; This will preserve the park as a valuable resource to be enjoyed for posterity, and to honor the rich historical legacy of the social and civil rights history of South Florida. All clean-up supplies are provided but if you have your own gloves/trash pickers, feel free to bring them. Otherwise, come thirsty, in your best halloween costume, and ready to make a positive impact on our community and environment! RSVP below! If you are having trouble RSVPing, please reach out to Erin at [email protected] and she will be happy to assist you!
Come to this event See all of our events ›Imagine diving into the crystal-clear waters offshore of Miami, only to find yourself surrounded by a scene of devastation. A moonscape. The water, once teeming with life, is clouded with sediment, and the vibrant coral reefs are now buried beneath a layer of sand. This grim reality manifested during the PortMiami dredging project that occurred from 2013 to 2015. The project resulted in catastrophic damage to adjacent coral reefs, triggering legal action by Miami Waterkeeper and co-plaintiffs. Despite the dredging company’s initial attempts to downplay the environmental impact, subsequent scientific research uncovered extensive coral mortality, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has now released a report that supports our finding that millions of corals were likely killed and at least 278 acres of the Florida Reef Tract was severely impacted. The timing of this revelation is critical, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing another expansion dredge in Miami, potentially posing a grave threat to already vulnerable coral ecosystems. To mitigate the damage and protect these invaluable reefs, we are proposing a proactive approach involving coral restoration and advanced scientific techniques, promising both economic and environmental benefits for Miami and setting a precedent for national coral restoration initiatives.
Support this campaign See all of our campaigns ›Members of the PartnerSHIP crew are critical to our mission to ensure swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all. Join today to show your commitment to our water.