FEATURED PROGRAM: Ambassador Program
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open in Late Spring 2025!
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 2025-2026 cohort open in late Spring 2025.
Questions?
If you have further questions, email [email protected] or visit our FAQ page.
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