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.