Ambassador Program: Community Service Opportunities in Miami for Adults
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now open! APPLY HERE!
Apply by June 30, 2025 | Free for Adults in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
What Is the Ambassador Program?
Miami Waterkeeper’s Ambassador Program is a free, year-long training and volunteer experience for adults who want to take action for clean water, healthy ecosystems, and a resilient South Florida.
Whether you’re a teacher, retiree, small business owner, student, or community leader, this program is your opportunity to learn, engage, and lead. You’ll gain practical knowledge about local environmental issues, connect with fellow changemakers, and take part in meaningful advocacy and service.
No prior experience is necessary—just a passion for protecting our environment and a commitment to being part of the solution.
Why It Matters
South Florida’s environment is under pressure—from pollution to sea level rise. And while these issues are serious, young people like you are stepping up with creative, bold solutions.
The Ambassador Program helps residents understand the issues, develop their voice, and become active participants in shaping a cleaner, safer future for all.
What You'll Do
- Attend a series of workshops and fieldtrips around Miami-Dade County, each focusing on different local environmental issues
- Participate in events such as cleanups and habitat restorations
- Learn how to speak with decision-makers and advocate for policies that protect our environment
- Connect with local experts and fellow Ambassadors
- Take part in special events and ongoing opportunities to stay engaged
- Receive a certificate of completion and join our growing network of trained advocates
"This program helped me turn concern into action. I now feel confident showing up for my community—and our water."
— Former Ambassador
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for adults in Miami-Dade or Broward who are:
- Passionate about clean water and environmental justice
- Eager to volunteer and get involved in their community
- New to environmental advocacy or looking to deepen their impact
Why Apply for the Miami Waterkeeper Ambassador Program?
As a Miami Waterkeeper Ambassador, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and community to make a real impact—no science degree or policy background required. This free program is designed for adults who want to protect South Florida’s environment through hands-on action, local advocacy, and community leadership. As an Ambassador, you’ll:
- Learn about local environmental issues
- Develop leadership skills
- Improve your public speaking abilities
- Receive advocacy training
- Earn community service hours
- Develop your network through partnerships
- Educate members of their community on important issues
- Gain access to exclusive Miami Waterkeeper events and activities
Workshops & Field Trips
Ambassadors must attend 6 out of the 12 workshops/field trips offered in order to complete the program. The workshops/field trips are held throughout South Florida and facilitated by Miami Waterkeeper leadership and staff, covering the following topics:
- Biscayne Bay 101 Field Trip
- Everglades Field Trip
- Individual Actions Workshop
- Marine Debris Clean-Up
- Science Communication Workshop
- Environmental Justice Workshop
- Civic Engagement Workshop
- Florida Friendly Landscaping
- Wastewater Field Trip
- Stormwater Workshop
- Nature Based Solutions Workshop
- How to be an Advocate Workshop
Service Events
One of the founding pillars of Miami Waterkeeper is community engagement. As such, we expect our Ambassadors to be engaged in the community.
Ambassadors will participate in meaningful, hands-on experiences like:
- Beach and shoreline cleanups
- Habitat restoration projects
- Community events that connect science with action
Program Timeline & Structure
The program runs during the academic year and includes:
- 12 workshops and field trips (Ambassadors must attend 6 out of the 12 workshops/field trips offered in order to complete the program)
- 1 advocacy project at the end of the program
Ambassadors are expected to participate fully and will be supported every step of the way.
Questions?
If you have further questions, please email our Senior Education and Engagement Manager, Erin Cover, at [email protected] or visit our FAQ page.
Funders for Ambassadors:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)