The City of Somerville is seeking community members looking for an opportunity to learn something new, get more involved in the community, and become local leaders as Climate Forward Ambassadors. The City’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) is launching the new ambassador program to educate a diverse group of Somerville residents about climate change. The goal is to increase the Somerville community’s capacity to engage in climate action. Ambassadors do not need any prior knowledge about climate change to participate—in fact, the ideal group will have a range of expertise and knowledge on the topic.

Up to 20 participants will be selected by OSE to train as ambassadors. The group will meet with OSE staff monthly over six months to learn together about climate change, including what is happening globally and locally in Somerville and what can be done about it. Each evening meeting will include a presentation and group discussion on a specific topic. The program will wrap up with a public celebration where the ambassadors will briefly share topics and projects of their choosing.

Following their participation in the program, ambassadors will be better equipped to engage in local discussions and decisions about climate change, participate in and initiate City and community climate actions and projects, and inspire and encourage other residents to take action. The new program grew out of Somerville Climate Forward, the City’s new climate action plan. To learn more and to apply, visit http://www.somervillema.gov/cfa. Applications are due by Friday, May 10. For more information, contact Hannah Payne, Somerville Sustainability Coordinator at 617-625-660 x2422 or hpayne@somervillema.gov.