You can find them across the Great Lakes region: at conferences, zoos, boat shows, farmer’s markets, swim races, film festivals, Earth Day events, and more.
Volunteer Alliance Ambassadors are out in their communities, growing people’s connections with the Great Lakes.
“The Great Lakes region is huge,” says Volunteer Engagement Manager Olivia Reda, “and our staff can’t be everywhere at once. Alliance Ambassadors are vital in helping us spread the word about how people can help protect the Great Lakes.”
These dedicated volunteers hail from all 8 Great Lakes states. They join virtual meetings where they learn from experts about topics like plastic pollution, invasive species, and clean drinking water. They receive training in skills like public speaking and tabling. Then they represent the Alliance for the Great Lakes at events across the region.
This year, Ambassadors spoke and tabled at 51 events from Wisconsin to New York. They connected with families, businesses, student groups, and community organizations. They spoke at Adopt-a-Beach cleanups and welcomed guests at the Alliance’s Great Blue Benefit.
Ambassadors went online as well, learning and taking action to protect the Great Lakes. They shared information with their networks, contacted their legislators, attended webinars, and joined exclusive Ambassador conversations on topics like agricultural pollution, lead service line replacement, and climate change and the Great Lakes.
“I can’t thank them enough,” says Reda. “Our Ambassadors are such an integral part of our work and impact at Alliance for the Great Lakes. I am so grateful for everything they have done this year to help protect the Great Lakes and raise awareness about the threats our waters face!”