What Is The EcoAmbassadors Program?

EcoAmbassadors is a new climate and energy-centered volunteer training program. The program is an evolution of the award-winning Energy Masters Program that helped local families conserve energy. Building on the 14-year legacy of Energy Masters, the EcoAmbassadors program will bring together a cohort of volunteers passionate about helping neighbors and their communities commit to personal activities that will make our neighborhoods and homes healthier and more livable. The EcoAmbassadors training is centered on the City of Alexandria Energy and Climate Change Action Plan and Arlington’s Community Energy Plan and related climate strategies. Specific focus areas include reducing energy use and electrifying the home, shifting to eco-friendly transportation choices, and minimizing waste.

Modeled after the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Masters model and evolving from the Energy Masters program, volunteers make an annual service commitment after completing training and participate in a variety of projects in the community to hone their skills, serve tenants and homeowners, and to disseminate information throughout the community.

Thank you to the City of Alexandria Office of Climate Action and the Arlington County Climate Policy Office for supporting this program. EcoAmbassadors is managed jointly by EcoAction Arlington and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

who can become an ecoAmbassador?

Anyone, including high school and college students ages 16 and up, in the DMV area interested in climate action and community engagement. If you want to be a volunteer educator, help your neighbors, and want to protect our environment this program is for you! Priority will be given to those that live in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.

When To Apply and Training Dates:

Training sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from October 8 through November 5.

• The first training will be held in person on Wednesday, October 8, and is required for all volunteers.
• The volunteer graduation and celebration ceremony will be held (in person) on Wednesday, November 5.
• The October 15, October 22, and October 29 trainings will be held virtually.
• Optional: Volunteers interested in the Create-Your-Own Project option are encouraged to attend virtual sessions to work on project development and receive mentorship and support from staff and other classmates. More information about this opportunity will be shared soon.

The location for the in-person trainings on 10/8 and 11/5 will be announced before the training begins.
The deadline for applications is October 01, 2025.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• All EcoAmbassadors will be vetted through the application and interview process. Applicants 18 and older will need to complete a criminal background check.

• EcoAmbassadors commit to a 5-week training program that includes an overview of the Alexandria and Arlington climate action strategies plus skill-building focused on community engagement, grassroots education, and behavior change. EcoAmbassadors will organize and participate in outreach activities with neighbors and the community to include community outreach/tabling, presentations at civic and community organizations, interactions with schools, and door-to-door dissemination of information.

• After training, volunteers commit to a minimum number of service hours throughout the year:

• Adult volunteers who are not students commit to at least 20 hours of service for one year after finishing the training program.

• High school and college student volunteers will have tailored opportunities for volunteering including engaging school communities and student groups. After training, student volunteers commit to at least 10 hours of service throughout the year.

Volunteers Will Be Introduced To:

• Arlington County and Alexandria City’s climate action strategies.

• Sustainability systems including energy, waste, transportation/buildings, water, and natural resources.

• Electrification opportunities for homes and vehicles.

• Providing climate-related education programs to community groups, civic groups, HOAs, individual tenants, homeowners and schools.

• Tips for successful community engagement including strategies for behavior change.

Volunteer Service Opportunities Include:

• Delivering presentations.

• Tabling at community events, fairs, festivals, and farmers markets.

• Disseminating information door-to-door.

• Demonstrating activities such as composting, recycling, reuse, electric vehicles, induction cooking, and water filtration (to reduce use of bottled water).

• Supporting Arlington County and City of Alexandria climate action initiatives.

• Create-Your-Own Project: Volunteers will also have the opportunity to create self-directed projects to focus on specific topics of interest and/or to engage a particular audience.