Climate Ambassadors

About the Program

In 2019, the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) launched the Climate Ambassador Program. The program was identified in Climate Forward, our climate action plan. Our goal is to educate residents about climate change and increase the community’s capacity to engage in climate action. 

Following participation in the program, Ambassadors will:  

• Engage with City and community-led climate programs and projects
• Inspire, motivate, and encourage other residents to take climate action 

Who Can Become an Ambassador?  

Ambassadors are selected through an application process. Any resident of Somerville – 16 years and older – is welcome to apply. No prior knowledge about climate change is required. 2026 Ambassadors will receive a $400 stipend for participating in program. Dinner will be provided for in-person meetings.  

2027 Meeting Schedule

Meetings will be interactive and include both in-person meetings and webinars. In-person meetings can accommodate hybrid participation based on accessibility needs. In-person meetings will be primarily dedicated to small group discussions, activities, and project work. 

2027 Ambassadors meeting schedule

Coming Soon 

Participant Expectations 

Ambassadors will... 

• Participate in the full process: all meetings, including the public celebration.
• Engage in respectful group conversations.
• Do 1-1.5 hours or less of homework between meetings.
• Complete a final project.
• Present final projects and participate in the public celebration.

Ambassador Projects

To complete the Climate Ambassadors program, participants complete a project focused on taking action on the climate crisis in their own lives and communities. Participants are encouraged to pursue a project that allows them to explore a climate topic that they are interested in learning more about and to engage with others to spread awareness and interest in climate action. Projects have ranged from engaging family and friends in a climate conversation to creating art about climate change, to doing a mini-research project.  

Past Projects 

Here are some past examples of creative projects that Ambassadors have developed: 

• Climate Forward Walking Tour and Signage by Kallie Mingay and Kelly Simpson
• More for Your Dollar by Charlie Welsh
• Somerville Cleanups: A New Community Trash Cleanup Group by Hope Duke
• Warming Up to Winter Biking by Jordan Webster, Liam Dunlea, Mattias Potenza  
• Worth: Informative Signs for Native Plants in Somerville by Kieran McKenna
• Celebrate with a Purpose: A bilingual Guide to Sustainable Events in Somerville by Jessica Saavedra Eleno
• Household Climate Action Plan (and template) by Elizabeth Meek
• Bev Goes Green Bingo Game and Blog by Bev Feldman
• Climate Change Literacy Survey by Ben Abrams
• Somerville Climate Forward Action Field Guide by Colin Barr
• Wild Animals in Our City by Lisa Nold
• The Somerville Climate Forward Ambassadors Plant-Based Recipe Book by Aaron Lumnah
• Sea Change Podcast  - Jenna Valente 

Questions?

Contact Naomi Gross, Community Engagement Specialist, at ngross@somervillema.gov.