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- Emily Sullivan
Climate Change Program Manager
esullivan@somervillema.gov
Cell: 781-823-9248
617-625-6600 ext. 2426 - Naomi Gross
Community Engagement Specialist
ngross@somervillema.gov
617-625-6600 ext. 2425
Cell: 857-274-2463
The OSE team works remotely from time to time, so please call their cell phones if you are unable to reach them at their office extensions.
Hours
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.OSE generally has virtual open office hours every second Thursday of the month from 5-7 p.m. Click to join
Email
Address
City Hall Annex
50 Evergreen Ave.
Somerville, MA 02145 - Emily Sullivan
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The Somerville Climate Ambassador program is designed to empower Somerville residents to take action on climate change in their community. If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn something new, get more involved in your community, become a local leader, or meet new people, consider applying to become a Climate Ambassador.
Applications will be accepted until December 1st, 2025
“I feel much more empowered to take action now, plus I feel more connected to the community.” - Climate Ambassador
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.
The 2026 program application period is now open until December 1st, 2025. Apply here!
2026 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.
2026 Ambassadors meeting schedule
| Date | Time | Meeting Type | Tentative Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
10am-2pm |
In-person, orientation |
Orientation |
|
Thursday, February 5, 2026 |
6-7pm |
Virtual, webinar |
Environmental Justice |
|
Thursday, February 12, 2026 |
6-8:30pm |
In-person, seminar |
Local climate action |
|
Thursday, March 5, 2026 |
6-7pm |
Virtual, webinar |
Mobility |
|
Thursday, March 12, 2026 |
6-8:30pm |
In-person, seminar |
Leadership |
|
Thursday, April 9, 2026 |
6-7pm |
Virtual, webinar |
Community Health and Resiliency |
|
Thursday, April 16, 2026 |
6-8:30pm |
In-person, seminar |
Advocacy |
|
Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
6-7pm |
Virtual, webinar |
Waste Management |
|
Thursday, May 14, 2026 |
6-8:30pm |
In-person, seminar |
Environmental communication |
|
Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
6-8:30pm |
In-person, final celebration |
Final celebration |
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.
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.
2025 Cohort 6 Projects
| Project Title | Member(s) |
| Sustainability Guide in Baby's First Year | Amber Gonales Vargas |
| Cambridge Hackspace Repair Cafe | Abby Starr |
| Somerville Cleanups: A New Community Trash Cleanup Group | Hope Duke |
| LoCarb’N Local | Jen Sigler, Mackenzie Knox, Madison Trepanier |
| Celebrate with a Purpose: A bilingual Guide to Sustainable Events in Somerville | Jessica Saavedra Eleno |
| A Guide to Climate Resources at Tufts | Joe Goss |
| Warming Up to Winter Biking | Jordan Webster, Liam Dunlea, Mattias Potenza |
| Worth: Informative Signs for Native Plants in Somerville | Kieran McKenna |
| Bicycle Safety | Lenni Armstrong |
| The Urban Forestry Guide of Somerville | Nathaniel Parsons |
Here are some past examples of creative projects that Ambassadors have developed:
- 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
Contact Naomi Gross, Community Engagement Specialist, at ngross@somervillema.gov.
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