Grant Secured to Initiate Community Ambassador Program in Brattleboro

From July to December 2026, the program will seek out volunteers aged 15 to 35, forming a diverse group of ambassadors who will actively participate in creating a friendly environment downtown.

The Vermont Community Foundation has awarded funding to the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance (DBA) for the establishment of a Community Ambassador Program. This initiative aims to engage local youth and young adults in welcoming both residents and visitors to the downtown area during significant events and busy weekends.

Set to run from July to December 2026, the program will seek out volunteers aged 15 to 35, forming a diverse group of ambassadors who will actively participate in creating a friendly environment downtown. These Community Ambassadors will be tasked with greeting guests, providing direction, and enhancing the overall atmosphere during events such as the Wagner Festival, the Literary Festival, Gallery Walk, and the Festival of Miniatures.

The inspiration behind this program stems from the community-driven Next Generation Brattleboro initiative, which emphasized the need for enhanced civic engagement and social connections among local youth. The initiative also reflects the community's desire to cultivate a more inviting downtown space for everyone.

Leaders from DBA expressed their enthusiasm for the new pilot program, highlighting how it presents fresh avenues for young individuals to play a pivotal role in enriching downtown Brattleboro's vibrancy. The program is aimed not only at making visitors feel welcomed but also at fostering relationships, developing leadership capabilities, and instilling a deeper sense of attachment to the community.

Collaboration will occur with Building a Positive Community as well as Next Generation Brattleboro to aid in the recruitment and support of program participants. The initiative will feature two paid Ambassador Captains responsible for crafting the program alongside approximately 24 volunteers. Training, team-building activities, and community educational sessions will be provided, allowing participants to work within intergenerational teams throughout the duration of the pilot.

This endeavor is expected to enhance social capital by building connections across various demographics while simultaneously offering participants valuable experience in civic engagement and volunteer work. Downtown businesses and community members will reap the benefits of a more connected space as a result of this effort.

The Brattleboro Town Manager conveyed the significance of this grant in fostering innovative projects aimed at strengthening community relationships and promoting inclusivity. The Community Ambassador Program is envisioned as a compelling method to involve younger generations in the city’s growth while cultivating a more united Brattleboro.

At the conclusion of the program in December, a community celebration will take place, organized in collaboration with downtown businesses. This event will honor the contributions of the Community Ambassadors and celebrate the relationships formed throughout the program.

Support for this initiative comes from the Vermont Community Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community ties and social capital in Vermont.