BRATTLEBORO-The Downtown Brattleboro Alliance (DBA) has received a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation to pilot a new Community Ambassador Program that will bring together local youth and young adults to welcome residents and visitors to downtown Brattleboro during major events and busy weekends.
According to the DBA, the Community Ambassador Program will run from July through December 2026 and will recruit a diverse cohort of volunteers ages 15–35 to serve as friendly, visible ambassadors downtown.
“Community Ambassadors will greet visitors, offer directions and recommendations, and help foster a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere during events such as Gallery Walk, the Wagner Festival, the Literary Festival, and the Festival of Miniatures,” they said.
“Community Ambassadors will not only help visitors feel welcome, but will also build meaningful relationships, leadership skills, and a stronger sense of connection to Brattleboro,” Kate Trzaskos, executive director of the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, said in a news release.
The project was developed through the community-led Next Generation Brattleboro initiative, which identified a need for stronger opportunities for civic engagement, social connection, and belonging among young people in the community. The program also responds to community interest in creating a more welcoming downtown environment for residents and visitors alike.
DBA will partner with Building a Positive Community and Next Generation Brattleboro to recruit and support participants. Two paid Ambassador Captains will help co-design the program and lead a volunteer cohort of approximately 24 Community Ambassadors.
According to DBA, participants will receive training, attend team-building and community learning sessions, and serve in multi-age teams throughout the six-month pilot. Community Ambassadors will develop relationships across age groups and backgrounds while gaining experience in civic leadership and volunteer service. At the same time, downtown businesses, residents, and visitors will benefit from a more welcoming and connected downtown experience.
“This grant supports innovative community-based projects that strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging,” said Brattleboro Town Manager John Potter. “The Community Ambassador program is a creative approach to engaging young people while helping build a stronger, more connected Brattleboro.”
The program will conclude with a community celebration in December, hosted in partnership with downtown businesses, to recognize the contributions of the Community Ambassadors and celebrate the connections formed through the initiative.
This project is made possible through support from the Vermont Community Foundation, which invests in projects that strengthen community connections and build social capital across Vermont.
To apply to be a Community Ambassador Volunteer, go to bit.ly/870-amb for an application. The deadline is June 22.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.