Ambassadors
Braver Angels Ambassadors work in outreach, speaking publicly to various organizations or writing op-eds.
While everyone in Braver Angels is an “ambassador,” the Ambassador program provides a formalized outreach structure for presentations/information about Braver Angels as an organization AND insight into how to depolarize at the individual level. It is based on an assumption that there is a need to inform people about Braver Angels and reach those who might not otherwise want to participate in a group workshop or meeting. The Ambassadors program is designed to support and supplement the work of the Field Leaders throughout Braver Angels. Most of our Ambassadors have other roles in the larger organization, but not all do.
Prerequisites
- Membership: You must be a Braver Angels member. Please sign up to become a member.
- A Passion to Share the Braver Angels Message: You don’t need any special skills to be an Ambassador. Just wanting to share your insights about the organization with others will qualify you to be an Ambassador.
- Public Speaking: For the most part, Ambassadors speak about Braver Angels in presentations, podcasts, or other interview situations. The program offers quarterly Elevator Pitch workshops and an annual Toastmasters curriculum for those who would like to brush up on their skills.
- Writing Skills: Ambassadors can also take the lead in writing op-eds and letters to the editor. There is a cadre of coaches who can help brainstorm content or polish a later draft.
Training Process
Step 1: Have a Braver Angels Experience
Step 2: Complete Application Form
FAQ
We provide training and support in the following ways:
Topical/Discussion Meetings: We hold regular topical Zoom meetings to allow a deeper dive into an area of interest. This will also provide an opportunity for Ambassadors to ask questions, troubleshoot concerns or provide insight into what has worked for them. The meetings will have the following format and last 1.5 hours. Generally, the first hour is the business meeting while the last 30 minutes is for open discussion.
Meetings are recorded and available for any Ambassador unable to attend.
Elevator Speech Workshop: The Elevator Speech Workshop is an interactive session designed to help you develop a clear, concise, and memorable way to talk about Braver Angels and capture your audience’s attention in less than 15 seconds
Instructor Lorraine Howell retired at the end of 2020 after more than 20 years of speech coaching and media training. Lorraine is the author of Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift! a step-by-step guide to eliminating the verbal clutter when answering the question “What do you do?” She has served as a Moderator with Braver Angels and is a member of the Braver Angels Western WA Alliance.
Toastmasters: Ambassadors have a wide range of experiences and interests. Some have presented to a variety of audiences while others are seeking to develop their skills. To that end, we have started offering an 8-week Toastmasters program for interested Ambassadors.
Ambassadors have access to the Public Outreach page (available through the “General Resources” on the Member Portal or by going directly to the Field Leaders Promotional Resources page.)
While all Braver Angels members have access to these resources, going through Orientation will provide a deeper understanding of what’s on this page, and how/why/when the resources can be used.
Being an Ambassador can help members determine how they can provide outreach to others about Braver Angels. As noted above, everyone in the organization is considered to be an ambassador. Someone who goes through the training becomes an Ambassador “with a capital A.” That means they receive specific instruction/resources about how/when/where/why they can provide resources. They also get access to others working on the same in their communities.
No, part of being an Ambassador is gaining access to resources to help build skills and use resources. While it’s best to have some familiarity with the organization, we will provide connections and information to help provide whatever level of outreach you might feel comfortable with.
As a grassroots movement, Braver Angels seeks to spread its message of depolarization primarily by connecting with local community groups. We regularly speak to community organizations and groups of many types, including:
- Religious groups
- Educational groups
- Civic groups
- Community meetups
- Rotary and volunteer clubs
- Other groups of all sizes
If you would like Braver Angels to speak to your group, please request a a speaker here.
