The D&L Blog

By Miranda Alvarez, Community Engagement Manager
On Sunday, February 23, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor welcomed the 2020 class of D&L Ambassadors for their first training session. Passionate D&L community members filled the conference room. With the help of D&L staff members, trainees learned more about the organization and took their first step to become ambassadors.

The first session invited trainees to get an exclusive look at the organization, its signature programs and current projects. From the history of the organization to its funding sources, trainees were immersed into the organization. This D&L crash course lays the foundation for future session topics. With five sessions remaining, ambassadors will learn about each pillar of the D&L’s mission. A new session, for this year, covers insider trail development information.

Elissa Garofalo, Executive Director, Claire Sadler, Deputy Director and Kelly Federico, Manager of Gifts & Development presented at the first training session to talk on organizational history and mission, partnerships including Lehigh Valley Greenways and THE LINK and the valuable role ambassadors can play in development.

“As a nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers to help us to do the work we need to do.” Said Kelly Federico. “The D&L Ambassadors are ordinary individuals who stood up and said ‘What can I do to help?’ and that is extraordinary.”

Ten trainees attended, varying in interests and connections to the D&L. Moreover, many of the volunteers were avid trail users and some have even been partners in D&L projects. Among the topics of conversation were ways in which attendees have seen the organization’s impact in their personal lives.

D&L Ambassadors serve as extensions of D&L Staff and the organization. As a result of their training, program graduates are equipped to speak on behalf of the organization and assist staff in special events. Additionally, second year ambassadors will have the opportunity to lead D&L projects ranging from volunteer work to group meetups.

This marks the 2^nd Annual D&L Ambassador Training. Last year, the D&L proudly graduated 12 ambassadors. The 2020 class doubles the team of D&L Ambassadors, expanding the organization’s capacity to grow community outreach efforts.

2020 D&L Ambassador Training Sessions will continue through May. Interested individuals are still able to apply to participate, but must attend a minimum of four sessions to graduate from the program. Learn more and apply online.