EcoAction Arlington

Solutions for a Sustainable Lifestyle

You are here: Home / Get Involved / EcoAmbassadors (Formerly Energy Masters)

EcoAmbassadors (Formerly Energy Masters)

Applications for the Fall 2025 EcoAmbassadors Training Program are now open until September 24

Join our happy hour on September 10 for prospective volunteers!

image of smiling volunteers in bright colored t-shirts standing in a line with arms folded

EcoAmbassadors

An exciting new volunteer program launching in Fall 2025!

eco ambassadors logo with icons of hand holding globe, lightbulb in a circle, and recycling symbol

Training sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm from October 1 through October 29. Deadline to apply is September 24, 2025.

photo of a group of Energy Masters in branded t-shirts posed on grass in front of an apartment building and raising their hands in the air

What Is The EcoAmbassadors Program?

EcoAmbassadors is a new climate and energy-centered volunteer training and community engagement program. This program is an evolution of the award-winning Energy Masters Program that conserves energy, helps local families, and benefits our planet. Building on the 14-year legacy of Energy Masters, the EcoAmbassador program will bring together a community of volunteers who are passionate about helping neighbors and their communities to commit to personal activities to make our neighborhoods and homes healthier and more livable. The EcoAmbassadors training is centered on the City of Alexandria Energy and Climate Change Action Plan and Arlington’s Community Energy Plan and related climate strategies. Specific focus areas include reducing energy use and electrifying the home, shifting to eco-friendly transportation choices, and minimizing waste.

Modeled after the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Masters model and evolving from the Energy Masters program, volunteers make an annual service commitment after completing training and participate in a variety of projects in the community to hone their skills, serve tenants and homeowners, and disseminate information throughout the community.

Thank you to the City of Alexandria Office of Climate Action and the Arlington County Climate Policy Office for supporting this program. EcoAmbassadors is managed jointly by EcoAction Arlington and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

image of smiling volunteers in bright colored t-shirts standing in a line with arms folded

who can become an ecoAmbassador?

  • Adults in the DMV area interested in climate action and helping their neighbors. Priority will be given to those that live in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.

  • High school and college students ages 16 and up.

When To Apply and Training Dates:

Training sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from October 1 through October 29.

  • The first training will be held in person on Wednesday, October 1, and is required for all volunteers.
  • The volunteer graduation and celebration ceremony will be held (in person) on Wednesday, October 29.
  • The October 8, October 15, and October 22 trainings will be held virtually.
  • Optional dates: November 5 and November 12. Volunteers interested in the Create-Your-Own Project option are encouraged to attend virtual sessions to work on project development and receive mentorship and support from staff and other classmates.

The in-person trainings on 10/1 and 10/29 will take place at an Arlington Community Center location (TBD).

The deadline for applications is September 24, 2025. Apply by September 13, 2025 and receive an early bird discount on the training tuition.

photo of diverse group of people casually dressed sitting in chairs with woman in foreground raising her hand

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • All EcoAmbassador Volunteers commit to a 5-week training program that includes an overview of the Alexandria and Arlington climate action strategies plus skill-building focused on community engagement, grassroots education, and behavior change. Volunteers will organize and participate in outreach activities with neighbors and the community to include community outreach/tabling, presentations at civic and community organizations, interactions with schools, and door-to-door dissemination of information.

  • After training, volunteers commit to a minimum number of service hours throughout the year:

  • Adult volunteers who are not students commit to at least 20 hours of service for one year after finishing the training program.

    High school and college student volunteers will have tailored opportunities for volunteering including engaging school communities and student groups. After training, student volunteers commit to at least 10 hours of service throughout the year.

photo of two women reviewing a climate action plant

Volunteers Will Be Introduced To:

  • Arlington County and Alexandria City’s climate action strategies.

  • Sustainability systems including energy, waste, transportation/buildings, water, and natural resources.

  • Electrification opportunities for homes and vehicles.

  • Providing climate-related education programs to community groups, civic groups, HOAs, individual tenants, homeowners and schools.

  • Tips for successful community engagement including strategies for behavior change.

photo of two volunteers in red puffer vests with a clipboard speak to a home owner at her door

Volunteer Service Opportunities Include:

  • Delivering presentations.

  • Tabling at community events, fairs, festivals, and farmers markets.

  • Disseminating information door-to-door.

  • Demonstrating activities such as composting, recycling, reuse, electric vehicles, induction cooking, and water filtration (to reduce use of bottled water).

  • Supporting Arlington County and City of Alexandria climate action initiatives.

  • Create-Your-Own Project: Volunteers will also have the opportunity to create self-directed projects to focus on specific topics of interest and/or to engage a particular audience.

icon of two blue hands holding up a green world
Training and Application Information

If you have any questions about the program, please contact our Program Coordinator, Bill Campbell, at bill@ecoactionarlington.org

EcoAmbassadors is open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex or age, or other status protected by law.