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Calling All WTA Ambassadors

Posted by HikerUp4Wilderness at Feb 16, 2018 09:53 AM |

Want to be a champion for trails and public lands? Apply to be a WTA Ambassador and take your volunteerism to a new level. You’ll help WTA be a voice for hikers statewide by doing outreach and advocacy in your local community.

Are you a people person who’s passionate about trails? Have you been known to take up a cause and inspire your friends to join the effort? You may even have wondered how you can do more for trails, off the trail. 

If this sounds like you, WTA’s new volunteer Ambassador program might be your next summit to reach. 

We’re looking for amazing people in every part of the state to be WTA’s eyes, ears and voicebecause trails and public lands need champions in every community, now more than ever. 

HiketheState2017-13bianca.jpgBianca Fernandez talks up southwest Washington trails. Photo by Erika Haugen-Goodman.

trails need champions 

WTA’s ambitious goals of sustainable trails systems and equitable access across Washington will take all of us working together to build a powerful hiker movement. Ambassadors are key to growing this movement, right in your own backyard.

As a WTA Ambassador, you might work on campaigns like like our Lost Trails Found initiative. You might be a part of local trail planning efforts: like those in the Columbia River Gorge Fire RecoveryLake Whatcom Planning or the Teanaway Community Forest

Needs will vary depending on the campaign and your location, and there will always be room for your ideas and initiative.

HRD 2017-8lobby days.jpgHiker Lobby Day brings people together to be active in the Democratic process. Photo by Erika Haugen-Goodman.

flexing your leadership muscles 

Some of the activities of a WTA Ambassador may include:

  • Speaking up for trails and empowering others to use their voice
  • Helping to plan outreach efforts or events
  • Giving presentations about WTA to local groups
  • Attending land manager meetings 
  • Coaching volunteers 
     
If you’re concerned that you don’t know enough about advocacy or outreach, don’t be. Although prior experience is fine, we’re not necessarily looking for skilled organizers, just great people with the desire to learn and be champions within the hiking community. 

Prospective ambassadors will pick up what they need to know by attending a series of training webinars, and will put those skills into practice on a flexible schedule. Sure, there are certain expectations of WTA Ambassadors, but there's no predetermined time commitment. 

 booth4guys.jpgOutreach volunteers ready to offer one-on-one resources, expertise and inspiration to hikers at any level. Photo by Crystal Gartner.

Being a WTA Ambassador is a great opportunity to gain valuable skills while making a lasting impact for the trails and public lands you love. A big part of this is having fun … because that is the WTA way, and we know that volunteers make all the difference. 

To learn more and to apply, visit wta.org/ambassador.



Other Ways You Can Help Save Trails

Not ready to apply? There are lots of other great ways to get involved in helping trails. 

  1. Sign up for action alerts, updates and invitations.
  2. Write a trip report.
  3. Join a trail work party. 
  4. Donate. WTA is powered by hikers like you!

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