Spanish Peaks Alliance for Wildfire Protection

P.O. Box 421, La Veta, CO 81055

Neighborhood Ambassador – Learn about the Role

SoCo Neighborhood Ambassador Role

Neighborhood Ambassador Role
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Neighborhood Ambassador:  this individual is the neighborhood wildfire protection team leader – and the glue that holds the community-based fire protection efforts together! 

Specific Neighborhood Ambassador tasks include:

Step 1:  Meet with the Southern Colorado Ambassador Coordinator for your region, and learn about the Ambassador role – benefits and expectations (15-30 min virtual meeting):

 

Step 2: Think about it! We hope that you agree to become a Neighborhood Ambassador! Sign the SPAWP-ARWC Ambassador Commitment form and return it to the Ambassador Coordinator.

  • Already familiar with Wildfire Preparedness concepts?
    • Yes! Then consider becoming a mentor for a new less experienced Neighborhood Ambassador!
    • No? No problem! The Ambassador Program can help! Use the links below to brush up on the science of HIZ (Home Ignition Zone) concepts and how to prepare for a wildfire event
Step 3: Seriously consider taking the Ambassador Training Workshop! Also available are recordings of past sessions (6 modules at 2 hrs each – some topics are optional for experienced Firewise Leads) 
  • Highly Recommended for those new to neighborhood leadership in wildfire preparedness – or those interested in brushing up on the topics!  Talk to your regional Coordinator for access to the recording links.
  • Interested in brushing up on the wildfire readiness concepts?  See the online Self-help Education links below!

Step 4:  Participate in monthly Ambassador Networking meetings (1 hr meetings via Zoom), hosted by the Southern Colorado Ambassador Coordinators.

  • Network with fellow Neighborhood Ambassadors and guest speakers!
  • Share your successes and challenges!
  • Learn from professional wildfire expert guest speakers!
  • Learn more about available resources (e.g. grants, chipper access, slash pile access, team training opportunities, etc)

Step 5:  Plan and execute community work days/projects!

  • Are you already a Firewise-USA community or working toward Firewise certification?
    • Yes! Then the Neighborhood Ambassador Program leverages wildfire preparedness work your community is already doing!
    • No?  Then the Neighborhood Ambassador Program will can provide mentoring and guidance to get started!

Step 6: Log volunteer hours regularly; work with sponsoring organization to track metrics

Self-Help education available on line

There is a wide variety of online information about the topics above.  Below are links to some of our favorites:

Get Ready!

Get Set!

More Education material:

FLOODING FOLLOWS WILDFIRE

The drastic changes on the landscape after catastrophic wildfires, like the 2018 Spring Fire and the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire, affects ecosystems and how water moves across the land. High intensity wildfires scorch soil and greatly reduce the amount of vegetation on hillslopes. When rain comes down over the burn scar, these barren slopes allow water to move quickly downhill because very little stands in the way to slow down the flow or absorb the water. The steep mountainsides and highly erosive granite soils found in our region further complicate problems with flooding. As more water rushes down and picks up speed, it is collecting sediment and debris. These debris-laden floodwaters are highly destructive to anything in their path, including homes, habitats, and streams.

SPECIALIZING IN...

  • Fire Mitigation Planning
  • Flood Mitigation Planning
  • Community Disaster Awareness
  • Response Agency Coordination
  • Providing Disaster Recovery Funding
  • Supporting Firewise Communities

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