Programs
Your Neighbors Are Ready to Prepare - They Just Need Someone to Lead the Way
The Neighborhood Ambassador Program trains and supports local volunteers who help their neighborhoods get ready for wildfire. You don’t need firefighting experience. You don’t need a technical background. You just need to care about your community.
A Proven Approach
The Most Powerful Wildfire Tool Is a Neighbor Who Cares
People are more likely to take action when someone they know and trust asks them to. That’s the core insight behind the Neighborhood Ambassador model — a community-driven approach developed in southwest Colorado and now active across the state.
SPAWP partners with ARWC and Fire Adapted Colorado (FACO) to bring this approach to seven counties in Southern Colorado. Ambassadors aren’t wildfire experts — they’re community connectors who help translate resources, expertise, and urgency into real neighborhood action.
The fire burned right up to the community boundary — and because residents had done the work over the years, firefighters were able to contain it and save the community.
This is what's possible when a neighborhood has been consistently prepared. Programs like this one — built on the same model as SPAWP's — have shown that neighbor-to-neighbor engagement changes outcomes.
Falls Creek Ranch Community
Wildfire Adapted Partnership — Southwest Colorado
Empower
Residents take ownership of wildfire risk reduction in their own neighborhoods
Connect
Ambassadors link neighbors to agencies, training, grants, and hands-on support
Sustain
Preparedness becomes part of how your neighborhood operates — not a one-time event
Your Role
What Ambassadors Actually Do
Here’s what a typical Ambassador does — and what they don’t have to do. The program is designed to fit your life, not take it over.
Be the neighborhood point of contact
Your neighbors know they can come to you with wildfire questions — and you'll know where to point them.
Organize or support local events
Slash days, workshops, preparedness talks — you don't have to run these alone, just help make them happen.
Connect neighbors with resources
Free HIZ assessments, SPAWP programs, grants — you're the bridge between your neighborhood and what's available.
Coordinate with fire professionals
Work alongside fire departments, emergency managers, and SPAWP staff. You're part of the team, not on your own.
Share timely information
During fire season, help make sure your neighbors know what's happening and what to do.
Report back to SPAWP
Your feedback on what your neighborhood needs helps shape how the program grows.
How much time does this take?
Most Ambassadors contribute a few hours per month during fire season, with occasional events or meetings. SPAWP provides scheduling flexibility and never expects Ambassadors to go it alone. You'll have coordinator support every step of the way.
Eligibility
Anyone Can Be an Ambassador
We mean that. You don’t need firefighting experience. You don’t need a technical background or a special certification. The Neighborhood Ambassador Program was specifically designed so that the most important qualification is being a good neighbor.
What you do need:
You live in or near one of our service area communities
You're willing to learn and share what you learn with your neighbors
You care about making your neighborhood safer — and you're ready to help
What SPAWP Provides
Free Ambassador training through FACO – available virtually and in person
Access to the Ambassador E-Workbook and resource library
A dedicated coordinator who supports you every step of the way
Connection to a regional network of wildfire professionals
Co-promotion of your neighborhood events through SPAWP channels
Program materials available in English and Spanish
Common Questions
How the Program is Structured
Three Roles, One Community Goal
The program uses a simple three-tier structure that gives every participant a clear role — and a clear support system above them.
Ambassador Coordinator
Provides guidance, training, and mentorship. Connects the program to wildfire professionals, agencies, and resources across the region. Your first call when you need support.
Voluntary or paid roleNeighborhood Ambassador
The local leader. Organizes neighborhood activities, promotes preparedness, and serves as the trusted go-to person for wildfire safety in their community.
↑ That's youNeighborhood Partners
Everyone in the community who shows up, takes action, and participates in preparedness efforts. The people who make neighborhood-level change possible.
Your neighborsCoverage Area
Where the Program Is Active
The Neighborhood Ambassador Program currently operates across seven counties in Southern Colorado. If your neighborhood is in one of these areas, you can connect directly with your coordinator to learn more or apply.
Don't see your neighborhood on the map yet? The program is growing. Contact us to bring it to your area →
Already an Ambassador? Access Your Resources
Your program resources are available on the password-protected pages below.
Need your access PIN? Email Lisa Garrison
Ready to Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood?
Training and all materials are provided at no cost. Your coordinator supports you every step of the way.