Have a fascination with how safe, clean water flows from your tap? Want to know inside details on Valley Water operations and learn how to help tackle issues like aging dams, flood protection and critical environmental programs? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, then consider applying to become a Water Ambassador through the Water 101 Academy.
The application period for the Spring 2021 Water 101 Academy cohort opens on October 6, 2020. The Water 101 Academy educates community members on a broad scope of Valley Water’s programs and initiatives. Members of the Spring 2021 program will participate in multiple virtual networking and breakout sessions throughout the scheduled five sessions, interacting with fellow ambassadors and agency staff.
Last spring, 20 Santa Clara County residents completed the leadership program and graduated as Water Ambassadors. These active community members, comprised of environmental scientists, retired engineers, firefighters, teachers, artists, students and more, are now water champions positioned throughout the county to engage the community by sharing timely information with their neighbors regarding the important water issues facing Santa Clara County residents.
“Water 101 Academy has been a great learning experience that has revealed the many complex processes and unique infrastructure elements that make the magic of clean, safe water possible. I feel better equipped to help friends and neighbors learn about where their water comes from and how they can get involved,” said an enthusiastic Water Ambassador, Nicole Tindall.
Despite the global pandemic, the previous cohort of Water Ambassadors remained engaged and committed to the academy, tuning in via Zoom as the program adhered to public health guidelines. “I truly valued that Valley Water cares this much about their community to offer a program such as Water 101 Academy to inspire everyday citizens to become involved and engaged. I also really appreciated that in this unconventional period of navigating a global pandemic, they pushed forward to find a way to keep the program afloat rather than postponing or cancelling it altogether and allowed us to continue to participate,” revealed Water Ambassador Valerie Niles.
Water Ambassadors are a special kind of volunteer, driven and enthused by a passion for safe, clean water and serving the community. Even if new to the water industry, Water 101 Academy participants quickly learn about the world of water in Santa Clara County and find additional fascinations and interests. Still not sure what a Water Ambassador does? You can learn more from two of our own Water Ambassadors:
Applications will be reviewed and screened by staff and forwarded to Valley Water Board members to make the final appointments for their districts. Each board member will appoint three participants to the 2021 cohort. More details of the Water 101 Academy can be found here. If you would like to participate in the upcoming cycle, please contact volunteer@valleywater.org.
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