LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston calls on those who love this city to roll up their sleeves and become a Community Ambassador, a volunteer initiative designed to enhance and care for Lewiston’s parks and public spaces.

Community Ambassadors work alongside city staff and community partners to clean and beautify parks, support community events, welcome and assist people using public spaces, identify maintenance or safety concerns, and help neighborhoods draw attention to areas that need care. The new volunteer program gives residents a practical way to turn their pride in Lewiston into visible action.

“We are proud to announce this bold new initiative that builds community and helps Lewiston address some of its greatest challenges,” said City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath.  “When residents care for a park, lend a hand at an event or call attention to a public space that needs help, they strengthen Lewiston far beyond the hours they volunteer. As a Community Ambassador, you may give one afternoon or return throughout the year, but every act of service carries the same message: This city matters.”

“People who love Lewiston don’t just point out what needs attention; they step forward to help change it,” said Councilor Chrissy Noble, Ward 5. “I am proud to support the launch of this program as our Community Ambassadors will turn their pride in this city into action.”

The city welcomes individuals, families, students, neighborhood groups, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and civic groups to participate. Volunteers may serve regularly, select occasional projects that fit their schedules or organize a team through their workplace or community organization.

Parks and public spaces will provide the program’s starting point, but they will not limit its work. Community Ambassadors may participate in neighborhood beautification, seasonal cleanups, planting projects, community celebrations and other city-coordinated service activities that benefit Lewiston.

Ambassadors will receive notices about upcoming projects and may choose one-time assignments, recurring activities or projects in specific neighborhoods and areas of interest. The city will also work with community partners to identify locations and activities where volunteer support can make a meaningful difference.

Prospective ambassadors must complete a volunteer application and attend a one-hour orientation before accepting an assignment. The training will cover volunteer responsibilities, safe use of cleanup equipment, interaction with members of the public, the proper handling of litter and potentially hazardous materials, and procedures for reporting vandalism, damaged equipment, maintenance problems or safety concerns.

Adults who volunteer as a Community Ambassador must pass a background check. Volunteers ages 14 to 17 may enroll with written permission from a parent or legal guardian and must serve alongside a registered adult Ambassador. Children younger than 14 may participate in designated family service projects when accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian.

Following the training, the City will host a Community Ambassadors Induction Ceremony on Thu., Aug. 6, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Kennedy Park, 120 Park St. During the ceremony, each new ambassador will receive an official Community Ambassador vest and add their autograph to the “We Show Up for Lewiston” commitment banner representing the shared promise to care for and strengthen the community. Family members and friends are invited to attend and celebrate the Ambassadors as they begin their service in Lewiston.

To apply, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/CommunityAmbassadors or contact the program manager Joe Grochmal at 207-513-3121 or jgrochmal@lewistonmaine.gov.