Level Four: Ambassador Award

The Goal

To encourage and recognize the exemplary service of locally elected officials to their community, to the communities of the state of Michigan, and to the Michigan Municipal League.

The Ambassador Award demonstrates the practical application of acquired education and skills.

Prerequisites

To receive the Ambassador Award, an elected official must have served on the governing body of a village, city or urban township for more than one term and must have previously received the Academy’s Education Award, Leadership Award, and Governance Award.

Requirements

To receive the Ambassador Award, an individual must accumulate an additional 50 EOA credits beyond those required for Level Three, for an Academy total of 150 credits. Credits already used to earn Level One through Level Three awards may not be used toward the Ambassador Award.

To be considered for an Ambassador Award, you must submit a completed “Level 4: Ambassador Award Application” accompanied by a portfolio demonstrating your achievements and credit activities. The 2025 application is due by November 15, 2025.

Ambassador Awards are granted upon review of each official’s application and portfolio by the Elected Officials Academy board .

Level Four Categories

The 50 credits required for the Level Four Award must be earned in 8 activity categories, with a maximum of 20 credits per category. The categories are as follows:

  • Advocacy
  • Community Involvement
  • Dealing with the Media
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring/Recruiting
  • Presenting
  • Professional Development
  • Promotion

Level Four Activities

Examples of activities that may earn credit toward the Level Four: Ambassador Award include, but are not limited to, the list below.

Each activity is worth 5 credits, unless otherwise noted.

  • Mentoring another elected official
  • Bringing a new elected official to Convention or Capital Conference
  • Presenting to two or more municipalities that have no members currently active in the EOA
  • Presenting to councils, boards, and/or commissions
  • Participating in promotional videos for the League’s website
  • Participating in community building through public engagement activities
  • Working in a key role of civic organizations dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life in the community and promoting inclusiveness
  • Modeling a key advocacy role by testifying at legislative hearings and having personal contact with elected officials at the state and federal level
  • Participating in a Radio/TV/Podcast interview (1 credit)
  • Volunteering as a panelist or speaker at a League event (2 credits)
  • Writing an article for The Review/website; blogging for website (2 credits)
  • Serving on a committee outside the League, functioning as the chairperson only (1 credit/year)

Promotion of the League

These activities reflect higher-level peer influence, storytelling, and ambassadorial support of the League.

  • Participating in promotional videos for the League’s website – 5 credits
  • Writing an article for the Review or League’s website – 2 credits
  • Create a Multimedia Piece – 2 credits
    Share a short video, podcast segment, infographic, or testimonial that highlights how the League has supported your role or municipality.
  • Promote EOA & NEO Resources to Peers – 1 credit
    After local elections, proactively share EOA materials or the League’s Newly Elected Officials training dates with incoming colleagues in your region.
  • Nominate a Peer – 2 credits
    Nominate a fellow official for a League award: Guido, Sinclair, or the Emerging Leader Award.
  • Host a Local Info Session or Coffee Chat – 3 credits
    Gather a small group of officials in your area (virtually or in person) to talk about what the League offers and how it has supported your community.
  • Launch a Local Awareness Campaign – 5 credits
    Create or coordinate a social media campaign or issue awareness week around a topic impacting local government (e.g., housing, civics education, public service recognition), tagging the League when appropriate.

Advocacy

These activities demonstrate public leadership on policy issues aligned with the League’s legislative priorities.

  • Organizing a statewide or lobbying event on a League topic – 5 credits
  • Host a Legislative Coffee or Town Hall – 3 credits
    Organize an event featuring a state or federal lawmaker to discuss key municipal priorities and foster dialogue with residents or other officials. Topics should align with current League legislative priorities. Contact the MML State and Federal Affairs team for guidance if needed.
  • Lead a Public Education Effort – 5 credits
    Develop and present outreach (e.g., presentation, community conversation, handout) on a policy issue like municipal finance reform or housing to build public understanding and support. Issue selection must reflect the League’s legislative priorities. Contact the MML State and Federal Affairs team for guidance if needed.
  • Coordinate a Social Media Campaign or Issue Awareness Effort – 5 credits
    Create or coordinate a series of social media posts or a local awareness effort focused on a policy issue affecting local government (e.g., housing, municipal finance reform, short-term rentals, public infrastructure investment, or threats to local control). Campaigns should include multiple posts or shared resources that inform and engage your community or peers. Tag the League when relevant to help amplify the message and connect it to statewide efforts. Topics should align with League legislative priorities; contact the MML State and Federal Affairs team for guidance if needed.

The Ambassador Award – Recognition

Officials who complete the EOA Level Four: Ambassador Award will be honored with a pin and a plaque recognizing the accomplishment, presented at the Awards Gala during the League’s annual Capital Conference.

Build Your Application with the Level 4 Workbook

The Level 4 Workbook helps you track your progress towards achieving Level 4. Use this to help build your application as you prepare to submit.

Click here for the Level 4 Workbook

Submit Your Application and Portfolio

The Ambassador Award is granted upon review of your Application and Portfolio of achievement by the Elected Officials Academy board. Applications are reviewed annually. The 2025 application is due by November 15, 2025.

To complete the application, click here.