Level Four: Ambassador Award

Put Your Experience Into Practice

The Ambassador Award is the highest level of recognition in the Elected Officials Academy. While Levels 1–3 recognize your continued learning, advocacy, leadership, and engagement, Level 4 focuses on putting that experience into action.

The award recognizes elected officials who demonstrate exemplary service to their community, to communities across Michigan, and to the Michigan Municipal League through leadership, advocacy, mentoring, professional development, and other meaningful contributions.

Are You Ready for Level 4?

To pursue the Ambassador Award, you must:

  • Have served on the governing body of a village, city, or urban township for more than one term
  • Have already earned the EOA Education Award, Leadership Award, and Governance Award
  • Earn an additional 50 EOA credits beyond those required for Level 3, for a total of 150 EOA credits
  • Complete the Level 4 application and submit a portfolio documenting your activities and achievements

Credits previously used toward Levels 1–3 cannot be counted again toward Level 4.

Applications are due November 15 each year.

How Level 4 Works

Your additional 50 credits are earned through activities that demonstrate how you are applying your experience as an elected leader.

Level 4 activities fall within eight categories:

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

You may earn a maximum of 20 credits in any one category, encouraging you to demonstrate your leadership and service in a variety of ways.

Ways to Earn Level 4 Credits

The 50 credits required for the Ambassador Award must be earned across eight activity categories, with a maximum of 20 credits in any one category.

Mentoring

Support and encourage other elected officials as they grow in their roles.

  • Mentor another elected official – 5 credits
  • Bring a newly elected official, or an elected official who has not previously been engaged with the League, to Convention, Capital Conference, or another League training program – 5 credits

Community Involvement

Demonstrate leadership and service in your community beyond your elected role.

  • Participate in public engagement activities beyond your role as an elected official – 5 credits
  • Work or volunteer in a key role with a community service organization – 5 credits

Presenting

Share your knowledge and experience with other local officials and communities.

  • Present to councils, boards, or commissions on a local government-related topic – 5 credits
    Examples may include an overview of EOA, League educational opportunities, or another relevant local government topic.
  • Serve as a panelist or speaker at a League event – 2 credits

Communications & Media

Help communicate local government issues and perspectives through media.

  • Participate in a radio, television, podcast, newspaper, or other published interview on a local government topic in your capacity as an elected official – 1 credit

Professional Development

Continue building your knowledge and skills as an elected leader.

  • Attend League Convention – 4 credits
  • Attend League Capital Conference – 4 credits
  • Attend the NLC Congressional City Conference – 2 credits
  • Attend the NLC City Summit – 2 credits
  • Participate in an outside program or conference, such as NLC University – 1 credit

Promoting the League

Help other officials learn about the League, its programs, and the value of getting involved.

  • Participate in a promotional video for the League – 5 credits
  • Write an article for The Review or the League website – 2 credits
  • Create a multimedia piece – 2 credits
    Share a short video, podcast segment, infographic, testimonial, or similar piece highlighting the League, its programs, or how it has supported your role or municipality.
  • Promote EOA and Newly Elected Officials resources to peers – 1 credit
  • Nominate a peer for a League award – 2 credits
  • Host a local information session or coffee chat – 3 credits
  • Launch a local awareness campaign – 5 credits

Leadership

Take on meaningful leadership responsibilities within the League and other governmental organizations.

  • Serve on the League Board of Trustees or EOA Advisory Board – 2 credits
  • Serve on a League committee – 1 credit
  • Serve on a League affiliate board – 1 credit
  • Serve on a government entity committee or board outside the League – 5 credits

Advocacy

Demonstrate public leadership on issues affecting municipalities and aligned with League priorities.

  • Organize a statewide or lobbying event on a League topic – 5 credits
  • Host a legislative coffee or town hall – 3 credits
  • Lead a public education effort – 5 credits
  • Coordinate a social media campaign or issue-awareness effort – 5 credits

Build Your Level 4 Portfolio

You don’t have to wait until you have earned all 50 credits to begin preparing your application.

The Level 4 Workbook is designed to help you track your activities, organize documentation, and build your portfolio as you work toward the Ambassador Award.

Download the Level 4 Workbook

Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the Level 4 requirements, submit your Level 4: Ambassador Award Application along with a portfolio documenting your activities and achievements.

Applications are reviewed annually by the Elected Officials Academy Board.

Application deadline: November 15

Submit Your Level 4 Application Here

Celebrate Your Achievement

Officials who earn the Level Four: Ambassador Award are recognized with a pin and plaque celebrating their accomplishment, presented during the League’s annual Capital Conference.