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 151 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. Submissions are due by August 15th of each year.
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)
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.
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, with submissions due by August 15th of each year.
Click here to download and print an application.
Click here to download a portfolio template.
Please submit your application and all portfolio attachments by August 15th to:
Elected Officials Academy
Attn: Kelly Warren
1675 Green Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105