THE ARC OF ESSEX COUNTY SEEKS STUDENT AMBASSADORS FOR THE 2015 BUILDING TOMORROWS INITIATIVE

The Arc of Essex County, a 501c3 organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is in search of grammar, middle, and high school students living with a developmental disability, or with a close connection to someone affected, who wants to make a difference as part of the Building Tomorrows Student Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will inspire and motivate people to become involved with the 17th Annual Building Tomorrows initiative, a 5K race, 2-Mile Walk, and Family Fun Fest in Bloomfield’s Brookdale Park on Saturday, April 25, 2015.

An ambassador is the “face” of the event and uses his or her personal story to inspire, engage, and educate the community. Ambassadors often help promote the event by starting a walk team at their school, hanging posters, and distributing walk brochures to businesses in their community. In the months leading up to the Building Tomorrows initiative and at the event, the ambassador may be asked to do media interviews or talk to other participants about getting involved in the Building Tomorrows movement. Ambassadors receive volunteer hours for their work, as well as fun training opportunities, and an opportunity to connect with other students who have a similar desire to make a difference.

Through forming walk teams, speaking engagements, media interviews, and public outreach, ambassadors energize others to get involved with The Arc and Building Tomorrows. In addition to involvement as volunteers and fundraisers, the Student Ambassador Program provides opportunities to the participants to build friendships and support.

“Being a Student Ambassador is a fantastic way to raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities in your community,” said Linda C. Lucas, chief executive officer, The Arc of Essex County. “We encourage you to inspire the community with your story. After all, that is what The Arc and Building Tomorrows are all about.”

To nominate yourself or someone you know to be honored as the Student Ambassador in your community, submit an application. Applications are available on the Building Tomorrows website at www.runorwalk.org.

For more information or questions about the Student Ambassador Program please contact Heather Comstock at 973-535-1181 x1224 or hcomstock@arcessex.org.

About The Arc of Essex County:

The Arc of Essex County is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and development disabilities participate in every level of our society and enjoy fuller, more independent lives. Founded in 1948, The Arc of Essex County provides a wide variety of programs and services that support nearly 1,500 people throughout Essex County from birth to their senior years. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.arcessex.org.