Eligibility
Anyone with a broad reach and a dedication to their community can become an Ambassador. We're particularly looking for partners who are affiliated with statewide or community-based organizations, who specialize in relevant economic topic areas, and who have frequent access to the individuals we serve. Bilingual speakers are highly encouraged to apply.
What to Expect as an Ambassador
By completing this application, you agree to participate in this program in a volunteer capacity and commit to the following:
- Educate on OEE programs and start spreading awareness in your community.
- Host/participate in several events promoting OEE programs.
- Utilize resources and materials (rack cards, flyers, printable material, backpacks with merch etc.) to educate your demographic on financial foundations and the BabySteps Savings Plan.
- Establish and increase OEE’s presence in a particular focus area.
- Utilize social media to promote OEE programs when relevant.
If accepted as a Community Ambassador, OEE commits to provide the following:
- M&T financial trainings and a reference guide
- OEE program training (BabySteps, financial literature, wealth equity initiatives)
- Certification, incentives, and networking opportunities
- Printed/downloadable resources
- Resource guide (EVERFI Playlist)
This relationship will not be considered an employment or contractual relationship now or at any time in the future and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party.
Community Ambassadors may not give financial advice in conjunction with this program unless otherwise duly licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to do so.
How to Apply
Applications are no longer being accepted.
Program Timeline
- February 1st: Applications launch
- March 15th: Applications close
Questions and Answers (Q&A)
What is the Community Ambassador Program?
The Community Ambassadors Program aims to increase the number of Massachusetts residents who have a deep understanding of financial foundations by creating a network of trained champions on economic empowerment topics. These spokespeople, chosen because of their own networks and existing commitment to the state and its residents, will get access to specialized training on personal finance topics and help us spread awareness on opportunities for their communities.
Who can be a Community Ambassador?
Anyone with a broad reach and a dedication to their community can become an Ambassador. We’re particularly looking for partners who are affiliated with statewide or community-based organizations and who have frequent access to the individuals we serve. Bilingual speakers are highly encouraged to apply.
Why would I want to be one?
Becoming an OEE Community Ambassador is a great way to amplify your reach and put your circle of influence to good use. Ambassadors help those most in need build the skills and learn the tools they’ll need to forge a financially sound future.
What is expected of me?
Over the course of six months, Ambassadors will be fully trained on financial education and empowerment initiatives. The Ambassador Training Program run by OEE and our partners at M&T Bank will provide a detailed scope of our expectations, background, and goals. Ambassadors will become well versed in our programs, be provided with resources, and have a step-by-step guide on how to engage participants within their network. Finally, Ambassadors will be invited to participate in a forum to help develop approaches for delivering programs to the residents of Massachusetts.
What will I learn or gain?
The Community Ambassadors Program provides great value for all involved—and not just financial value. In addition to receiving a $2,500 stipend and a Certificate of Completion, Ambassadors can make a tangible and long-lasting impact on the lives of participants.
What are the hours for training?
Accepted applicants will be trained during the month of April at (2) trainings per week, with each session lasting about an hour. They will also participate in an orientation and additional OEE-specific workshop which will be (1) hour each. Altogether, training will be (10) total hours beginning in April. All training sessions will be virtual.
Is the position in person or virtual?
We expect this position to be in-person, as it is essential that an Ambassador is heavily involved in the community. That engagement is key to promoting our programs and initiatives. However, virtual connections can also be meaningful and OEE may consider allowing Ambassadors to engage virtually with communities in certain circumstances as long as it is effective and in line with the program goals.
Can public employees apply to be Ambassadors?
The state conflict of interest law (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A) generally prohibits state employees from having a financial interest in a state contract. Community Ambassadors will have an interest in a state contract through an independent contractor agreement with the Treasury, which we believe would violate the conflict-of-interest law. Therefore, employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and any of its agencies or political subdivisions are not eligible to apply for the Community Ambassador Program. Employees of Massachusetts state universities or community colleges are considered state employees and are therefore not eligible to become a Community Ambassador.
Applicants who are employees of municipalities or other public agencies may be eligible to apply depending on the particular circumstances of their employment, and their applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
We appreciate you sharing your interest in the program and hope you could share this opportunity with anyone that may be interested. In addition, we would be happy to discuss other ways we can work together.
Will this program still be around in 2024?
This is a pilot program that OEE hopes to extend if it is successful, depending on whether future funding is available.
What will be the dates that Ambassadors will participate?
Accepted applicants will be trained during the month of April at (2) trainings per week, with each session lasting about an hour. They will also participate in an orientation and additional OEE-specific workshop which will be (1) hour each. Altogether, training will be (10) total hours over the month of April. The Ambassadorship will then start in May. The required time commitment is expected to vary over the course of the six-month term. The program will conclude at the end of October.
Where will the Ambassadors be located? Will Ambassadors need transportation to get to sites or is this role remote?
We expect this position to be in-person, as it is essential that an Ambassador is heavily involved in the community. That engagement is key to promoting our programs and initiatives. However, virtual connections can also be meaningful and OEE may consider allowing Ambassadors to engage virtually with communities in certain circumstances as long as it is effective and in line with the program goals.
Ambassadors will be located in areas where they already have a strong connection to a specific community. We welcome anyone from all communities to apply. Transportation to training sites and other locations is the responsibility of the Ambassador.
Do you have to be a resident of Massachusetts?
We review and consider all applicants regardless of residency. In terms of effectiveness, OEE believes it is more convenient for Community Ambassadors to live/work in the community they serve. The ideal candidate will have a consistent, impactful presence in a particular neighborhood. We believe that is the best way to build and maintain strong relationships with members of the community and promote financial education.
What personal information and/or documentation will I be asked to provide if I am selected as a Community Ambassador?
Candidates selected for the Community Ambassadors Program will be asked to provide a form of picture identification such as a passport, driver’s license, or state-issued identification card. Additionally, in order to receive the Community Ambassadors stipend, selected candidates must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as they will be issued a Form 1099 for the 2023 tax year. If you have a specific question or concern regarding either of these requirements, please contact OEE Outreach Manager Michael McLeish directly at michael.s.mcleish@tre.state.ma.us.
Who can I reach out to for additional questions or concerns?
For further questions, please contact us at empowerment@tre.state.ma.us
Contact
Phone
Address
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02108