City invites applicants for Climate Ambassador training to build local leaders

The Iowa City Climate Ambassador training program is back and is now seeking applicants who want to become local climate action leaders.

The program will be accepting applicants from Jan. 7 through Jan. 30, 2026. It is designed to inform and empower effective climate change leaders within the Iowa City community. As local leaders, Ambassadors will:

• Learn about climate science and effective climate communication strategies.
• Meet others engaged in climate action in the community.
• Build channels of communication between neighbors, community groups, businesses, city leadership and staff, and fellow residents.
• Act on what they learn through personal commitments and volunteer opportunities.
• Inspire others to take climate action.

Ambassadors participate in a ten-week training course that involves a combination of online, self-paced learning modules and weekly group meetings with fellow trainees. Weekly group meetings will take place in-person and online.

The Climate Ambassador training runs from Feb. 10 to April 14, 2026, and will have an optional online meeting the week of Spring Break. Group meetings are expected to last 90-120 minutes each week.

The meetings will be guided by staff from the Climate Action and Outreach Division of Iowa City. All told, ambassadors can expect to spend 2-3 hours per week on training activities.

Those interested can learn more and apply to participate on the Climate Ambassador's webpage.

Applicants who are not able to be accommodated in the upcoming training session will be alerted when the next application window opens in case they would like to re-apply.