Salem Launches COVID Neighborhood Ambassadors
As part of the City of Salem’s efforts to recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the City is launching the COVID Neighborhood Ambassadors program. Through this initiative, the City is seeking neighbors who are willing to step up and make a big difference right in the communities where they live.
Neighborhood Ambassadors will be trained to directly engage and assist their neighbors in promoting vaccines and accessing various services and resources. This initiative will be directed by a Coordinator, who will work directly with Neighborhood Ambassadors to develop a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan unique to their neighborhoods.
“While it appears that the vast majority of Salem residents want to be vaccinated, some residents may have accessibility issues that make getting an appointment for a vaccine more difficult,” said Salem resident and Neighborhood Ambassador Coordinator Benjamin Shallop. “We want to make sure that everyone that wants to get a vaccine can get a vaccine while also promoting a culture of vaccine positivity in the community. We want to encourage those who may have felt some hesitancy about the vaccine that it is safe, effective, and that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect themselves, their family, and their community from COVID-19.”
In addition to improving the health of their community by promoting vaccines, Neighborhood Ambassadors will also assist their community’s economic and social wellbeing by helping their neighbors access a variety of services such as housing assistance, food, and job placement and training.
“The ideal neighborhood ambassador is someone who cares a great deal for their neighbors and neighborhood, has a strong desire to do good, has two or three hours a week to spare, and most importantly is willing to listen to and engage with their neighbors,” says Mr. Shallop, “The role of the neighborhood ambassador is to help the city engage their neighbors around vaccines, assistance, and services.”
“The COVID Neighborhood Ambassadors program is natural outgrowth of Salem Together, the City’s program that connected volunteers and those in need early in the pandemic, and provided access to critical support services and resources,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Salem is resilient and, while we have weathered a challenging year, we’re stronger because we pulled together and supported one another. Our COVID Neighborhood Ambassadors are an extension of that commitment to each other. No one is alone in this effort.”
Neighborhood Ambassadors will receive a small monthly stipend for their efforts. Those interested should send their resumes to bshallop@salem.com or see the job posting on the City of Salem’s website at www.salem.com/jobs.