Safety Ambassadors Program

Safety Ambassador LogoThe Safety Ambassadors program was developed in 2007 by the Mid-America Regional Council and partner organizations to provide consistency in youth pedestrian and bicycling safety education across the region. With the advent of the federal Safe Routes to School initiative and increased public emphasis on physical activity for young people, this program serves a vital role in providing safety information, education and training to residents of the greater Kansas City area.

The Safety Ambassadors program recognizes that the best way to teach children proper safety practices is to engage community members who have a proven commitment to building a better environment for walking and bicycling. This initiative draws upon the knowledge of these individuals and other partners to create a forum for promoting safety issues in our communities.

Jointly funded through a grant from the Destination: Safe Coalition and Kansas Safe Routes to School program, Safety Ambassadors trains and equips volunteers from a range of backgrounds including law enforcement, emergency response, health and fitness, public service, and education. These individuals work with schools and communities to educate children on how to be responsible pedestrians and bicyclists, giving them fundamental safety skills.

Ambassadors receive specialized training from instructors who have years of experience and a wealth of professional knowledge. These individuals work with schools and communities to educate children on how to be responsible pedestrians and bicyclists, providing them with fundamental safety skills.

Current course instructors include:

The growing need for Safety Ambassadors

Safe Routes to School uses a four-pronged approach (Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Encouragement) to create safe routes to school for pedestrians and bicycle riders. The growing popularity of this program is driving the need for trained volunteers to help schools and communities with educational activities such as safety fairs and bike rodeos.

Previously, coordinators and trainers at safety-related events have been self-taught, and no formalized network existed for sharing experiences or lessons learned. The Safety Ambassadors program endeavors to provide standardized training for course instructors and to connect organizations interested in hosting activities and events with available ambassadors.

Since the program began:

Become a Safety Ambassador

Up to 25 new Safety Ambassadors will be trained for Spring 2011. Individuals who are passionate about safety, have a commitment to building a better environment for walking and bicycling, and enjoy working with children are encouraged to attend.

The Mid-America Regional Council invites you to a FREE training session to learn about how you can become a Safety Ambassador.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
8:30 a.m.?4 p.m.
Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64105

Breakfast and lunch provided.

If you are interested in becoming a Safety Ambassador, please fill out this application (.doc) and return it to Eliza Waterman, ewaterman@marc.org; fax 816/421-7758; phone 816/701-8387.

Deadline for completed applications is March 16, 2011.

Questions?