AFIUK / Colchester

Community Ambassadors Program

Welcome to the Community Ambassadors Program, a transformative initiative proudly run in Colchester and Oxford. This program, part of the Uhuru Project, embodies a journey of freedom, growth, and the extraordinary power of multiplication.

The Role of Community Ambassadors

Our Community Ambassadors bring a unique blend of local, cultural, and religious knowledge, which, combined with professional expertise, creates an unstoppable force for positive change. While professionals often begin by focusing on challenges, Community Ambassadors start by identifying and building on the strengths within families and communities, empowering them to grow stronger together.

The Ambassador Model

The program is built on the Ambassador Model, supported by the book The Ambassador, which equips Community Ambassadors with tools and resources to shape their communities effectively. The model focuses on:

  • Empowering, equipping, and building on existing strengths to support vulnerable families.
  • Signposting families to relevant services and networks.
  • Linking Community Ambassadors with statutory and voluntary partners to provide diverse, holistic solutions.
  •  Pairing  each Community Ambassador with a dedicated coach to provide ongoing support, guidance, and personalized development throughout their journey. 

The Ambassador

Growing community Leaders

Bringing minority communities together and creating success stories is something that everyone should focus on. Working together is what we need in our world right now!

The Ambassador is focused on minority communities gaining resources to better themselves and the people around them. Author Rachel Walton has helped countless people within communities become leaders, and help others to work towards a better future. When we focus on the positive, and work hard on a common goal, we as community members can make a big difference. This book is all about shining a light on those minority communities and showing everyone what they are made of!

Collaboration & Impact

The program fosters collaboration between Community Ambassadors and multi-agency initiatives to establish robust policies, procedures, and pathways. By combining the lived experiences of Ambassadors with professional interventions, the program ensures that minority communities have the resources to thrive and create a ripple effect of positive change.

Beyond Support: Multiplication for Greater Reach

The program features three impactful modules:

  1. Empowerment and Training: Equipping Community Ambassadors with the skills and resources to lead within their communities.
  2. CIC Development: Supporting Community Ambassadors who have completed the program to establish their own Community Interest Companies (CICs), expanding AFiUK’s impact and reaching uncharted community territories.
  3. Governance and Sustainability: Assisting registered CICs in securing funding and providing training on governance, ensuring long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

A Force for Change

Community Ambassadors, along with their families and communities, possess unique competencies that are irreplaceable by professional interventions alone. Together, they create a powerful synergy that drives lasting change. By focusing on what’s strong rather than what’s wrong, we empower communities to unlock their potential and work towards a better future for all.

Join us on this journey to amplify strengths, multiply impact, and transform lives through the incredible power of Community Ambassadors. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.

 We are proud to share that our Community Ambassadors in Colchester & Tendring have been honored with the prestigious King’s Award, a testament to their impactful contributions and dedication to community transformation. This recognition highlights the exceptional value of the program, making it a truly meaningful initiative to join. By becoming a Community Ambassador, you’ll be part of an award-winning journey, empowering communities and creating lasting change.  

for enquiries email Colchester & Tendring: admin@afiuk.org  Oxford; info@afiuk.org

Training Program for Young Community Ambassadors Clacton & Harwich

Supported by Essex Community Foundation

January 2025 - December 2025

Module 1: Building Confidence and Awareness

Objectives:
Empower young people by enhancing self-awareness, confidence, and motivation while valuing their unique skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Content: 

  • Self-Awareness and Empowerment: Exercises to identify strengths, boost self-confidence, and harness motivation.
  • Empathy Building and Active Listening Skills: Training to understand and appreciate different perspectives, fostering inclusivity.
  • Mental Health Resilience: Strategies for managing stress and anxiety, enabling youth to support their own and peers’ mental well-being.

Module 2: Working Well with Others

Objectives:
Develop teamwork skills and the ability to participate in group activities, including young people’s committees and forums.

Content:

  • Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution: Tools for navigating challenging conversations and resolving conflicts.
  • Engaging in Group Activities: Collaborative projects and participation in youth-led discussions to build camaraderie.
  • Peer Mentoring and Support Programs: Training on providing guidance and support to peers, reinforcing community bonds.

Module 3: Understanding Proactive Citizenship

Objectives:
Equip young people with the knowledge and tools to become proactive citizens and actively engage in community service and activities.

Content:

  • Cultural Competence and Awareness Workshops: Education on diverse cultures and backgrounds to build a respectful and inclusive community.
  • Volunteer Engagement: Encouraging involvement in local community service and projects to develop a felt presence.
  • Organizing and Leading Community Events: Skills for planning events that promote cultural exchange and anti-bullying awareness.
  • Digital Citizenship: Guidance on navigating online spaces responsibly and addressing cyberbullying.

Module 4: Insight into the Democratic Process

Objectives: Provide young people with an understanding of the local governance structure and the importance of civic participation.

Content:

  • Visit to the Town Hall: A guided tour and explanation of the town hall’s function and its importance in local governance.
  • Talk from a Local Councillor: An interactive session with a councillor to discuss youth involvement and advocacy in community decisions.
  • Understanding Systemic Racism: Education on recognizing and addressing systemic discrimination within the community and promoting equal participation.

Additional Training Topics to Enhance the Program:

Objectives: Provide young people with an understanding of the local governance structure and the importance of civic participation.

Content:

  • Anti-Bullying Strategies and Support Networks: Equipping youth with the ability to support peers facing bullying.
  • Leadership and Advocacy Training: Developing leadership skills to enable youth to take initiative and advocate for causes they care about.
  • Engaging in Social and Leisure Pursuits: Encouraging involvement in community social events to foster relationships and leadership outside formal settings.

This complete program aims to prepare young people to not only build resilience and tackle bullying and racism but also to engage deeply with their community, becoming well-rounded and proactive ambassadors for positive change.