The Downtown Ambassador Program

Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI) launched a volunteer Downtown Ambassador Program in the summer of 2010. A program, such as this, is a goal of the Vision 2020 Plan, the long-range planning document used to guide downtown development.

Below you will find information related to the 2010 program. In order to sustain a long-term program like this, WDI is proposing a Municipal Service District.

The Downtown Ambassador Program provides a dedicated resource to help everyone learn the many activities and assets available in downtown. Ambassadors will offer directions, helpful information and recommendations on things to see, places to visit, stores to shop in, places to eat and local events.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

We want our Downtown Ambassadors to be visible during the day and at events to assist visitors with directions and recommendations.

• Downtown Ambassadors will walk around approximately four square blocks. Ambassadors will have a high level of visibility, checking in on merchants, and proactively engaging visitors with a friendly greeting and thanking them for visiting downtown.
• Downtown Ambassadors serve as a primary point of contact for visitors and business owners in downtown Wilmington.
• Downtown Ambassadors are called upon to be well informed on a number of issues related to getting around Downtown as well as places to visit, shop and eat during their stay.

Ideal Applicants

If you love downtown, want to help visitors enjoy their time and help downtown achieve its full potential, then you would be a perfect Downtown Ambassador. If you live, work or enjoy visiting downtown, you're eligible. We provide the shirt and hat; you provide the smile and outgoing personality.

After an orientation/training session, our volunteers agree to work 2-hour shifts at least once a month. Applicants should register to fill regular time slots on the monthly calendar to keep scheduling simple and predictable.

Keeping Informed on What's Going on Downtown

WDI will provide weekly email updates and print handouts as we learn about things (new events, projects and resources). Additionally, we will schedule regular meetings in the office to meet and greet "key" figures in our downtown to learn more. When you check in to be an Ambassador for the day, we'll also tell you what we know that may have changed overnight.

Benefits of Being an Ambassador

You get the benefit of enjoying scenic downtown Wilmington, making a real difference in your community and enjoying a healthy walk around downtown Wilmington. What better way to get your exercise!

Volunteer Hours

Our biggest need is during the day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If we have the resources and commitment of our volunteers, we will go no later than 11:00 p.m. Our primary goal for this program is to provide a consistent presence of ambassadors on a routine basis.