The Health Ambassadors are seeking engaged, passionate students to join their team of volunteers this Spring 2021 semester. The Health Ambassadors uphold the Stay Safe Pledge on campus and work to educate the campus community about COVID-19 best practices. Participation is flexible, with the ability to volunteer virtually or in-person. The process to join is easy, visit the Health Ambassadors webpage to complete a short application and start making a difference today.
Health Ambassadors Alexandra Nicole Santiago ’22 (left), and Amanda Chau ’22.
“Health Ambassadors play an essential role in ensuring that our community stays healthy during the pandemic,” says Katelyn Cowen, director of health promotion at the Barnes Center at The Arch. “Their work helps to keep in-person learning and living a possibility. They are role models for their fellow students and truly embody what it means to ‘be orange.’”
Beyond receiving volunteer hours and a free t-shirt, there are personal and professional benefits to joining the Health Ambassadors team. Student volunteers have the opportunity to connect with their peers, grow their professional and interpersonal skills, and become members of the Stay Safe Campaign Planning Team. Members of the campaign planning team learn how to develop storyboards, create Internet content, promote social media posts and more.
Perhaps most importantly, student volunteers get the satisfaction of knowing they are doing something good for their community.
“As a Health Ambassador, I can take an active role in preserving my own safety and the safety of others out on campus and in the residence halls,” says Rosalyn Impink ’23, vice president of the Syracuse University Residence Hall Association. “I would encourage any student who’s frustrated by rising cases, masks below the nose or campus pauses to sign up as a Health Ambassador and instantly start making a difference on campus. Every person who joins our team brings us one step closer to normal.”
However important their work is, the safety of the Health Ambassadors is also important. While you work to protect our campus as a Health Ambassador, the Barnes Center at The Arch team and public health faculty work to protect you. All Health Ambassadors are given hand sanitizer, as well as masks for themselves and to provide to students who need them. Additionally, all volunteers are required to complete a one-hour virtual training session on safety guidelines and how to safely and effectively promote health on campus.
“It can take guts to speak up and make corrections on mask-wearing and social distancing, but the Barnes Center at The Arch team is here to support Health Ambassadors and equip them with the tools and training for success,” says Impink. “Every one of us has a right to a safe education, and it’s up to us to hold each other accountable.”
Members of the Stay Safe Campaign planning team are required to attend weekly meetings. In-person volunteers sign up for flexible shifts around campus at key locations, with outdoor locations beginning in late March. There is no deadline to join, and volunteering is based on your availability and schedule. Apply to be a Health Ambassador today.
For questions or to request accommodations, visit the Health Ambassadors webpage, email healthpromotion@syr.edu or call 315.443.8000.
This story was written by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern Cecelia Kersten ’23, a student in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
