Goal

Develop directly impacted community members as civic leaders, ambassadors, and trusted messengers.

Program Scope

Leadership development is embedded across VAAC’s work and includes:

• VAAC Ambassador Development Program with training in voter education, outreach, and nonpartisan engagement
• Ambassador cross training in community outreach, door knocking, phone/text banking, and poll monitoring/challenging to deepen experience and knowledge of voting
  
• Youth Civic Leadership and Power-Building initiatives for youth ages 16 to 23
  
• Digital literacy training to address the digital divide faced by justice-impacted individuals
  
• Ambassador-led outreach in shelters, jails, bus stops, and high-traffic community locations
  
• Leadership pathways that connect civic engagement to employment, advocacy, and movement leadership
  

2026 Focus

• Expand ambassador recruitment, training, and stipends
  
• Strengthen youth civic leadership pipelines
  
• Provide ambassadors with technology, materials, and consistent support
  
• Deepen leadership development for directly impacted people
  

VAAC is intentionally building a movement led by those most affected. Leadership development ensures sustainability, trust, and long-term civic power.