Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Family Ambassadors
We hope you will join our team of outstanding parent leaders. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions at families@davidson.edu.
As parents and supporters of a Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø student, you play a vital role in Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø’s story.
The Family Ambassador Program offers fun, productive ways to get involved with and stay connected to Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø. We have opportunities in your local area and virtually. Our families are Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø’s best ambassadors, and we hope you will consider partnering with us.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Responsibly and enthusiastically represent Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø in the community
- Participate in a minimum of one annual activity
- Attend virtual training if required for the volunteer role
Explore the ways you can support Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø as a Family Ambassador:
Volunteer Locally
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours
Location: Select cities determined by Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø
Time Frame: Mid-June to early-August
Coordinate with the Office of Family Engagement to host a welcome event for incoming Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø families. Events can take place in your home or venue of your choice.
Summer Send-Offs celebrate incoming students and their families. At these informal gatherings, the newest members of the Wildcat family are invited to meet current Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø students, families, alums and college representatives in a casual and relaxed setting. Summer Send-Offs are a fantastic way to unite the Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø community and allow newly-enrolled students to start building their support networks.
The Office of Alumni and Family Engagement selects Send-Off locations each summer based on student enrollment numbers. We will confirm the Send-Off cities in late spring and then contact potential hosts to begin the planning process.
What We Do
- Send invitations to all current and incoming families in your area.
- Track RSVPs and share registrant numbers. We can share names but not contact information.
- Provide nametags, along with an assortment of branded Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø items.
- When possible, send a representative from Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø to attend the event.
What You Do:
- Work with the Office of Family Engagement to identify a convenient date and time (mid-July to early August). Saturday or Sunday afternoons typically work best.
- Identify a location. Often, events take place in the host’s home, but neighborhood clubhouses or public gathering spaces work well, too!
- Provide light refreshments/ snacks.
- Serve as host and lead volunteer at the event.
Volunteer Virtually
Time Commitment: 1.5 - 2 hours
Location: Virtual
Time Frame: Late summer
Participate in a Virtual Wildcat Welcome for our newest Wildcat families.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø staff will host a series of virtual meet-and-greets for families and supporters. Current families serve as discussion leaders and answer questions about their families' Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø experiences. Interested volunteers will be contacted when planning begins in the spring. Hosts may participate in one or more Virtual Welcome events.
What We Do
- Schedule dates and times for the welcome events.
- Set up the Zoom call and send invitations.
- Facilitate the call and serve as a resource.
What You Do
- Select a welcome event from the scheduled dates that works for your schedule.
- Join the Zoom call. As a parent, you will facilitate the discussion in a breakout room, sharing your experiences and answering any questions.
Time Commitment: Your discretion
Location: Virtual
Time Frame: Ongoing
Each spring, incoming Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø families receive an invitation to join the. Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø staff oversee membership and serve as the group's administrators, while 3-4 parent facilitators welcome new members, share their knowledge and experiences and serve as a reassuring presence in the group.
Time Commitment: Varies
Location: Virtual (email)
Time Frame: Primarily March - August
This new program is designed to meet the needs of prospective and incoming parents who seek connection with a current Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø parent. As a parent liaison listed on Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Parents and Families webpage, you can serve as a valuable resource, sharing your experience and perspective as a Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø parent.
Though each family’s experience is unique, similar questions commonly arise. From travel logistics to packing suggestions to supporting your student from afar, sharing your lessons learned offers helpful insight and reassurance to curious families. A brief training will be provided to all volunteers.
Time Commitment: Two virtual meetings (fall and spring)
Location: Virtual
Time Frame: June and January
Serve as a sounding board for the Assistant Director of Family Engagement. This circle of volunteers will convene via Zoom twice each year to share experiences, ideas and feedback regarding family engagement at Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø. The small group is composed of 12-15 family members. Participants are selected to represent diversity of geography, their student’s class year and connections to particular affinity groups. Volunteers commit to serve for a one-year cycle with the option to continue for a second.
Advocate for Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Within Your Community
Our families have a unique understanding of what the Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø experience offers students. Take a moment to from your community who would be a great addition to Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø.
Current families are Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø’s most powerful advocates. Share your Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø story with friends and neighbors.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø regularly hosts virtual events and regional programs across the country. Strengthen your own ties to the college by connecting with other Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø families and alumni. Check our website and keep an eye out for email invitations.