So, you want to take the LEAP and become an Antarctic Ambassador, but you are nervous about submitting an application. Have no fear – our top five application tips are here, curated by IAATO Communications & Environment Assistant (and Antarctic Ambassador!) Hayley Fier.
So, what do we mean by “take the LEAP” and what is an Antarctic Ambassador?
An Antarctic Ambassador is someone who:
Loves and respects the region,
Educates others by sharing their Antarctic experiences,
Advocates for Antarctica when opportunities arise, and
Protects the region by making positive changes at home.
By applying to be recognised as an Antarctic Ambassador, applicants receive a digital Certificate of Ambassadorship and have their profile added to IAATO’s interactive ambassadorship map, which showcases polar scientists, guides, travellers and Antarctic enthusiasts from around the world and what they have done in the name of Ambassadorship.
Sounds like you? Welcome! Now, let’s make your Antarctic Ambassadorship official!
1- Apply using your full name (first and last name).
One of the most important parts of being an Antarctic Ambassador is advocating for Antarctica when opportunities arise. Sharing your name is an important part of being an advocate. Using your full name shows that you are a REAL person that REALLY cares about the fate of Antarctica!
2- Send us a high-resolution photograph of yourself.
Let’s put a face to that name! We need a high resolution photograph (like this one, below) of you to show alongside our other ambassadors. If you can, please use a photo in landscape (horizontal) orientation, and try to make sure you’re the only person in the photo.
3 – Answer the application questions in full sentences.
Loving, respecting, and protecting Antarctica are essential to ambassadorship, but how can we share that passion with others? To advocate for and educate others about Antarctica, you have to be able to communicate that passion and explain why you care. What better way to practice than to tell us your thoughts in full sentences on your application!
Examples:
– The Western Antarctic Peninsula is warming 5 times faster than the global average, and I am worried about what this means for the animals that live there.
– I have always wanted to see Antarctica for myself after learning about how what happens there can affect the whole planet’s climate.
– I have not been to Antarctica, and I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to, but I try to protect it by eating plant-based dinners whenever possible to reduce my carbon footprint.
– Antarctica is the only place in the world not owned by anyone – a true no-man’s land. It is such a special place and that is something worth protecting so future generations can learn from it.
4- Tell us about what environmentally friendly actions you take to protect Antarctica.
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to Antarctica. Luckily, there are so many individual actions that we can take to help stop climate change.
For example, we can all stop using single-use plastics, including plastic bags, bottles, utensils, and straws. These items, which often cannot be recycled, are made using fossil fuels that fuel climate change. Another way to cut down on our individual fossil fuel consumption is to use public transportation, walk, or ride bikes.
See our Ambassadorship Challenge Card for more actions you can take for Antarctica!
5 – Add your email address.
The last and most important step for becoming a certified Antarctic Ambassador is to provide your email address. We send your Welcome Package, including your own Antarctic Ambassador certificate, to you via email, no need to be able to reach you!
Last but not least, don’t forget to click “Done” when you’re happy that you’ve completed your application! We can’t wait for you to be our next Antarctic Ambassador.
Bonus tip – Don’t apply more than once!
We’re thrilled to see more and more people joining us every month, but processing applications, adding new ambassadors to the Ambassadorship Map and compiling digital welcome packs takes time. Please be patient and try to resist the urge to reapply. Good things – like Antarctic Ambassador status – come to those who wait – we promise!
Feeling ready to be an Antarctic Ambassador? Apply here!
About the Author – Hayley Fier
Hayley is a recent graduate of Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences where she completed her Master’s degree in Marine Conservation and Policy.
Before joining the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) as an intern in January 2023, she spent her time interning at zoos and aquariums, learning about husbandry for animals in human care and educating the public about conservation.
As part of her role, Hayley works with IAATO’s Antarctic Ambassadorship Committee to create content and resources to help create and support Antarctic Ambassadors around the world.