This project aims to address social and environmental inequalities in Bristol and promote greater community resilience and inclusive action on climate change. Co-delivered by Ujima Radio and Bristol Green Capital Partnership, it will build on the pioneering pilot project which began in 2016, following Bristol’s year as European Green Capital.

It will present a unique leadership and professional development opportunity for three Ambassadors in Year One (Sep 2020 – 2021) who will receive ongoing mentoring, skills training and support to lead and deliver a varied programme of activities to engage communities and inspire bold and inclusive action towards a green and fair future for Bristol.

Activities will include community-based research projects, a monthly radio show and community-development workshops – enabling Ambassdors to frame questions and gather evidence to advocate for change, identify tangible solutions and catalyse new projects. Their work will showcase diverse approaches to environmental sustainability, celebrate best practice, stimulate debate and raise awareness of environmental justice issues and inequality.

Sandra Gordon, Director at Ujima Radio, said: “We are thrilled to be investing in a new generation of leaders whose work will showcase the inspiring work of Bristol’s Black, African, Caribbean, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities as well as catalysing new community-led initiatives and ideas. Building on the great work undertaken by our pilot project Ambassadors, this programme has huge potential to build greater connectedness, awareness and understanding across and within Bristol’s communities, leading to a more diverse, representative environmental community which celebrates and recognises the knowledge, perspectives and efforts of all.”

Lizzi Testani, Chief Operating Officer at Bristol Green Capital Partnership, said: “Bristol’s communities are alive with sustainable traditions and practices, but they often go unrecognised. The next cohort of Ambassadors will explore and inspire innovation and action across the city, and play a critical role in shaping Bristol’s recovery from COVID-19 and journey to become a carbon neutral city.”

The original ‘Green & Black Ambassadors’ concept emerged from Ujima Radio’s Green & Black conversations held as part of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital in 2015. Developed collaboratively by Ujima Radio, Bristol Green Capital Partnership, and the University of Bristol’s Cabot Institute for the Environment and Public Engagement team, the pilot phase of the project responded to an identified need to constructively challenge decision-making and make the structures for Bristol’s environmental sustainability movement more inclusive. Read more on our website.

This programme is made possible thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund, supporting ideas and projects that matter to people and communities.