Becoming an Ambassador

This article by Stephen Jackson was originally published in the Summer 2026 issue of The Federal Lawyer.

If you’ve ever left a Foundation Fellows dinner thinking, “we should do this more often—more connection, more mentorship, more ways to bring great federal practitioners into the fold,” this is your opportunity to make it happen. The Foundation’s Fellows program thrives because Fellows don’t just participate; they lead. Serving as a Fellows Ambassador is one of the most direct, practical ways to strengthen the Fellows community within your chapter and circuit and ensure the Foundation’s mission keeps growing locally.

As a Fellows Ambassador, you become the person who helps the community feel real—not just nationally, but locally. You’ll encourage qualified candidates to apply for Fellowship, opening the door for future leaders to join a network that values service and professionalism. You’ll also be a friendly, reliable point of contact for potential Fellows in your chapter and circuit, making it easier for new and longtime members to get together.

Just as importantly, the ambassador role is designed to be doable. It’s meaningful without being burdensome, focused on a few high-impact actions that fit real schedules. The payoff is tangible: stronger regional relationships, better awareness of the Foundations’ goals, and more opportunities for Fellows to connect throughout the year.

Any Fellow, in any circuit, can volunteer. You don’t need a special title or a huge time block on your calendar. What matters is a willingness to reach out, make introductions, and help your region stay connected. If you care about the impact of the Foundation and you want to leave the Fellows community better than you found it, you already have what it takes to be an ambassador.

Ready to raise your hand? Complete the sign-up form on the Foundation’s “Fellows Ambassador” web page. The Foundation will follow up with next steps and help you get connected with Fellows in your area so you can be our voice and help us raise awareness both among lawyers and the public as a whole.

Thank you for considering this important role. The Foundation is strongest when it feels close. When Fellows know one another beyond a name on a name tag and can easily connect, gather, and welcome new members. By becoming a Fellows Ambassador, you can be the catalyst for that kind of community in your circuit—strengthening relationships, expanding Fellowship, and advancing the Foundation’s mission where it matters most: in the dayto- day professional lives of federal practitioners. With your help, the potential for the Foundation is limitless.