NMHC’s mission is to provide leadership and advocacy that promotes thriving rental housing communities for all. We envision meeting America’s housing needs by creating inclusive and resilient communities where people build their lives. A dedicated, engaged community with high member satisfaction is key to our mission. The NMHC New Membership Ambassador Program is a vital component of our approach to fostering an inclusive community.
The New Member Ambassador Program is designed to create a welcoming environment for new members by providing guidance to navigate the membership journey. Ambassadors play a vital role in fostering connections, sharing insights, and enhancing the overall experience for NMHC's new members.
Ambassadors
NMHC Member Ambassadors will be paired with a new member to help guide their first two years of membership. Both new and veteran members will benefit.
Key Features of the Ambassador Program
Guidelines and Expectations for Ambassadors
- Individualized Support: Ambassadors will meet with their new member to provide guidance, answer questions about NMHC opportunities, offer connections to other members or individuals within their network when needed, help new members feel welcomed, and debrief with members to help answer follow-up questions.
- Networking Opportunities: To the extent possible, each Ambassador will attend NMHC events alongside a new member as their guide. Ambassadors are encouraged to attend at least one virtual new member orientation with their new member. Ambassadors are encouraged to facilitate introductions and connections between new and existing members when appropriate. To the extent possible, Ambassadors will participate in all new member and/or first-time attendee events held during NMHC meetings and conferences.
- Feedback and Support: Ambassadors will provide feedback about the program to NMHC’s VP of Membership. Aggregate feedback from Ambassadors will be shared with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Membership Engagement Committees, which serve as sponsors of this engagement program, to help identify program strengths and opportunities to build.
Resource Guide for Ambassadors and New Members
NMHC will support Ambassadors and new members by providing an Ambassador Toolkit with resource materials to help guide new members.
Criteria for New Member/Ambassador Match
Examples of factors NMHC will consider when reviewing Ambassador applications and matching Ambassadors with new members:
- Current NMHC member company in good standing
- Minimum of three (3) years of NMHC member experience
- Position or area of professional specialization
- Industry sector
- High engagement levels at specific NMHC events/and or with most valued benefit resource
- Committee or other volunteer experience with NMHC
- Willingness to serve as an ambassador for 2 years
- Geographic locations
Frequently Asked Questions
This is not a mentorship program. The ambassador welcomes and helps integrate new members into the NMHC community. If a new member gains a mentor organically through this experience, that is a great benefit for them, but it is not something NMHC promises or that we ask Ambassadors to provide.
NMHC will prioritize one pairing per ambassador, but multiple connections will be granted upon request.
The commitment is for two years, but you are welcome to remain an ambassador for other new members as long as you remain employed with an NMHC member firm.
Once a new member joins, they are paired with an ambassador who will reach out and serve as a point of contact for the first two years of the new member’s membership. Ambassadors will connect at NMHC events and check in periodically.
NMHC will send an email introduction with your new member contact information and related next steps.
NMHC asks the ambassador to be in touch for the first two years, but new members are encouraged to continue building their network beyond that period.
