Dear Ambassadors,
Welcome everyone, I’m Lydia Nelson, and I serve as the Senior Manager of Marketing and Outreach with the Building Decarbonization Coalition. I’m grateful for the work you’re doing to represent BDC in communities across California. You’re often the first person someone meets from our organization, and the trust you help build is essential to our mission.
As we engage with residents, we want to make sure our work reflects BDC’s values: Humanity, Agility, Equity, Collaboration and Continuous Learning. That means:
- Treating every person with courtesy and patience
- Be prepared to listen, especially when residents share concerns or lived experiences
- Avoiding pressuring, our goal is to inform, empower, and offer an opportunity to electrify
- Never making promises or commitments outside what the program officially provides
- Respecting private property and community norms at all times
This is part of our code of conduct. You are acting as a representative of BDC, and the way you show up (your words, actions, and how you handle difficult moments) matters as much as the information you share.
Your safety and the safety of the community are equally important. Because you’re working in neighborhoods, sometimes at people’s homes or at public events, BDC follows community-based safety standards. This includes:
- Always working in pairs. No one should be doing outreach or door-knocking alone. Being in teams helps with safety, support, and accountability.
- Carrying identification. You should always have your BDC issued badge visible or easily available. This helps residents feel more comfortable opening the door or speaking with you.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe or disrespectful in any way, step back. You are empowered to remove yourself from the situation and alert your BDC point of contact
- Report any incidents. Whether it’s a safety concern, community feedback, or an uncomfortable interaction, let your BDC point of contact know right away so we can address it together.
Thank you again for the care and professionalism you bring to this work. The relationships you’re building are what make our programs possible. We’re excited to support you and make sure you always have what you need to feel prepared, safe, and respected in the communities you serve.
Respectfully,
Lydia
