Know who to ask: Town invites residents to serve as ambassadors

A new program in Jonesborough aims to turn residents into informed ambassadors for Tennessee's oldest town. Jonesborough officials announced the launch of the Jonesborough Ambassador Program, a six-week initiative designed to give participants an in-depth look at the town's history, departments and long-term vision while encouraging deeper community involvement. Robin Harpe, who serves as an ambassador and is the program originator, said the idea grew out of her own experience attending a Washington County 101 program in 2024. "I became inspired by just learning about the services — how the government worked and the programs that were offered," Harpe said. "I grew up here, left for a while and came back in 2020 during COVID-19. That got me thinking about Jonesborough and how we have such a rich history that we want other people to be inspired by." Harpe said the program aims to connect that history with the town's future. "As a younger generation now, we have a responsibility to take care of this history as well as create programs and develop initiatives for the community that are going to take us forward," she said. A pilot program began March 3 with a dinner meeting at the Jonesborough Senior Center and was coordinated by Senior Center Director Mary Regen and Harpe. Over six weeks, selected participants will meet primarily at the senior center, with one session held during a Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting so participants can observe local government in action. Each week focuses on a different aspect of town operations. Harpe said one session will center on public safety, featuring the fire and police departments, with hands-on demonstrations of equipment. Another will spotlight community engagement efforts, including presentations from the Jackson Theatre and the town's tourism director. Other sessions will highlight services such as utilities and water, giving residents direct access to department heads. "It's going to answer those questions that you always see on social media, like, 'Where do I go here? How do I do this?'" Harpe said. "Instead of going somewhere else to ask a question, you already know who to ask. These ambassadors are going to become people who will be able to answer those questions." The pilot class was selected from existing leadership programs, but future sessions will include an application process open to residents. A committee will choose 15 to 20 participants per class, with plans to offer the program at least once a year. Harpe said the broader goal is to encourage residents to take an active role in shaping the town's future. "We're blessed to live, worship, work and play here," she said. "People come here because they want our history. They come here because we're doing some great events, and they want to be part of this community. Now, we want to give them the tools to help them make that decision and become stronger." The Ambassador Program will run alongside another upcoming initiative. The Jonesborough Community Chest plans to launch Jonesborough 101, a companion program intended as an additional resource for visitors and residents who want to learn more about the town. Harpe said she hopes the ambassador effort will build on the town's historic legacy, which includes visits from five U.S. presidents and its role in the State of Franklin movement before Tennessee achieved statehood. "That's the kind of history you'll learn in the ambassador program," she said. "Our hope is to set the stage for inspiring new leadership while strengthening the commitment of those who have already served and volunteered so faithfully. We're hoping we can build on a foundation that will help us shape what comes next."