Drew Murray is one of those Philadelphians who is always helping out.
When people ask him how they can pitch in, he answers they should volunteer in their own neighborhood. And now his answer has a new wrinkle — they should become “a Phambassador.”
The “Phambassadors” program, which the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp. unveiled Tuesday at LOVE Park, allows anyone to help boost city pride and share their Philly passion. It’s meant as an activation project for as many as 10,000 participants leading into the full schedule of events in 2026 celebrating the country’s 250th birthday.
“Become a Phambassador and sign the pledge,” Murray said at the event, which included the city’s sports mascots and various city officials. “Volunteer, whether it’s coming down to Philly and going to Independence Hall and volunteering, or it’s volunteering in your own community.”
Murray, part of a “Super Pham” club of residents who “live, sleep and breathe” Philly, highlighted the impact that being a good Philly citizen might have on providing next year’s visitors with a positive experience.
Next year’s events include a huge July 4 celebration, World Cup soccer games, Major League Baseball’s All Star Game and much more.
A Super Bowl parade every day
The campaign harnesses the idea that you don’t need a time and place to express city pride, said Jazelle Jones, the director of the city’s Office of Special Events.
“You don’t need to wait for a parade to be proud of where you’re from,” she said.
She emphasizes that ahead of the nation’s 250th celebration, Philadelphians should be giving the “same energy” as they exhibited during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade and related events.
“You are our vessel and vehicle to making sure that we all come out and we celebrate America’s birthday and all the other wonderful events that are coming,” she said.
Joining the Phambassadors program is simple, said Kathryn Ott Lovell, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center.
“There is no barrier to entry with this program, and there’s a continuum of engagement,” she said. “So all you have to do to join is sign the Phambassador pledge, and then you’re a Phambassador.”
She explained there are many ways to be involved as a Phambassador.
“We’re gonna ask folks to become digital ambassadors for us and use their own social media platforms to repost and promote the great news about Philadelphia,” she said. “We’re gonna ask them to promote Philly to their family and their friends.”
“Soft or loud” – all engagement matters
Tiphanie White is another member of the “Super Pham” club. The program, she said, can be whatever members make of it.
“Phambassadors is about action, not waiting for permission to show up for Philly, but choosing to represent it proudly every day in small and meaningful ways,” she said. “There is no [one] way to be a Phambassador. You can be loud or quiet and as involved as you can.”
She highlighted the inclusivity of the program – emphasizing all it takes is a pledge and some engagement from members.
“The goal isn’t perfection, it’s participation,” she said. “Anyone could be a part of this. All it takes is love for your city and a willingness to share it.”
The prospect of being a part of the program is “empowering” said Keyondra Grimes, an event attendee from Overbrook.
“Honestly, my plan on being a Phambassador is definitely joining, participating in events and definitely just spreading the word on social media,” she said. “I’m getting ready to do a social work class, so generally I also want to be a great part of helping the community heal.”
Grimes recently moved to Philly to pursue a career in performing arts, and said this event and program have her excited for the future.
President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia Angela Val echoed these sentiments, explaining that Philly is “one of a kind.”
“People always ask me, ‘Why Philadelphia over Boston, over Washington, over Houston, over LA?’ ” she said. “It is because of the people. Every city has an amazing restaurant someplace, or a nice art museum or a pretty park, but our city, what makes us different from everyone else, is the people. It is the traditions that we hold up every year.”
Michelle Freeman is another member of the “Super Pham” club. She said the program is all about igniting Philly’s spirit and showing passion for it ahead of the nation’s 250th celebration.
“It’s not about permission,” she said. “It’s about letting our passion out there for everybody to know and see. It’s also not about being from Philly. It’s about embodying Philly. So we are all part of this, and it’s about helping someone find directions or give a recommendation, and being able to channel all of our ‘Phillyness’ out into the world, and that’s what I love about Philly so much.”
Ott Lovell emphasized new Phambassador members get access to “exclusive events, local perks and exciting updates.” There is also a “Pham Camp” – a summer camp that will give participants hands-on education and experiences about Philly’s history, hidden gems and discovery.
She said the Phambassador team will also be traveling around Philly, and welcomes both volunteers and interested participants to find them.
“Sign up to be a part of our street team, or look for us at events like the Broad Street Run, Italian Market Festival, the Phillies games,” she said. “We’re going to be all over the place.”
To join the Phambassadors team, you can sign the pledge on their website.
