Niantic is expanding the Vanguards from 24 to 36 Members. In addition to 12 new members, some will also resign. They’re outside volunteers, working with Niantic and community managers, provide feedback but are not official employee or affect the game, and there is NDA involved.
For more info, visit:
https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/ingress/?s=agent-protocol&f=about-the-alliance-of-the-vanguards-program&p=web
Be sure to fill the form before Aug 13:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZ8XvBNMNTsivqk4VxnckzjDWA-z2bun0aq7XLn_9GT37-fg/viewform