time, don't be afraid to let them know you are always
looking for additional volunteers.
Show off the wide variety of tools and equipment
and let visitors know that your firefighters are skilled
in handling them. Usually, all these actions generate
excitement and interest, which you may be able to
convert into interest in joining your department.
Consider using some of today's social media
to advertise your department and membership
needs. Facebook, Twitter, and other Web sites are
a great way for people to learn more about your
department. Create a department Web site with a
professional-looking membership recruitment page
that highlights the need for volunteers and outline
duties and requirements. Applications can be made
available online and e-mailed directly to the chief or
recruitment chairperson. It's great to be able to refer
people to your Web site when they are considering
joining the department. They can look over a
wide variety information while learning about the
department's history and heritage. They can learn
about the membership requirements and duties and
responsibilities all in the peace and quiet of their
own home. Lots of people like that because there is
no pressure.
Press releases are a great way to bring attention
to your department and highlight some great
accomplishments and again remind the public
that the professional service is being delivered by
volunteers. A designated public information officer
should ensure accurate press releases are sent out
after interesting or significant incidents. The public
is reminded of the great service being provided by
their local department, and from time to time the
opportunity will present itself announce the need
for additional members.
THE BENEFITS
When discussing membership with interested
parties, in addition to talking about all the "official"
requirements and duties involved with being a
firefighter, don't forget to mention all the intangible
parts of being a volunteer. Yes, the training and
emergency responses are part of it. But highlight the
benefits for both members and possibly the benefits
extended to member's family, as well. Let the new
member (or prospective member) know that when
a person joins your department, they immediately
become part of a large extended family. If your
department has a nice family picnic, holiday parties,
kids parties, and assorted other events designed
to reward and recognize the firefighter's family,
celebrate that fact. Let prospective members know
that there is so much more to being a volunteer
firefighter than simply training and responding to
emergency calls. Maybe there are great conventions
to attend, sports teams to play on, or field days to
participate in. Let them know that the entire family
can benefit and participate and have fun.
Does your department have a junior program? This
can be a great way to attract young members and
hopefully keep them for years to come. If there are
scholarship opportunities available in your area for
department members or family members, be sure
to make mention of that in all your discussions and
advertisements. Parents love to hear about those. I
also like to point out the many positive role models
the junior members will be exposed to as a member
of the fire department. We encourage our junior
members to hang out at the firehouse and we provide
a wide variety of perks for them to enjoy while
hanging out such as TV, games, refreshments, and
snacks. When talking with the parents of prospective
junior members, we like to ask: "Where else would
you rather have your teenagers hanging out on a
Friday or Saturday night?" The firehouse is never a
bad answer. From time to time we have visited the
local high school to discuss the fire department and
advertise the need for additional members. I suggest
even doing it on career day. Many people over the
years have certainly made a career out of being a
professional volunteer firefighter.
Many departments have experienced success by
offering a variety of membership levels a person can
apply for. This has allowed them to attract members
of all ages, abilities, and interests. Some may not ever
even operate a hose line! A person possessing great
accounting skills may join as a social or administrative
member to be the department treasurer. A retired
truck driver may volunteer to be trained as a regular
driver. Others may want to help do fundraising. This
idea of attracting people possessing such a wide
variety of skills might be worth investigating.
At no time do we want to overdo it. I am not
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26 Backdraft Magazine | A Volunteer Fire Service Publication | Volume 5 | Issue 1 | www.thebackdraftmagazine.com