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Retention and Recruitment for the Volunteer Emergency Services

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<strong>Retention</strong> & <strong>Recruitment</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Emergency</strong> <strong>Services</strong>: Challenges & Solutions 4<br />

use of Various media<br />

A<br />

wide variety of media has been used to aid in recruiting. They include television, radio,<br />

newspapers, flyers, posters, paper bags, billboards, bus signs, restaurant placemats,<br />

<strong>and</strong> many more unusual ideas.<br />

teleVision, radio, <strong>and</strong> Print media<br />

There is much debate about which medium works best <strong>for</strong> recruiting ads: television, radio,<br />

or print. Some feel that public service announcements on a local television channel are<br />

better than ads in local papers. Some departments use short radio clips. O<strong>the</strong>rs feel that<br />

word of mouth is more effective than any <strong>for</strong>mal advertising.<br />

The majority feel that newspaper advertisements have not been very effective <strong>for</strong> recruiting.<br />

However, most departments have not found or invested in high quality print ads, such<br />

as <strong>the</strong> ones in <strong>the</strong> New Tools Kit that <strong>the</strong> NVFC distributes to its members. The kit was<br />

developed by volunteer firefighters working with a top advertising firm. Departments can<br />

use <strong>the</strong>se ads from <strong>the</strong> NVFC kit alone or as a supplement to o<strong>the</strong>r recruiting measures.<br />

“Newspaper advertisements can be very effective so long as <strong>the</strong>y communicate <strong>the</strong> right<br />

message. Emphasis should be on professionalism, training, excitement, meaningful service,<br />

<strong>and</strong> traditions. Be sure to emphasize your group is an equal opportunity organization<br />

which does not discriminate on <strong>the</strong> bases of sex, race, age, religion, or creed.”<br />

One department reported that small want ads in <strong>the</strong> local newspaper brought in more<br />

applicants than general-purpose large ads. Many people screen <strong>the</strong> want ads <strong>for</strong> a variety of<br />

reasons <strong>and</strong> are looking <strong>for</strong> new opportunities <strong>and</strong> excitement.<br />

News Stories <strong>and</strong> Features--Several departments have found it rewarding to cultivate<br />

friendships with <strong>the</strong> media <strong>and</strong> encourage <strong>the</strong>m to run stories about <strong>the</strong> department.<br />

Keep <strong>the</strong> media involved by inviting <strong>the</strong>m to drills, to ride along, or to become a member.<br />

The media assists recruiting best by giving publicity to <strong>the</strong> fire department’s successes<br />

<strong>and</strong> events, <strong>and</strong> featuring articles on individual members. Attempt to have a story on<br />

fundraisers, election of officers, or new equipment purchased at least monthly. Ideally, <strong>the</strong><br />

stories also should mention <strong>the</strong> ever-present need <strong>for</strong> good volunteers.<br />

In order to assist <strong>the</strong> media in promoting <strong>the</strong> visibility of individual members, <strong>the</strong><br />

department can hire a photographer to take a publicity picture of each member. These<br />

pictures can be supplied to <strong>the</strong> press <strong>for</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r small background stories or major fires. This<br />

also aids in retention, by promoting recognition.

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