volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention strategy

T AR G E T AU D I E N C E SThere are three different categories of audiences to whom initiatives under the strategy aretargeted: the community-at-large; members of the fire department; and political stakeholders.Several key audiences have also been identified, and specialized nuanced tactics have beendeveloped for them. These audiences include First Nations firefighters who face unique issuesrelated to availability of funding and the prioritization of other community issues.COMMUNITY–AT-LARGEThe continuation of any business, service, or group is contingent upon community support.Support of the community-at-large is critical to influencing key stakeholders and potentialdepartment members. Support from the community-at-large affects many aspect of firefighting –from employer-supported volunteerism to new volunteers. Several distinct audiences in thiscategory are identified and described.Business Owners and EmployersSupport from local business owners and employers gives a boost to fire department retentionrates. Although sometimes they can be focused on the bottom line of their business, mostcommunity-based small business owners recognize their dependence on the community, andare willing to give back.Communications with this group must emphasize the gains the business receives fromemployee volunteer firefighting, including training, skills, and health and safety knowledge; andshould emphasize the opportunity to give back to the community. It could be emphasized to thisaudience that community support is a cycle – community members support the business andthe business supports the community. In essence, supporting volunteer firefighters is good forthe bottom line of their business.The support of businesses can also be attracted by opportunities that raise awareness abouttheir “giving back to community”, such as forms of recognition, advertising opportunities, andfree promotion.Community GroupsCommunity groups include schools and other organizations such as sports teams and religiousorganizations. Making connections to community groups serves as both a recruitment techniqueand an aide in garnering support from a wide range of actively-engaged community members.Community members involved with several groups have pride in their community - making themlikely candidates for further involvement in community-leading organizations such as the localvolunteer fire department.Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Strategy & ToolkitPrepared by Volunteer Alberta for the Alberta Fire Chiefs’Association4