John S. D Alessandro FASNY

Transcription

1 IAFC Seminar October 28, 2016

2 John S. D Alessandro FASNY Association Secretary / VPC Recruitment Lane Leader IAFC VCOS Past Commissioner / PIO Halfmoon FD 40+ Conclusion Years Public / Media Relations

3 The most important job of every old firefighter is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters.

4 Volunteer Fire Service: A National Problem 920, , , , , , , , , , ,000 Volunteer Firefighters In The US

5 35,000,000 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 Total Calls US Fire Service: The Mission

6 Volunteer Fire Service: The Challenge

7 Volunteer Fire Service: The Problem In NY : Approximately 110,000 Volunteers : Approximately 84,000 Volunteers : $4.2 SAFER Grant To FASNY : Conclusion Approximately 105,000 Volunteers

8 The most important job of every old firefighter is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters. But what happens if there is no one to teach?

9 Identifying Barriers

10 Identifying Barriers 1 Societal 2 Departmental 3 Individual

11 Identifying Barriers Too Many Outlets Society Title Lack Of Community Identification Decline In Volunteerism ($)

12 Recruitment Challenges: Compounded Problem

13 Identifying Barriers An Annoyance FD Title Recruits Will Always Come Dependence On The Legacy Affect

14 Identifying Barriers

15 Identifying Barriers I m The One Running Away Person Title I Don t Know How To Do It I Don t Have The Time

16 Recruitment Size Up: SOG #1 Motivated, trained individuals have been, are and always will be the foundation of the fire service.

17 Recruitment Size Up: SOG #2 Not everyone is cut out to be a volunteer firefighter.

18 Recruitment Size Up: SOG #3 Every public contact is an recruitment opportunity.

19 Recruitment Size Up: SOG #4 Recruitment begins or ends at the firehouse door.

20 Recruitment Size Up: SOG #5 Gaining a recruit is just The beginning.

21 Recruitment Size Up: SOG #6 Recruitment without retention is a losing proposition.

22 Yesterday s Approach

23 Today s Necessity

24 Business Pre-Plan 1 Assess your manpower needs. 2 Determine your recruitment capabilities. 3 Have a written plan / establish a process. 4 Review Conclusion everything on a regular basis.

25 Business Pre-Plan 1 Assess your manpower needs.

26 Department Needs Mission: Growth / Decline FD Title Financial / Training Limitations Type Of Manpower Needed

27 Business Pre-Plan 1 Assess your manpower needs. 2 Determine your recruitment capabilities.

28 Department Capabilities Department Culture FD Title Current Membership Leadership Buy-In

29 Business Pre-Plan 1 Assess your manpower needs. 2 Determine your recruitment capabilities. 3 Have a plan and a process.

30 Department Approach Put The Plan In Writing FD Title Establish Goals Implement A Consistent Membership Process

31 The Plan Clearly Define Roles Create A Theme And Message(s) Identify Communications Channels Develop Activities / Events Look For Partners

32 Pre-Application Quick Response To Inquiries Set-up An Information Meeting Explain Benefits And Expectations Arrange A Ride Along Assign A Mentor: Before And After

33 Establish A Process

34 Establish A Process Straightforward Timely Decision Reply Verbal / Written Keep Accurate Records

35 Running The Business Know Your Customers In Competition With Other Products Promote Several Versions Of Product Insure Truth In Advertising *Always Watch The Balance Sheet*

36 Running The Business Know Your Customers Membership Is A Commodity In Competition With Other Products Promote Several Versions Of Product *Insure Truth In Advertising*

37 Recruitment Resources: Target Audiences 30% Age Distribution Of US Firefighters % 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

38 Recruitment Resources: Target Audiences 30% Age Distribution Of US Firefighters % 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

39 Running The Business Know Your Customers Membership Is A Commodity In Competition With Other Products Promote Several Versions Of Product *Insure Truth In Advertising*

40 Recruitment Resources: Respected Brand Tradition Brotherhood Service Dedication Professionalism

41 Recruitment Resources: Respected Brand

42 Running The Business Know Your Customers Membership Is A Commodity In Competition With Other Products Promote Several Versions Of Product *Insure Truth In Advertising*

43 PERCEPTION? Recruitment Resources: Image Catch-22

44 REALITY? Recruitment Resources: Image Catch-22

45 BALANCE! Recruitment Resources: Image Catch-22

46 Recruitment without retention is a losing proposition.

47 Motivated, trained individuals have been, are and always will be the foundation of the fire service.

48 Recruitment Resources: Target Audiences 30% Age Distribution Of US Firefighters % 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

49 Identifying Barriers

50 Retention Success: Avoiding Friction RECRUITMENT ADEQUATE STAFFING RETENTION

51 Retention Success: Discontent Catalysts Unclear Focus Or Direction FD Title Lack Of Fairness Or Appreciation Sense Of Being Pushed Out

52 Retention Success: Discontent Cures Members Informed And Involved LEADERS Title Equal Rewards And Discipline Balance / Integrate Groups

53 Retention Success: Identifying Solutions The most important job of every old firefighter is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters. Set-up An Information Meeting Arrange A Ride Along Assign A Mentor: Before And After

54 Fire In You Campaign Consistent Statewide Theme Targets The Barriers / Audiences Delivery Methods Are Adaptable Networking / Existing Channels Resources Available Locally

55 Fire In You Campaign

56 Fire In You Campaign

57 Fire In You Campaign

58 RecruitNY Weekend

59 RecruitNY Weekend

60 RecruitNY Weekend

61 Recruitment Tactics: Lessons From The Fireground Have A Recruitment Plan Establish An Application Process Recruitment Coordinator / Committee Keep Membership Informed / Involved Evaluate Plan / Process / Audiences

62 Recruitment Reality: Lessons From The Fireground There is no magic bullet. Recruitment is hands-on and on-going. What works today may not tomorrow. One solution / problem does not fit all. On all of us / Don t Get Discouraged.

63 The End Goal

64 FASNY John D Alessandro Volunteer Programs Coordinator (518) jdalessandro@fasny.com

65 I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Edward F. Croker Chief of Department, FDNY ( ) FASNY John D Alessandro Association Secretary / VPC (518) jdalessandro@fasny.com