This year we set sail for the Western Carribean from New Orleans for seven days of fun in the sun and a chance to network and discuss the biggest issues facing volunteer departments. Specifically we discussed Bylaws, Fundraising, Grants, SOGS/SOPS, Training and Recruitment and Retention.
Our sessions had firefighters from across the country, in all ranks from probie to Chief. While each attendee may have sailed with us with different key issues, we would soon find we all have similar problems and solutions we can share. The center of the cruise revolved around what I call the “VolunteerFD.org Round tables”.
When departments attend conferences, the thing most departments appreciate most is the informal gatherings and sharing of information. VolunteerFD.org was developed to “Bring Volunteers Together”. The round tables are a way to bring volunteers together and formalize the sharing of information. The information gained is from the audience rather then the moderator, aka me. This year I was lucky to also have Kurt Bradley from ChiefGrants.com to help moderate the grants session.
Each attendee received a 150+ page book of material from VolunteerFD.org with articles and sample bylaws, sogs, fundraising programs, training schedule, recruitment programs and grants. This material is used to add the proverbial fuel to the fire and give attendees information to take home. When we started debating issues such as alcohol in the fire service, facial hair, and member and officer requirements, the fire really got going. (And that was only the first day!)
The second session was all about money. How to raise funds, use alternative funding sources and find grants. As you can guess, this is always a popular topic. The interesting thing this year was there was more involvement from auxiliary members. There was so much involvement by the auxiliary members and spouses that next year I will probably hold events just for them.
The final session was on training and SOGs. It seems like everyone has the same problems of getting members to the drills. The other question tackled this year was what made someone qualified to train and minimum training requirements. It was interesting to see the differences in requirements based upon area served and types of calls. When you try to compare departments throughout the US, the services provided definitely changes.
The cruise wasn’t all about learning. As with any fire department get together, a good time was had by all. As a group we held a karaoke event and had some stars. It turns out that Kurt is the karaoke king and even runs a karaoke company on the side. We also held a cocktail party that not only included free booze, but also had a piano player and a sing along. Each night had its social event, and I know many of us were up late, having a great time.
Overall the cruise was exceedingly successful yet again this year. The question I am being asked now is when is the next one? Unfortunately I do not have this answer. I am currently looking for another travel agency that can handle all of our requirements. (feel free to contact me if you know someone.) I have also decided to allow departments to host the round tables at their department and reap huge benefits!
Here’s how it works. I am offering to bring the VolunteerFD.org Round Tables to departments throughout the US. These are the same round tables that were held on the cruise and are being offered at FDIC East. (http://www.fdiceast.com) I provide all materials and will personally moderate the sessions. This two day program covers all six core areas; bylaws, grants, fund raising, recruitment and retention, training and SOGs. Additionally the round tables will start with a kick off motivational seminar entitled “Get Fired Up!”.
Departments can host the session at their firehouse or another location provided that they can accommodate up to 50 attendees and have adequate facilities. The round tables are being offered for $295 per person. The host department will receive $50 for every attendee with a minimum of 25 attendees and $75 per attendee on any session with over 50 attendees!
The department’s requirements are simple. They must provide the facility and market the program to their local departments. The only requirement on the day of the event is a sign in table and handing out the materials that VolunteerFD.org will provide. VolunteerFD.org will take online, fax and mail sign ups for the program and will publicize the event on VolunteerFD.org.
The bottom line is that a department can host the round tables, bring quality training to their area, and make anywhere between $1250 to $3750+ for a two day event. If you want to figure out the McDonald’s test on this one (http://www.volunteerfd.org/archive/fundbasic.php ) it works out to over $50/man hour profit for your department! Now that’s a good fund raiser!
Departments must sign up a minimum of 6 months in advance and bookings are limited to one round table per month. Bookings will be on a first come, first serve basis. Any session that does not meet the minimum of 25 attendees will be canceled and the monies refunded. Departments that are interested in hosting a round table should contact me ASAP as I am setting up next year’s schedule by the end of August. I may be contacted at jason@volunteerfd.org or 860.637.2389. Departments are also welcome to include the round tables in their county or state conferences/meetings as long as attendee minimums are met.