Volunteer Workforce Solutions

12/13/2022

Thank you to everyone who attended our Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification course in Franklin, TN. We are planning more classes for 2023. Check out iafc.org/events for the latest class schedule.

11/18/2022

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop at . Interested in taking the class in 2023? Check iafc.org/events for upcoming dates.

10/04/2022

Free in-person officer development course on November 5-6 in Angola, Indiana. Breakfast and lunch are provided. To register scan the QR code. We hope to see you there!

09/28/2022

The Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association in partnership with the IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to offer 3 free virtual classes with jan spence & associates on Leadership Recruitment and Retention. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3RkASBM

09/26/2022

Officer Development Opportunity from the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association: Join the "Leading and Developing Volunteers" class on October 1 and 2 in Richmond, IN. This is a free training and hotel room reimbursement is available. Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/3BP7VrZ

09/23/2022

Timeline photos

The scholarship/awards deadline for is fast approaching! Find out more here, https://buff.ly/3Qvfjhh

09/21/2022

This past weekend we were in Asheville, NC for our Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop where we discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fire service. We will be offering this class in 2023 and hope to see you there! Stay tuned for future class dates.

09/12/2022

Members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Honor Guard helped lead Monday morning’s remembrance

Members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Honor Guard helped lead Monday morning’s remembrance

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is privileged and fortunate to have a piece of the World Trade Center's South Tower as a memorial at our headquarters in Chantilly, VA.

09/11/2022

911 Remembrance IAFC

911 Remembrance IAFC

09/08/2022

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop Pre-Con at FRI 2022. We had great discussions and learned a lot about inclusivity in the fire service. We are planning our 2023 schedule! Interested in hosting or attending, contact Program Manager Kaitlin Lutz at [email protected].

07/19/2022

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the U.S. Volunteer and Combination Fire-Rescue Service Study Final Report

Just released: New IAFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion study reports identifies areas of improvement and recommends actions departments can take to improve recruitment and retention.

The IAFC’s Volunteer Workforce Solutions program through a FEMA SAFER grant, is releasing a study report of the U.S. volunteer and combination fire service on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to help departments improve their recruitment and retention efforts, particularly as they relate to ...

07/13/2022

More free training opportunities with travel reimbursement! Join us in Maine or Alaska for our award winning Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification Class where you will hone the skills you need to recruit and retain quality members. To register or for more information contact Derek Bullington at [email protected]

07/12/2022

We're excited to partner with IAFC - VCOS Section and offer the Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop as a free pre-con for Symposium in the Sun attendees. This interactive two-day class equips members of the fire service with the knowledge and skills to support inclusivity in the workforce. We can reimburse your travel if you are from a volunteer or combination department. Learn more and register here: https://buff.ly/3yToHpv

07/04/2022

Wishing you a Safe and Happy 4th!

07/01/2022

Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop FRI 2022 Pre-Con Interest Form

Are you attending FRI in San Antonio this August? We have a free pre-con on August 22-23 and we can reimburse your travel if you are from a volunteer or combination department. The Developing Inclusive Teams workshop equips members of the fire service with knowledge and skills to support inclusivity in the workforce. This course is highly interactive and only has 20 spots! Learn more and register today:

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), through a FEMA funded SAFER grant is holding a "Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop" pre-con at the IAFC's Fire-Rescue International on August 22-23 in San Antonio, Texas. There are 20 spots available in the class. The course will equip members of...

06/29/2022

Fire camp encourages more girls to join emergency services

We're proud we could help support Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS's inaugural Girl's Fire Camp. https://buff.ly/3ys77Zu

We still have funds available to help volunteer and combination departments with similar camps to recruit women and members of other underrepresented groups into the fire service. Learn more: https://smr.to/p74290

Fire camp encourages more girls to join emergency services

06/27/2022

We had a fantastic time this weekend hosting the Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop in Rifle, CO! Thank you to our hosts Colorado River Fire Rescue. Interested in learning more about creating a culture of inclusivity? We have two classes coming up: August 22-23 in San Antonio, TX and September 17-18 in Asheville, NC. Contact Kaitlin Lutz at [email protected] for more information.

05/09/2022

VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report Update

The Yellow Ribbon Report from IAFC - VCOS Section contains 11 best practices in Behavioral Wellness for Emergency Responders. Share this resource with your department as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

VCOS  is proud to announce the release of a new important resource for first responders, the 2021 Yellow Ribbon Report Update. The original report was released in 2017 and based on feedback for the need for more life-saving information the VCOS compiled this completely new document as a supplement ...

05/04/2022

Happy International Firefighters' Day!

We'd like to take a moment to highlight International Firefighters' Day This day is to pay respect to ALL firefighters and those that support them. Thank you.

05/03/2022

We had a great weekend in Montgomery County, MD with the attendees at our Recruitment & Retention Coordinator course. If you are interested in taking this course, email Derek Bullington ([email protected]). We can reimburse your travel expenses (airfare, mileage, parking, hotel, good, etc.). We have five more coming up this year in different locations across the country.

04/29/2022

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Is your department holding a fire camp or academy this Spring or Summer to help recruit volunteer firefighters? We are offering $5,000 in reimbursements to volunteer and combination departments for eligible expenses. Apply today: https://buff.ly/3OCWDfU

04/26/2022

Interested in learning more about diversity, equity, and inclusion through real-life scenarios? Sign up today to take our newest class, the Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop, in Rifle, Colorado on June 25-26. The class is free and we will reimburse your travel expenses to the class. Learn more and register here: https://buff.ly/3vdtAYF

04/19/2022

Happy National Volunteer Week! This week we celebrate all of the volunteers who donate their time, talents, and energy to serve their communities. Thank you for all that you do!

04/04/2022

We had a fantastic weekend hosting the pilot class for the Developing Inclusive Teams Workshop at IAFC HQ. We are excited to start bringing this class to departments around the country very soon. Interested in hosting or attending a future class? Contact Kaitlin Lutz at [email protected].

03/29/2022

Thank you to everyone who attended the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. Leadership series with jan spence & associates and participated in the survey. Congrats to Wendy Bowman and Bryan Hendin for winning a copy of Jan's book, "Cheer on Your Team! 52 Tips to Increase Retention, Engagement and Loyalty.”

03/18/2022

Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association is now accepting applications from volunteer and combination departments that would like assistance with their recruitment and retention efforts. Learn more and apply at www.volunteerfireTN.org.

03/08/2022

Happy International Women's Day!

03/01/2022

Growing As a Leader Series: Six Ways to Build, Engage and Retain Your Team

Do you get frustrated when volunteers or employees leave after only a short time in a role? Does managing a team across multiple generations lead to frustration? Are you looking for new, creative ways to recruit, engage and build a healthy environment in your department? Check out this exciting, free series from Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. and jan spence & associates.

Do you get frustrated when volunteers or employees leave after only a short time in a role? Does managing a team across multiple generations lead to frustration? Are you looking for new, creative ways to recruit, engage and build a healthy environment in your department? Check out this exciting seri...

02/28/2022

There is still time to register for this FREE workshop with Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc.. Register today to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fire-rescue-organizational-guidance-for-fire-service-leaders-tickets-262145944577

Join VA VWS for a free two day workshop, Fire & Rescue Organizational Guidance for Fire Service Leaders, at Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department on March 12-13. Participants will work together to develop solutions to common leadership challenges through scenario and facilitated based discussions. Register by March 1 on Eventbrite: https://buff.ly/3GAW7Kh

02/10/2022

Join VA VWS for a free two day workshop, Fire & Rescue Organizational Guidance for Fire Service Leaders, at Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department on March 12-13. Participants will work together to develop solutions to common leadership challenges through scenario and facilitated based discussions. Register by March 1 on Eventbrite: https://buff.ly/3GAW7Kh

02/09/2022

Registration for the Fredericksburg VFOA Modular Program has been extended to 2/14/21! Register today at www.vfca.us VFCA - Company Officer Section “Official”Virginia Fire Officer AcademyVolunteer Workforce SolutionsIAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs

02/09/2022

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Join jan spence & associates at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. conference February 22-26. Register today! https://buff.ly/3oy1ZxK

02/08/2022

Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity in the U.S. Volunteer and Combination Fire-rescue Service

This is the last week to particpate in the diversity, equity and inclusion survey for the volunteer and combination fire service. Respond by Friday February 11th.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

02/03/2022

Did you get our latest eblast? We are hiring contract instructors and SMEs to help launch two new courses. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3GlSfNa

02/02/2022

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the U.S. Volunteer and Combination Fire-Rescue Service Survey

There are only a few days left to particiapte in our survey. Take 10 minutes to help the volunteer and combination fire service by Friday February 4.

It’s no secret that there is a shortage of volunteer firefighters in departments nationwide. As a result, the IAFC is seeking ways it can assist in helping agencies create and maintain work environments that are welcoming to all, treat people fairly, and reflect the characteristics of their commun...

01/14/2022

Would You Take 10 Minutes to Help the Volunteer and Combination Fire Service?

Interested in improving volunteer retention and recruitment? Take this brief survey from the IAFC to help create effective tools, techniques, and recommendations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and improving volunteer retention and recruitment. All survey responses are confidential.

It’s no secret that there is a shortage of volunteer firefighters in departments nationwide. As a result, the IAFC is seeking ways it can assist in helping agencies create and maintain work environments that are welcoming to all, treat people fairly, and reflect the characteristics of their commun...

01/10/2022

UNPLUGGED! Finding a Balance Between Work and Home Life with Jan Spence

Join us on January 19th for a free online training from Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. and jan spence & associates, UNPLUGGED! Finding a Balance Between Work and Home Life. Register today!

In today’s hyper-connected world, most people are finding it more and more difficult to leave work AT work, especially during the current work-from-home environment. Various studies have found that the average person checks their cell phone 74 - 85 times a day. Additionally, it has been found that...

12/31/2021

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the IAFC. Stay safe and healthy.

12/23/2021

Our offices close today at 12 PM ET and will be closed December 24 and 27. We wish you a happy and safe holiday!

12/14/2021

Leading and Engaging Volunteers and Employees with Jan Spence

Join us tonight at 7 PM ET for a free training with
jan spence & associates and Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc..
There is still time to register!

Do you struggle with how to keep employee and volunteer engagement levels high and consistent among your team? Do you have a solid plan in place with actionable steps that your leaders can turn to when they need to boost personnel morale?