OUT OF TOUCH

Comment

Comment by Paul Combs on July 7, 2011 at 2:46pm

Thanks, Richard: I really like some of Joe's thoughts, too - but most certainly creativity will have to be the answer. Needless to say, placing an ad within the Help Wanted section of your local paper is not going to grab the attention of the younger gen - fresh ideas need to be explored if the volunteer service is to continue.

Comment by Richard Mistkowski on July 6, 2011 at 8:57pm

So what's the answer?  In the "old days" people worked locally and participated in their communities.  Today, everyone is so "maxed out" and overscheduled that they can't think straight.  The training and commitment is tough for most people. Especially if you're in the middle of having a family.  It's ok for the younger guys, but they seem to be few and far between.  We're stuck right where we are with less and less people responding. 

 

Joe has some good ideas, especially in regards to strong leadership and vision.  But what do you do if your company lacks the vision and leadership?  It might not have a huge impact right now, but in the next 5 to 10 years, it most definately will

Comment by Joe Marini on June 28, 2011 at 1:46pm

My current department is very involved in the community participating in every event that we can to get our faces out and free publicity. Everything from kids birthday parties, a very successful annual open house. Our rolls allow for 100 active members and we currently have 6-10 spots open. Our incoming members are attracted by our facilities that include a full fitness room, entertainment room with a PS3. If the younger (my) generation is going to sit around and play video games why not have them join and play at the station. The services we provide allow for variety of interests Firefighting, EMS, Technical Rescue, Dive Team and Fire Prevention. I feel that strong leadership and a company vision/plan attracts new members vs an appearance of a "play it by ear" leadership style. My past Rural department carried a strong close knit sense of family with 3rd and 4th generation members and it was the atmosphere and the rural sense of helping your neighbor that attracted our newer members.

My rushed thoughts and opinions.

Comment by Dan Rice on June 26, 2011 at 10:10am

That’s Right Art!

                That seems to work for us every time also!!...........wait, no, that’s just how we do it. Yeah I’m not totally sure what is happening with recruitment right now other than nothing.  Word of mouth is our big go to recruitment strategy around here. I think somehow we aren’t ashamed that we are losing members but we would be ashamed of putting up a poster that says we need them. I dunno, but if anyone solves this country wide conspiracy to lose members then please, let me know!!

                                KTF

                                Dan

Comment by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on June 26, 2011 at 9:24am

Our department has been slammed with resignations lately. We were at 26 and are now down to 19 firefighters.

I think we are using the Hope and Change recruitment program...Hope that someone is interested in getting on the fire department because we don't seem to want to Change the way we go after new recruits. Put an ad in the paper and hope...

Around here, not that many are that involved in the social media and the ones that are are too busy working their Farmville or engaged in other such games.

I just told our chief that we need to get busy and fill the open positions for a myriad of reasons.

We'll see.

And given that we think we understand what today's younger generation knows and wants, will their cynicism constrain them?

Another great artistic effort, Paul.

Comment by Mike France on June 24, 2011 at 4:05pm

Now that is reality