Call for Presentations: Recruitment and Retention

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is now accepting presentation proposals from qualified instructors to educate first responders on important recruitment and retention topics. Submit your proposal by August 10, 2015.
 
The NVFC is seeking to create an online training catalogue focusing on recruitment and retention-related topics as part of the upcoming Make Me a Firefighter campaign. Each course will be recorded and offered through the NVFC's Virtual Classroom. Presentation topics should relate to one of the following subject areas:
 
Diversity and Inclusion – Presentations should address the challenges and benefits of recruiting and retaining diverse populations. Examples include (but are not limited to): sexual harassment, cultural sensitivity, creating a welcoming environment, and overcoming cultural barriers.
 
Recruitment Tactics – Presentations should address methods and strategies for volunteer recruitment. Examples include (but are not limited to): social media and utilizing new technologies, marketing volunteer opportunities, identifying and targeting audiences, understanding motivators, and sampling/events.
 
Volunteer Management – Presentations should address managing prospective and new recruits. Examples include (but are not limited to): lead tracking/follow-up, managing expectations, engaging new recruits, and maintaining a positive and supportive team environment.
 
Retention – Presentations should address how to overcome retention challenges and best practices for retaining volunteers. Examples include (but are not limited to): incentive programs, retention barriers and solutions, motivation techniques, peacekeeping, maintaining a supportive environment, and volunteer recognition.
 
Leadership – Presentations should address the impact of leadership on recruitment and retention efforts or provide examples where leadership has excelled in fostering a diverse, effective team. Examples include (but are not limited to): leadership styles, leadership pitfalls, the role of leadership in driving and sustaining recruitment and retention efforts, changing culture, and overcoming/addressing poor leadership.
 
To learn more and submit a proposal, fill out the form at https://nvfc.wufoo.com/forms/recruitment-and-retention-call-for-presentations
 
Proposals are due by August 10, 2015. 
 
A peer review team will evaluate all proposals. Selections will be made based on quality, relevance, focus, practical application, and the presenter's experience and credentials. The NVFC will work with the instructor to record the presentation and a stipend will be provided.
 
Questions? Contact Allison Moore, Program Manager, at amoore@nvfc.org or 240-297-3569.