Summer is the season of vibrant community gatherings, from cheerful fairs to lively parades and bustling festivals. These events present an exciting opportunity for volunteer fire and EMS departments to connect with potential recruits. Harnessing the energy of local summer events can be a powerful strategy for attracting new volunteers.
Here are some friendly and practical tips to help you make the most of the summer events in your community:
Set Clear Goals
Before you set foot at an event, take a moment to outline your recruitment goals. Are you trying to get new members in the Fall training classes? How many volunteers are you hoping to bring on? What information do you want to share with potential recruits? Clarifying your objectives will help you focus your efforts and celebrate your successes.
Create an Inviting Booth/Recruitment Table
Your booth is your home base during the event, so let’s make it inviting! Bright, cheerful signage and banners can help folks spot you from afar. Use visuals like photos and videos to showcase your amazing team in action. And remember to make plenty of room for people to stop by and chat!
PRO TIP: Check out this blog about setting up your recruitment table
Engage With Fun Displays
Capture attention with interactive displays that bring the excitement of firefighting and EMS to life! Consider setting up a hands-on firefighting or EMS scenario for folks to participate in. Let them try on gear or learn some basic CPR skills. It’s a fun way to give them a taste of what volunteering with your team is all about.
Here is a video on how Army and Marines recruiters bring out the pull-up bar to entice recruits. You can do the same with the pull-up bar, or even an obstacle course where recruits have to don fire gear and make it through the course.
Use Social Media Wisely (AND OFTEN)
Spread the word about your participation in local events on your department’s social media channels. Share posts leading up to the event, giving folks a sneak peek of what they can expect at your booth. During the event, keep the excitement going with live updates and photos. Let’s make sure everyone knows how awesome your team is!
Prepare Helpful Materials
Stock your booth with informative brochures, flyers, and business cards for potential recruits to take home. Share details about volunteer roles, the perks of joining your team, training opportunities, and how to get started. Make sure your contact info is easy to find—we want to hear from them!
Feature Your Current Volunteers
Your current members are your best ambassadors! Invite them to the booth, where they can share their experiences and answer questions. Hearing from real folks who are already making a difference can be inspiring. You might even create a short video featuring their stories to play at your booth.
Sweeten the Deal With Swag
Who doesn’t love a little incentive? Offer small giveaways like branded water bottles or keychains to those interested in volunteering. For a chance to win something extra special—like a ride-along experience or a day at the fire station—they can enter a raffle!
Host Informative Sessions
If the event allows, schedule short sessions or presentations about your department and the volunteer roles available. This will give folks a closer look at what it means to be part of your team. Be sure to leave time for questions. It’s a great way to connect with potential recruits on a deeper level.
PRO TIP: Check out this First Arriving blog on how to incorporate gaming to engage with GENZ.
Follow Up With Enthusiasm
After the event, make sure to follow up with anyone who showed interest in volunteering. A friendly email or phone call can go a long way in keeping them engaged, interested, and connected. Thank them for considering joining your team, and offer any additional info or support they might need—then invite them to the station to see how amazing your station is.
Build Strong Relationships
Lastly, remember to nurture your relationships with event organizers. A good rapport can lead to better booth placement, speaking opportunities, and potential partnerships down the line. Show your gratitude for their support and keep the lines of communication open.
Summer events are the perfect opportunity to recruit new volunteers for your fire and EMS department. You can make the most of these community gatherings by setting clear goals, creating an inviting booth, and engaging with potential recruits in a fun and friendly way.
Our VP of Recruitment and Retention, Tiger Schmittendorf, says it best: “IT STARTS WITH AN ATTITUDE: Treat every possible public interaction imaginable as a public service, public education, public relations, AND a recruitment opportunity.”
Have a great Summer and remember: Recruit – Retain – Repeat.
By Walter Campbell, Recruitment & Retention Strategist
Are you looking to improve your social media reach and your recruitment and retention success rate? First Arriving can help! Complete our Online Inquiry Form or Email Getstarted@FirstArriving.com today.
