08:04:17 PM Kevin Farrell:Good evening. My name is Kevin
Farrell and I will be your facilitator this evening. I am a
firefighter with the Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department
and a contributor to the
EIIP representing the fire service.
08:04:33 PM Kevin Farrell:Tonights session is an open,
unmoderated forum. My purpose is to facilitate the
discussions in an effort to see that everyone who cares to
contribute can do so, and to try and keep the discussions on
track...
08:04:57 PM Kevin Farrell:This evenings topic has to do with
volunteer recruitment and retention...
08:05:14 PM Kevin Farrell:We hope to focus our discussions
somewhat around the following questions...
08:05:28 PM Kevin Farrell:1. Why do people volunteer...?
08:05:39 PM Kevin Farrell:2. What motivates people to
volunteer, and then how do you keep them motivated...?
08:05:51 PM Kevin Farrell:3. Why do people leave volunteer
service...?
08:06:05 PM Kevin Farrell:4. What can we do in this day and
age to recruit, and retain trained volunteers...?
08:06:18 PM Kevin Farrell:Of course, we will not be restricted
to these questions. I only offer them to begin our
discussion...
08:06:35 PM Kevin Farrell:Let me begin by saying that my
particular background is with both the volunteer and the
career fire / rescue service and recruitment and retention is
a major issue for us...
08:06:54 PM Kevin Farrell:If you would like to know more about
my background as both a volunteer and career firefighter, my
resume is available online at:
08:07:23 PM Kevin Farrell:We have others in the audience
tonight who are affiliated with volunteer organizations other
than the fire service, and we have invited some student
participants for their perspective on volunteerism to find
out what causes them to volunteer, but especially why they
choose to leave an organization....
08:07:39 PM Kevin Farrell:Having said all of that, let me
recognize some of our guests, and get the discussions
moving...
08:07:58 PM Kevin Farrell:Megan, would you like to introduce
yourself?
08:08:57 PM Kevin Farrell:Neil?
08:09:23 PM Megan Gilge:Good evening. I'm a high school
student in Michigan. I do some volunteer work, and am
interested in emergency management and related areas
08:09:38 PM Kevin Farrell:Great Megan!
08:10:07 PM Neil Blais:Kevin, I am with EQE International in
the Center for Advanced Planning and Research. My specialty
is Disaster Data Management and GIS Management.
08:10:33 PM Kevin Farrell:Great Neil! Rick?
08:11:27 PM Rick Tobin:I've worked as a volunteer in many
organizations including ARC and SAR, have been on the Board of
a non-profit volunteer organization, and am now forming my own
501.3c for a volunteer effort.
08:11:48 PM Kevin Farrell:Thanks Rick....How about you Tim?
08:11:56 PM Tim Murphy:Kevin, I am an operations coordinator
with state emergency mangement in South Carolina.
08:12:14 PM Kevin Farrell:Good to have you aboard. Amy?
08:12:38 PM Amy Sebring:Well, my work with EIIP has been
almost all volunteer...
08:12:50 PM Amy Sebring:except for when I take office time to
answer email!
08:13:09 PM Kevin Farrell:and a lot of time expended, for
those who aren't aware....
08:13:17 PM Amy Sebring:I am an information specialist with
City of Corpus Christi EM in real life.
08:13:32 PM Rick Tobin:She's done a great job!
08:13:40 PM Amy Sebring:Thanks.
08:13:43 PM Kevin Farrell:Agreed!
08:13:52 PM Kevin Farrell:Well now....
08:14:03 PM Kevin Farrell:During our session on Tues...
08:14:37 PM Kevin Farrell:We were discussing issues that were
important to our particular interests.....
08:14:58 PM Kevin Farrell:I was asked what issues were
important to the fire service....
08:15:14 PM Kevin Farrell:and I suggested recruitment and
retention.
08:15:32 PM Kevin Farrell:Greetings Bill! Glad you could join
us.
08:16:10 PM Kevin Farrell:We were fortunate to have Megan
visit us during that session...
08:16:48 PM Kevin Farrell:to get the perspective of the
younger folks, on why they volunteer, and why they leave...
08:17:13 PM Kevin Farrell:Many of the folks we recruit into
the volunteer fire service....
08:17:22 PM Kevin Farrell:come from her age group....
08:17:59 PM Kevin Farrell:and we (as the collective whole) are
having a difficult time recruituiting, and then keeping young
members.
08:18:37 PM Kevin Farrell:I'd like to get Megans perspective
on what draws he and her peers to a volunteer effort....
08:18:47 PM Kevin Farrell:and what factors drive them away.
08:18:55 PM Kevin Farrell:Could you comment Megan?
08:19:37 PM Megan Gilge:Only on a general basis. There are
several factors... such as requirements for job, school,
etc....
08:20:25 PM Megan Gilge:but probably the most important is
when something is interesting and we have a real desire to
help and do something worthwile
08:21:30 PM Kevin Farrell:Are there particular interests
amoung your mates on what they volunteer for....
08:21:44 PM Kevin Farrell:that is, the sort of things they get
involved in?
08:21:58 PM Kevin Farrell:You mentioned that you volunteer....
08:22:08 PM Kevin Farrell:care to tell us about that?
08:22:22 PM Megan Gilge:Sometimes. Mostly, I (and others) get
interested through networking, youth groups and friends
08:23:09 PM Rick Tobin:Here in California, Megan, the schools
were considering requiring students to volunteer XX number of
hours in order to graduate. Many of us thought that sent the
wrong message for volunteerism. Do you have any thoughts
about that?
08:23:14 PM Megan Gilge:I am active with the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service in our area, and also help out at the local
Red Cross chapter for a few hours a week...
08:23:52 PM Kevin Farrell:That's great Megan! Can you comment
on Toms question?
08:24:03 PM Kevin Farrell:I'm sorry.... Rick.
08:24:10 PM Kevin Farrell::-/
08:24:37 PM Megan Gilge:I come from a school with a 20 hour
requirement....
08:25:18 PM Megan Gilge:and I do like the idea, It's what got
me started at Red Cross (although I have stayed on since)...
and gives some exposure
08:25:45 PM Amy Sebring:(try it, you just might like it?)
08:25:50 PM Neil Blais:In terms of recruitment, what types of
organizations recruit effectively, and how do they go about
recruiting?
08:26:33 PM Amy Sebring:Red Cross seems to be pretty
effective, Megan how did you get started there?
08:26:33 PM Kevin Farrell:Good question Neil. Do
organizations recruit to you in school megan?
08:27:11 PM Megan Gilge:Only in a few cases... our volunteer
hours are scheduled through Voluntary Action Center....
08:27:58 PM Megan Gilge:and organization that coordinates
positions and volunteers for various agencies... and
occasionally other things are mentioned by teachers or in
announcements, but that's about it
08:28:48 PM Amy Sebring:Most communities seem to have some
type of volunteer coordinating agencies these days, we do.
08:29:13 PM Amy Sebring:Mostly we seem to see juvenile
offenders coming through their offices.
08:29:38 PM Kevin Farrell:Do these agencies recruit in the
schools Amy?
08:29:41 PM Amy Sebring:With a limited amount of time they
must "serve".
08:29:59 PM Amy Sebring:Not only juveniles I should say,
adults too.
08:30:19 PM Amy Sebring:I am not aware if they recruit in
schools.
08:30:36 PM Amy Sebring:Last week we also talked about the
potential pool of older volunteers some.
08:30:54 PM Amy Sebring:A pool which will be growing in
future.
08:31:21 PM Rick Tobin:Megan, do they have follow-up seminars
at the end of the year where the senior class talks to juniors
and sophomores about the value of their experiences?
08:31:22 PM Neil Blais:I would have a concern with these
"recruits" in terms of their staying on after their
"sentance".
08:31:33 PM Amy Sebring:(I have not given up completely on the
ideaslism of the baby boomers and hope to see it expressed in
their retirement years.
08:31:53 PM Megan Gilge:No, not that I'm aware of.
08:31:59 PM Christopher Effgen:I set up web pages during
disasters and get requests from people for information on
volunteering. Is there any general suggestions for where to
direct these people?
08:32:10 PM Amy Sebring:These recruits are useful for limited
duration tasks.
08:32:49 PM Kevin Farrell:Good question Christopher....
Anyone?
08:32:51 PM Rick Tobin:I think Kevin, that one of the missing
stages in volunteerism is showing how it has a lasting and
lifetime link for all age groups.
08:33:30 PM Kevin Farrell:My own experience is probably a good
one....
08:33:51 PM Kevin Farrell:my volunteerism led me to choosing
the fire service as a career.
08:34:03 PM Kevin Farrell:and now I do both.
08:34:11 PM Rick Tobin:Megan was right, the Volunteer Centers
are incredible resources and most government agencies here
send the instant volunteers to them during disaster.
08:34:29 PM Amy Sebring:Megan, did you become interested in
Emergency Management thorugh your experience with Red Cross?
08:34:36 PM Rick Tobin:Hope that helps, Christopher.
08:34:40 PM Tim Murphy:chris try a VOAD group -- they have a
website also.
08:35:06 PM Amy Sebring:I think that is the general trend...to
use the volunteer coordinating agency in the community.
08:35:41 PM Kevin Farrell:To steer folks with particular
skills to those in need Amy?
08:35:43 PM Megan Gilge:Actually, through amateur (ham)
radio... when I took the IS-2 course from FEMA in order to get
my card for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency services...
08:36:18 PM Megan Gilge:at which point I became much more
interested in the Red Cross and other agencies
08:36:27 PM Rick Tobin:Megan, one of the things I hear from
young adults is that they don't get to add their input into
improving the programs they serve in...did you find this to be
a problem for you and your friends?
08:36:57 PM Christopher Effgen:I am on their mailing list,
Tim. Are volunteer centers set up after disasters? who runs
them? Most of the stuff I get is where to send money.....
08:37:36 PM Amy Sebring:Christopher, they usually exist as a
United Way agency in the community already.
08:37:52 PM Rick Tobin:In California, counties and/or cities
help develop and support Volunteer Centers, but they are still
non-profits.
08:38:00 PM Amy Sebring:They meaning the volunteer centers.
08:38:06 PM Neil Blais:Megan, added onto Rick's question would
be is this one common reason for leaving?
08:38:45 PM Tim Murphy:Chris, Not sure... we funnel offers
thru ARC or others at ESF6 in State EOC.
08:39:02 PM Amy Sebring:I am also concerned that if you are
motivated by a desire to contribute, and all you get to do is
menial tasks that require no special skill, that this will be
a turnoff.
08:39:28 PM Christopher Effgen:We have such an agency in town
here, but I had not thought about other towns....
08:39:39 PM Amy Sebring:What do you get to do for Red Cross
Megan?
08:39:49 PM Kevin Farrell:Megan, in your work with the Red
Cross, do you interact with your area EMS providers?
08:39:53 PM Megan Gilge:I am not having problems... but yes, I
think it is a reason. I know I like to comment where I can...
and I am much more likely to be interested in something when I
get to take an active roll
08:40:19 PM Megan Gilge:Basically, I do office work.
08:41:24 PM Christopher Effgen:I have had offers comng in from
scouting groups, college students, parents who wanted to go in
with their kids.
08:42:05 PM Kevin Farrell:What sort of volunteer activities
Chris?
08:42:47 PM Christopher Effgen:Just people that wanted to
help.
08:43:37 PM Kevin Farrell:I've seen the 'collective effect' in
the fire service.....
08:43:37 PM Amy Sebring:In response to particular disasters
Chris, or on an ongoing basis?
08:43:56 PM Christopher Effgen:I also have a list of people
who want to help with the web site. These are mostly
professionals
08:44:06 PM Kevin Farrell:Many times a child will join because
a parent is involved...
08:44:27 PM Christopher Effgen:In response to a paticular
disaster for the first group I wrote about.
08:44:32 PM Kevin Farrell:but I've see the reverse occur too.
A parent join because a son or daughter did.
08:44:47 PM Kevin Farrell:Oops... Sorry Chris.
08:45:11 PM Rick Tobin:Yes, Kevin, and some mentor programs
are now combining their goals with those of volunteer
organizations so that there is another aspect to their
experiences.
08:45:57 PM Rick Tobin:I understand Big Brothers and Big
Sisters tries to get their clients into programs, even as
children.
08:46:05 PM Amy Sebring:Has Colin Powell's and others focus on
volunteerism had any effect...
08:46:27 PM Amy Sebring:if so, we have not seen it, but we may
not be looking in the right places!
08:46:37 PM Tim Murphy:Kevin, in SC our high schools must
offer a couple of hours of school to work orientations.
08:47:14 PM Neil Blais:I have to run, I have a meeting to
attend, but I would like to ask Megan if she feels that
large.....
08:47:38 PM Neil Blais:National orginizations do a better job
or recruiting and retaining recruits....
08:47:59 PM Neil Blais:than the smaller local organizations?
Or is it the other way around?
08:48:56 PM Megan Gilge:I think that local groups are more
likely to recruit/retain because of familiarity and the fact
that it is easier to make contact
08:49:21 PM Amy Sebring:(bye Neil, thanks for coming by)
08:49:44 PM Kevin Farrell:Thanks Neil!
08:49:53 PM Kevin Farrell:Our county requires 85 hours to
graduate tim. We get young folks first, because they need the
hours, but many of them stay because they find it interesting
work.
08:50:08 PM Neil Blais:Thank you, I'll see you soon.
08:50:22 PM Amy Sebring:Making effective use of volunteers
requires a level of planning and foresight similar to making
effective use of donations.
08:50:37 PM Amy Sebring:I tend to think of volunteers as
donated time.
08:50:54 PM Rick Tobin:With Fire, Kevin, what types of work
can you allow for high school volunteers that doesn't put them
in danger, and yet keeps them interested?
08:51:32 PM Kevin Farrell:Many VFD's in my state recruit and
accept members as young as 16...
08:51:50 PM Kevin Farrell:If they are under 18, they can still
take fire training....
08:51:51 PM Tim Murphy:Kevin, Great. I'm sure a quality
program has a lot to do with keep them.
08:52:11 PM Kevin Farrell:from the Univ of Maryland Fire and
Rescue Institute...
08:52:24 PM Kevin Farrell:with a permission from a parent and
the chief.
08:52:43 PM Kevin Farrell:I began my career at 16 (in 1969)
08:52:43 PM Rick Tobin:That sounds wonderful.
08:53:05 PM Amy Sebring:Does fear of potential liability
issues also put a damper on use of volunteers? I have heard
this expressed.
08:53:25 PM Kevin Farrell:Well Amy....
08:53:48 PM Kevin Farrell:recruits are required to have
certain training at each 'danger level'
08:53:56 PM Kevin Farrell:For instance....
08:54:01 PM Rick Tobin:In California's case, the issue of
liability and the Disaster Workers Compensation program is
always an issue.
08:54:30 PM Kevin Farrell:During Firefighter 1 recruit school,
they canot don an SCBA and go into...
08:54:58 PM Kevin Farrell:a hazardous atmosphere (a fire),
until they complete the SCBA portion of the class.
08:55:33 PM Kevin Farrell:Most all departments REQUIRE at
least 40 hours of orientation before they can even ride.
08:56:09 PM Amy Sebring:Training is a major investment in an
individual. Is there concern that after you get them trained
they will split?
08:56:20 PM Kevin Farrell:We don't allow them to get hurt - at
least we try to not let it happen.....
08:56:30 PM Kevin Farrell:Of course.....
08:56:31 PM Tim Murphy:Good evening everyone,...gota go.
08:56:37 PM Amy Sebring:Thanks Tim.
08:56:41 PM Kevin Farrell:the training is expen$ive
08:57:08 PM Kevin Farrell:and we want to retain that
investment in the cost, and in the person.
08:57:45 PM Amy Sebring:From your experience Kevin, can you
get a 'feel' for who is likely to stick?
08:58:10 PM Kevin Farrell:Sometimes.... but there are 'break
points'.
08:58:18 PM Amy Sebring:such as ...?
08:58:35 PM Kevin Farrell:such as, when a member graduates
high school and goes to college.
08:58:51 PM Rick Tobin:Megan, can you describe what you felt
was the most fulfilling moment of your volunteer
participation......what madeit all worthwhile?
08:58:54 PM Kevin Farrell:they move away, and don't always
come back
09:00:14 PM Megan Gilge:Well, I haven't really had the "big"
experience... probably what makes it worth it is the feeling
of doing something worthwhile, and getting the ocassional nice
comment, Christmas present, etc.
09:00:57 PM Amy Sebring:Do you feel this has been a learning
experience for you Megan, and that you are benefitting from
the opportunity to learn?
09:01:50 PM Kevin Farrell:and has your volunteer experience
influenced your future plans?
09:02:14 PM Megan Gilge:Yes. I've learned how to do a few new
things, have been having a lot of fun, and have enjoyed
meeting people.
09:02:55 PM Megan Gilge:I do plan on getting involved at
college, and hopefully to a greater extent than I have been,
but from there I really don't know.
09:03:18 PM Amy Sebring:I hope you haven't felt grilled this
evening Megan, but it is very helpful to get your perspecitve.
09:03:34 PM Rick Tobin:I just wish there was a program to put
the faces of young adult volunteers on milk cartoons, and not
just missing children.
09:03:49 PM Rick Tobin:Sorry, that's cartons...
09:03:52 PM Amy Sebring:Is it that bad Rick, and why?
09:03:56 PM Kevin Farrell:Well we've enjoyed your insights
this evening Megan. I hope you'll continue to participate
with us in the future.
09:04:18 PM Kevin Farrell:Attaboys for the good ones Rick?
09:04:25 PM Amy Sebring:(I would take you in a nano-second
Megan if I had anything to offer!)
09:04:39 PM Megan Gilge:Just watch out on how you do that....
Milk cartons?
09:05:04 PM Rick Tobin:No, I mean there should be a larger
recognition nationally. We don't see the good side of the
latest generation nearly enough.
09:05:25 PM Amy Sebring:Is there an increasing reliance on
govt. for assistance, and is that our fault perhaps?
09:05:42 PM Kevin Farrell:Agree Rick....
09:06:04 PM Megan Gilge:I wonder... maybe not bigger
recognition, but on a more personalized basis?
09:06:37 PM Kevin Farrell:Well folks, the discussion has been
great, but the clock on the wall tells us we're out of time.
09:06:58 PM Rick Tobin:Yes, I've still got a pin and
recognition plaque I recieved for training for nuclear shelter
from the Red Cross in 19....well, a while ago.
09:07:00 PM Kevin Farrell:Amy, I think we should pick this
subject back up again. Anyone else agree?
09:07:28 PM Amy Sebring:Good job Kevin. Consider yourself for
Moderator.
09:07:31 PM Kevin Farrell:There seems to be an interest.
09:07:48 PM Kevin Farrell:thank youuuuuuuu
09:07:58 PM Amy Sebring:I think we can make this into a topic
for response/recovery phase.
09:08:14 PM Rick Tobin:Amy, can Burt Walrich use NERIN to
announce these volunteer forums? I know he'd be interested.
09:08:18 PM Amy Sebring:which will start in July.
09:08:29 PM Amy Sebring:We know Burt.
09:08:38 PM Amy Sebring:Have actually had lunch with him.
09:08:56 PM Megan Gilge:I've enjoyed this, but I do need to
go. Thanks.
09:08:58 PM Amy Sebring:Have not seen him lately but...
09:09:02 PM Rick Tobin:Yeah, he's a great guy.
09:09:08 PM Amy Sebring:Thanks SO much Megan.
09:09:08 PM Kevin Farrell:Thanks for coming Megan!
09:09:12 PM Amy Sebring:Please come again.
09:09:21 PM Amy Sebring:You do have a future in this area...
09:09:28 PM Amy Sebring:should you be inclined to pursue it.
09:09:28 PM Rick Tobin:Thanks Megan.
09:09:45 PM Kevin Farrell:Bill.... you've been quiet this
evening.
09:09:59 PM Amy Sebring:... we will be picking up on some
topics soon that will get Burt involved again we hope.
09:10:29 PM Amy Sebring:We start preparedness in April, and in
May I think we will focus some attention on Special Needs.
09:10:42 PM Christopher Effgen:Do this again, but focus it a
little...Thanks Megan
09:11:14 PM Amy Sebring:such as ... Christopher?
09:11:47 PM Kevin Farrell:Amy, is there an address our
participants can email comments to?
09:11:55 PM Amy Sebring:Our Wed. sessions are highly focused,
and we hope our Thursday evenings will allow for more
spontanaiety.\
09:11:59 PM Christopher Effgen:Your idea is good... response /
recovery
09:12:16 PM Kevin Farrell:a "comments@emforum.org" address
maybe?
09:13:10 PM Rick Tobin:Thanks Kevin for inviting me in.
09:13:33 PM Kevin Farrell:Please come back Rick. You're
always welcome....
09:13:36 PM Amy Sebring:Any comments we get via email go
somewhere Kevin ...
09:14:02 PM Kevin Farrell:well, if anyone wants to forward to
me, send them to...
09:14:14 PM Kevin Farrell:kevin.farrell@firenet.apg.army.mil
09:14:25 PM Amy Sebring:We have a mailing list AND a
discussion group devoted to Volunteers.
09:14:27 PM Kevin Farrell:http://www.firenet.apg.army.mil/
09:14:33 PM Amy Sebring:We are looking for a host.
09:14:48 PM Amy Sebring:How would you like to volunteer so to
speak?
09:14:52 PM Kevin Farrell:good point Amy..
09:15:14 PM Amy Sebring:If we could get just one individual to
host...
09:15:30 PM Amy Sebring:each of the discussion groups and
mailing list ...
09:15:34 PM Amy Sebring:it just might work.
09:16:06 PM Kevin Farrell:Maybe that should be our next
goal....
09:16:07 PM Amy Sebring:It has been like pulling teeth as you
know.
09:16:18 PM Amy Sebring:Will you take volunteers?
09:16:28 PM Amy Sebring:Nothing like putting you on the spot.
09:16:45 PM Amy Sebring:Think about it.
09:16:49 PM Kevin Farrell:Are you directing that at me?
09:16:59 PM Amy Sebring:Yes you.
09:17:15 PM Kevin Farrell:hehehehehe...... sure, why not?
09:17:26 PM Amy Sebring:Ok, I have it in the transcript.
09:17:38 PM Kevin Farrell:8-)
09:17:42 PM Amy Sebring:I think you could get something
interesting going there.
09:18:06 PM Kevin Farrell:we'll give it a shot.
09:18:08 PM Amy Sebring:Get back with Rob....
09:18:19 PM Kevin Farrell:will do.
09:18:24 PM Amy Sebring:and also maybe you can line him up for
a presentation.
09:18:36 PM Kevin Farrell:KO
09:18:50 PM Amy Sebring:Would especially like a paper for our
library also if he has the study.
09:19:03 PM Amy Sebring:Thanks Kevin.
09:19:15 PM Kevin Farrell:Well folks.... I've been here since
0700 this morning and I'm going to log out now....
09:19:23 PM Kevin Farrell:Thanks all for attending.
09:19:24 PM Amy Sebring:Bless you.
09:19:27 PM Amy Sebring:bye.
09:19:34 PM Kevin Farrell:Cya!
09:19:36 PM Amy Sebring:Will have a transcript in Library.