Volunteer recruitment and retention can be difficult. The MSFA is here to help.

The Maryland State Firefighters Association has launched a fire and EMS recruitment resource portal to help departments statewide reach prospective members in their communities. Use these tools to help with your department's recruitment and retention efforts!

Recruitment

MSFA Recruitment & Retention Guidelines Manual

Recruitment & Retention Action Plan

12 Proven Volunteer Fire & EMS Recruiting Strategies: Roadmap to Success in 2024

The Recruiter’s Playbook for National Night Out 2024

Top 10 Commandments for Recruitment & Retention

The Art of Speed Recruiting

10 Tips to Drive Volunteer Fire & EMS Recruitment in 2024

Recruitment & Retention for the Volunteer Emergency Services – courtesy of FEMA

Example Vol. Membership Application Form (Print & Write-In PDF) – courtesy Montgomery County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association

Example Vol. Membership Application Form (Fillable PDF) – courtesy Montgomery County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association

Retention

Retain by sustaining. It is very important to take the steps to sustain your membership. Show pride in your members and their accomplishments. Planning should involve all of your officers. This will show the members of your company your leadership and the accomplishments they are to have in making this plan a success.

Once You’ve Got Them, You Gotta Keep Them

Recognize Member Achievements: MSFA Awards & Certificates of Recognition

Cadets / Junior Programs

Cadet Program Sample Guidlines

Starting & Growing Fire/EMS Youth Programs

Additional Tools

FEMA Grants

NVFC: Funeral Procedures for Firefighters

Example LODD Guidelines – courtesy of Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

Click Here for Additional Tips

Customizable Recruitment Materials

Effortlessly personalize and download recruitment marketing posters, flyers, and additional materials.

Click to Get Started Customizing

Mentorship Program Guide

Guide to Developing and Implementing a Mentorship Program within Your Volunteer Fire/EMS Organization.

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Download Guide

Mentorship Implementation Roadmap

Sample Roadmap to Kickstart your Mentorship Program

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Download Sample Implementation Roadmap

Marketing

Utilize the marketing tools to effectively reach potential volunteers across diverse social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Learn how to leverage CANVA to enhance your marketing endeavors, and explore the process of setting up Google for Non-Profit if your organization holds a 501(c)3 status.

Social Media Essentials

CANVA Resources

Google For Non-Profit Set-Up

Click Here for Additional Tips

Recruitment Media

Use Our Recruitment Commercials and Videos in Your Own Community!

Downloading Tips from Video Page
Find out how to download your videos from our video channel for use on any website or social media page.

Click To Browse Videos

Recruiter Educational Series

Check out our recruiter boot camp series, which walks you through some of the toughest challenges recruiters are facing statewide. Watch for tips on reaching new members, keeping current volunteers engaged and building a positive relationship with your community.

Watch the Recruiter Educational Series

Instructor Cheat Sheets

Community Outreach & Education: It Affects Everything (Jordan Cramer, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator)

Recruiting for the Long Term: Identifying PSM-Public Service Motivators (Dr. Jason Decremer, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator, Southbury CT Volunteer Fire Department)

Reaching, Recruiting, & Retaining At-Risk Volunteers in the Fire Service (Dr. Candice McDonald)

Additional Resources

NVFC

Our friends over at the NVFC have developed a portal of resources to help you with recruitment. Just sign up and you can post a volunteer opportunity, access training resources, plan an event and much more!