Struggling to Find Volunteers January 7, 2008
Posted by jerikpotter in Volunteer EMT, Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteers, giving.trackback
Communities across the U.S. are facing a shortage of volunteer firefighters and EMTs. A quick Google search turns up story after story across the U.S. Here, here, and here.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, the number of volunteer firefighters in the United States has declined by more than 8 percent from 1984 to 2005. More alarming, over 70% of all firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers. As the percentage of volunteers continue to decline, the overall response time and security we’ve grown accustomed to will decline.
The two biggest factors in the decline? The time commitment involved. And the continued increase in minimum levels of training. The “big” answer in some communities is to start paying volunteers something for their time.
I spent almost four years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT-B. It was a very intense experience. I spent my time in training and continuing education nights/weekends. We had department meetings twice a month. And then there were the calls. In my small town of 1,200, we averaged 7-10 calls a week; the majority of these were medical calls. In any given month, I’d say I conservatively volunteered 30-40 hours a month. Since I worked out of town, my emergency responses were limited to nights and weekends. Those volunteers working in town averaged 50-60 hours a month.
I selfishly resigned my post so I could focus on my education last fall. The number of hours I could commit to the department was just too small. I do plan to rejoin once I’ve completed my degree.
I’m continually amazed when I think about the commitment of the veteran members of our department. Two members have been giving their time and talents for over twenty years. The sacrifices and selflessness of these individuals is staggering.
The decline in volunteering isn’t limited to firefighters. Non-profits are feeling the strains as well. The common theme is “time commitment”.
We’re struggling to find balance in our lives. If we had balance, would time be an issue? How much time is too much? Do you volunteer until it hurts? How do you find the balance? And where do you draw the line between volunteering and getting paid?
I am wondering if part of the problem is awareness. Until I read your blog I didn’t realize there was such a deficiency. I think I am fairly well plugged in. I read the paper, listen to NPR and IPR and of course read blogs. Thanks for the awareness.
Secondly I think time is almost more valuable to some than money. I can think of quite a few people who have opted for careers that pay less but offer more flexibility or family time. One way I think we could convince ourselves that volunteering is a good investment is the same argument I use to convince myself to exercise. I always thought I was depriving my family if I selfishly exercised. That was time I could spend with them. The reality is how do we better mentor our children, guarantee our psychological and spiritual health as well as get involved with our community to ensure a better future.
Thanks for stopping by, Bob.
Great points - I do think firefighters could do a better job of getting their message out there. It comes down to time as well. The professional organization in Iowa, the Iowa Fireman’s Association, is run by volunteers and one paid administrative assistant. These volunteer officers are, of course, members of their local departments. That is a huge additional commitment of time and resources.
The whole “time” thing is definitely the biggest issue volunteer recruiters are facing.
Erik - Great Post. It’s nice to see you get the message out there that volunteer fire departments need help (as well as other volunteer organizations).
I agree with you! I think “time” is the biggest issue with volunteering (especially on the fire departments). I was a volunteer for 6 years in Johnston (suburb of Des Moines). I originally joined in high school. I immediately got my EMT-B and FF1, and was a very active member for about 4.5 years. When I first joined, we were paid $75 every 6 months. I stayed active because of my love to help people and help the community! I would have been fine with making no money whatsoever.
My participation started to decline due to “time.” I got married, started a family, and started a career. Unfortunately I felt I had to give up the volunteering to focus my efforts on other things, even though I had amassed more certifications, and spent many hours in training (as you had). Like you, I hope to join again in the future.
Time and balance….I would have to think that even if we are “in balance,” time would still be an issue. But, I’m not completely convinced of that….I’d like to know other viewpoints on this.
Eric - Time and balance. . .time and balance.
For me, it came down to too many late night calls that disrupted my required sleep levels. That threw off my balance for everything else in my day or even week.
Maybe it comes down to arranging your life with a cushion so these unplanned emergency situations can be more easily absorbed. They’d be less likely to throw you off balance as well.
A little more food for thought. I work in a field that often requires overnight, weekend and holiday on call. At some institutions you get the next day off if you are called in on the overnight. There is some incentive since the institution is often paying overtime and it eases their budget. I was wondering if employers may offer a similar situation to employees volunteering for such a good cause. Maybe offer to work a Saturday or receive volunteer days to recoup. Some of this would require a flexible job position. Something volunteer organizations could pitch to employers who have a history backing their community.