Human Relations Conference Renews Commitment to Inclusivity

Watch Video of Representative John Lewis

January 28, 2010 – Attendees at the 2010 Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference enjoyed inspirational stories and advice from distinguished presenters in the fields of civil rights, diversity and conflict resolution. More than 300 fire fighters from throughout the United States and Canada came together in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, January 24-27, 2010, to celebrate the progress that has been made toward making the fire service more inclusive and to honestly discuss the long road that still lies ahead.

Conference participants heard first-hand from one of the most instrumental players in the Civil Rights Movement, U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA), who kicked-off the conference with a moving speech in which he recalled his first meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His story about the life-changing mission he undertook to fight for equality set the course for an energetic, productive Conference that embraced the theme: Change! Together…Yes We Can!

Also during the meeting, leaders from affinity organizations and the labor movement participated in a town-hall style meeting. Representatives from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services and the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters shared their perspectives in a frank conversation about the progress and challenges toward greater equality in the fire service. This forum gave participants the opportunity to learn about how the labor movement is working together to collectively support the changing face of the fire service.

Conflict resolution was the focus of a general session with internationally noted conflict mediator and negotiator Bill Lincoln, who shared his expertise on breaking down the barriers between negotiation parties to create contracts that satisfy both sides and foster a sense of reliability between labor and management.

Also at the Conference, Sherwood Smith of Greater Kansas City, MO Local 42 was elected to serve on the Elected Human Relations Committee, representing black fire fighters on the committee through the term ending in 2012.

The Conference offered 35 workshops, including new sessions addressing generational differences and building more effective unions. Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Conference and left with a renewed spirit to embrace the role that an effective human relations program can play in fostering a sense of community within their locals, departments and the residents they service. The next Human Relations Conference is planned for January 2012 when the IAFF will celebrate 25 years of continued commitment toward broadening the scope of solidarity within the fire service.