Low budget, small staff, big goal—these are all challenges you may be facing when sitting down to design your program. But the time and commitment to the program will make the difference. Maintain a good working relationship with the department/management and with any affinity organizations in order to work together in creating and implementing a targeted recruitment program.

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Five FREE Things You Can Do Today to Start Diverse Recruitment

1. Contact a reporter at your local, city or community newspaper to let them know about your diverse recruitment efforts. Discuss your plan and the goals you are trying to accomplish.
2. Increase the number of images of women and minorities on your website.
3. Use word of mouth to spread the word about recruitment. Talk to those in the same demographic that you want to recruit.
4. Visit or participate in the next community event to increase the fire department's visibility and to recruit potential applicants.
5. Consider which program might be most needed in your department. Would a mentorship program really help? Would a candidate prep workshop help conquer low test scores?