Join us for an engaging hour-long information session on Canadian Human Relations in the Fire Service. Explore the unique dynamics of teamwork, diversity, and inclusivity within the Canadian firefighting community. Gain valuable insights into fostering positive relationships and promoting a culture of respect and understanding.

In this class, discover the importance of effective communication for local leaders. Learn about internal and external communication strategies, essential tools, and messaging to establish your local’s brand and objectives with ease. The workshop is meant for new leaders.

When an Energy Storage System failed and injured four fighters, it awakened the fire service and industry to the potential hazards of the fire service response to ESS installations. In response to growing concerns, the US Department of Energy (DOE) initiated a work agreement with the IAFF to establish a project to evaluate Residential ESS (RESS) installations and the potential risk to fire service response. The IAFF partnered with UL Solutions and UL Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) to conduct a research project evaluating the failure of an RESS. This session will review the DOE Research Project and additional projects conducted to evaluate RESS and the Fire Service Tactical Considerations developed based on these projects.

NEW The Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) in Canada and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) in the United States are both dedicated to evaluated and scoring communities to reflect how “prepared” they are for fires. However, it is evident that there are many missing pieces of the system evaluation puzzle. This course will evaluate the differences between FUS and ISO and discuss how these evaluations can be used when discussing your response needs.

The fire service is composed of professionals that represent numerous populations differentiated by age, race, ethnicity, gender, language, religion, and sexual orientation, among others. Fire fighters serve equally diverse communities. While our human relations efforts tend to focus on the diversity within the fire service, it is imperative to remember that by drawing on the strengths of our differences, we can better serve those in our communities who do not fall into the majority. Participants will gain an understanding of the path the IAFF has taken to achieve our current human relations initiatives which have improved not only the quality of the workplace for our members, but in turn the service we provide to our communities.

Gaining knowledge from fellow fire fighters is an excellent method to create a meaningful and enduring influence. A Human Relations Technical Assistance (HRTA) deployment is an opportunity for IAFF affiliate locals to bring in Elected Human Relations Committee members to do just that. During a technical assistance deployment, EHRC members will come in to teach a variety of topics related to Local Human Relations Committees, fire station facilities, building an inclusive workforce, and generational differences. During this information session you will learn how to access these resources, customize training for your local and benefit your members.

NEW As long as politicians are involved in our ability to fight fires, fire fighters must be involved in politics. Every decision about your job is influenced by someone who was either elected or appointed. FIREPAC empowers fire fighters to build relationships with decision makers and communicate with the voters who elect them. It is funded by voluntary contributions that are used to support or oppose local ballot initiatives, state legislative efforts, campaigns, and candidates at all levels of government. From the White House to city hall, FIREPAC supports local, state, and federal efforts to expand fire fighter influence all across the country.

NEW HealthLock medical fraud and overbilling protection reviews your medical claims, flags potential overcharges and can even negotiate bills on your behalf. This program is available to both individual members and Locals to help their members save and protect their money. The goal behind the information session would be to educate leaders on this issue surrounding hidden healthcare costs, how the program could potentially be a bargaining chip for them and the benefits that a program like this has for Locals as a whole and individual members.

Small group meetings with Veterans, Disability, Hispanic, and Black/African American to discuss important issues affecting these demographics.

Group discussion on important issues affecting women in the fire service.

Delve into a thought-provoking hour-long information session on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the Fire Service. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to ask candid questions and engage in insightful discussions about LGBTQ+ inclusion, awareness, and acceptance within the fire service. Gain valuable knowledge, foster understanding, and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for all firefighters.

Learn what went into making this new, user-friendly redesigned website, understand how to utilize it with your local, and get a sneak peek at the new IAFF.org website before it goes live to the public.

This information session will be combined within a 3-hour workshop. It will give you the tools you need to analyze the status and outlook of your pension system, including funding levels, the underlying assumptions on which cost calculations are based, and the funding history of the plan sponsor. Applying these tools to your local’s situation.

Your dues are your investment in your union. Hear directly from General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma where your investment is allocated in the IAFF budget. This session will break down your per capita investment in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-convey to your members manner that will creating the accountability and transparency that they expect and deserve. This in-depth discussion will also shed light on the IAFF budget and how department lines are created and funded.

Will include Q and A session with GST Líma and Team GST.

NEW TBD

NEW Federal and state laws protect employees who are struggling with drug and alcohol use, but only if an employee triggers those protections first. This seminar will offer practical guidance to aid struggling fire fighters who are managing their pain through use of drugs and alcohol. We will examine the federal, state, and local laws which protect fire fighters dealing with drug and alcohol use; the steps fire fighters need to take to protect themselves from discipline (up to and including termination); and how to access available resources to get fire fighters the help they need. In addition, we will discuss model language for local unions to use when negotiating their CBA and while discussing policies and regulations with their local government.

NEW This one-hour informational session is intended to increase your awareness of the need for wildfire/interface fire training by municipal fire agencies who increasingly are responding to those incidents. The session will present an overview of training the IAFF has developed and is making available to all it’s members in the United States and Canada, giving them the tools for safe-competent-response. The session will be interactive with participants covering course content and after-action commentary from recently taught classes.

At a time when social media is rapidly evolving, some local leaders may be hesitant to embrace it. This class offers an introductory overview of social media, including available platforms and their relevance to your local. Understand the importance of social media for your members and community and learn to craft tailored messages for each platform. Discover ways you can safely leverage social media for expanding your local’s brand and influence.

NEW Most states require government entities to submit financial statements each year. Many times, these are large documents with a lot of numbers. What do they all mean? We will walk you through where to find the important data and additional information that may help you better understand your municipality’s financial situation.

NEW A Geographic Information System (GIS) coupled with Workload Analysis are two great ways for you to start owning your data. However, although these resources could stand on their own, their power is tied to your ability to use the data, tell your story, and build winning arguments. This workshop will show local leaders how to gather necessary data, assess their community risk, interpret a workload capacity, and explain how the results can inform fire service administration. Join us to see the resources the IAFF has provide fire department operations insight.

Sessions 1-6, Jan. 26 through Jan. 28
This workshop track has been reviewed and approved for potential college credit by Purdue University Global, our partner in education. Selecting this track of workshops will automatically enroll you in the workshops listed below.

Sessions 1-6, Jan. 26 through Jan. 28
This workshop track has been reviewed and approved for potential college credit by Purdue University Global, our partner in education. Selecting this track of workshops will automatically enroll you in the workshops listed below.