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Communications Training

The IAFF offers communications training to help members become stronger advocates for the union and the fire service. Through introductory and advanced courses, participants gain practical skills they can apply immediately in their Local’s work.

In This Section

INTRODUCTORY COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING

Get started with the fundamentals

Our introductory communications classes teach members how to speak with impact, write with clarity, and represent the union with confidence. These sessions are designed for see new to communications or looking to develop their skills in public speaking, media relations, digital strategy, and internal messaging.

Courses are offered:

Certificate of completion:

Members who complete all required sessions will earn a certificate and become eligible to apply for the IAFF’s Advanced Communications Training Academy.

COURSES

Courses will be added as they become available throughout the year.

AI-Powered Efficiency for Your Union

4/1/26 – Strive for Excellence
This workshop explores how AI can strengthen union communications by streamlining research, drafting proposals, and creating clear, authentic member messaging. Using AI tools, leaders can craft better prompts, ensure originality, and deliver more effective communications while protecting privacy and ethics.

Communications for Local Leaders

3/29/26 – Strive for Excellence
Learn how effective internal engagement and external outreach strengthen unions, with practical communication strategies, real-world examples from successful Locals, and expert feedback on your current tools and plans.

Crisis Communication

3/29/26 – Strive for Excellence
Effective crisis response is mission-critical and this workshop equips fire fighters and labor leaders with practical tools and strategies to manage crises, protect members, and safeguard their union’s reputation.

Introduction to Digital Advertising

3/29/26 – Strive for Excellence
This introductory session explains digital media, geo-targeting, and digital advertising, outlining how Locals can use traditional and online ads effectively while understanding both the opportunities and risks of each.

Introduction to Working with the Media

3/30/26 – Strive for Excellence
Through real-world examples and best practices, this session shows how to build strong relationships with the media, manage interviews confidently, and promote your Local’s message effectively.

Political Communications

3/30/26 – Strive for Excellence
Focuses on crafting persuasive messages that influence policy, shape public opinion, and empower union leaders to drive meaningful change for their members and communities.

Public Speaking

4/1/26 – Strive for Excellence
This interactive session builds confidence and practical public speaking skills to help you deliver clear, compelling messages and effectively advocate for your members in meetings, rallies, and negotiations.

Shooting and Editing Mobile Video

4/1/26 – Strive for Excellence
This workshop teaches the basics of shooting and editing professional-quality video on a smartphone, covering storytelling, framing, audio, lighting, and simple tools to create engaging social content.

Social Media in 2026

3/30/26 – Strive for Excellence
Social media is evolving fast. This class helps IAFF leaders understand what works now across major platforms, build authentic engagement, adapt to algorithm changes, and manage content effectively in a rapidly changing landscape.

Strengthening Your Brand and Messaging

3/31/26 – Strive for Excellence
This course shows how Locals can strengthen their brand inside the union and in the community by using practical marketing and communication strategies to engage, motivate, and mobilize members.

ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING ACADEMY

Take your skills to the next level

This hands-on academy is for IAFF members who have completed the introductory track (or participated in CTA prior to 2026). Over three intensive days, participants learn to control the narrative, lead during a crisis, and deploy powerful campaigns across media, politics, and digital platforms.

May 6-8, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Applications are released in early 2026.