Open your doors, Grow your team
Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, provides a valuable opportunity to educate the public, connect with your community, and inspire the next generation of volunteer firefighters. As part of the “A Hustle Worth Having” campaign, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is encouraging departments to be part of a national open house week and host open houses and recruitment-focused events.
What participate
Since launching in April, “A Hustle Worth Having” campaign has generated increased awareness of volunteer firefighting in communities across every state. Many potential recruits are interested in learning more but need a personal invitation and a chance to see what life in the fire service is really like.
An open house offers the perfect opportunity to make that connection!
Departments can choose the date, time, and format that works best for their community. Whether you host a large public open house or a smaller recruitment event, your participation can help introduce new volunteers to the fire service and strengthen your department for years to come.
During Fire Prevention Week, your department can:
- Host a traditional open house
- Add a recruitment part to an existing Fire Prevention Week event
- Offer a firehouse tour or behind-the-scenes experience for prospective volunteers
IAFC Offers Support and Resources
To help departments maximize participation and visibility, the IAFC is providing a comprehensive promotional toolkit, including:
- National and local media outreach support
- Inclusion in a nationwide press release featuring participating departments
- Media interview coordination and spokesperson preparation
- Recruitment talking points and messaging guidance
- Customizable flyer and postcard templates, including volunteer FAQs
- Social media graphics and promotional content
- Access to A Hustle Worth Having videos, print materials, banners, stickers, and digital assets
These resources allow departments to focus on engaging community members while IAFC helps amplify the message.
How to Participate
To be included in national promotional efforts, departments should register their event by September 9th and provide their planned date, time, and event format. SIGN UP HERE!
Take a Bigger Role
IAFC is also seeking departments and individual volunteers interested in serving as spokespersons for the A Hustle Worth Having campaign. Sharing your story can help raise awareness about the importance of volunteer firefighters and inspire others to get involved. For more information, contact Ellen Lemieux at ws@iafc.org.
Learn More
Visit hustleworthhaving.org to explore campaign resources, download free marketing materials, and discover how volunteer firefighting can make a meaningful impact in your community.
This Fire Prevention Week, open your doors, build new connections, and help inspire the volunteers who will support your department's future!
Sign Up to Participate