Recruiting young people to strengthen a brigade

 

Young people are the lifeblood of any society. Their energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives hold immense potential for positive change.

 

CFA recognises that young people are not just our future – they are our present too. Their commitment today ensures a sustainable workforce that will protect our communities for generations to come.

In this feature, we explore how brigades can tap into this talent and channel it toward meaningful impact in our brigades.

Harnessing the potential

In the heart of every young person lies a reservoir of untapped potential – a fountain of creativity, curiosity, and passion. At CFA, we have a unique opportunity to unlock this capability and empower our youth with knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and practical skills. Whether it’s understanding fire safety protocols, mastering communication techniques, or honing leadership skills, these foundations prepare them to serve their communities with confidence.

Volunteering rates for young people are rising and there is considerable evidence that younger people are deeply committed to making a positive contribution to society. We can harness this promising workforce by offering young people a meaningful place in our brigades. It goes beyond merely imparting our knowledge onto them – young minds thrive on innovation and creativity, so we need to actively listen to their ideas, involve them in decision-making and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.

Young people are not just tomorrow’s leaders; they are today’s changemakers. Let’s nurture their potential and work with them to build stronger, more resilient communities.

There are many rewards to be gained by recruiting young people. They can inject fresh energy into brigades and their enthusiasm and passion can invigorate an entire team. Community engagement activities become more dynamic when young volunteers are actively involved. They bridge the gap between the brigade and the communities they serve, fostering trust and collaboration.

Young people have grown up to embrace diversity. They can support brigades to adopt inclusive practices that sustain strong brigade cultures which attract new members reflective of the whole community. Young people are also skilled communicators, especially with online platforms, and can mentor and support older members to adopt and learn the latest technologies.

Ways to reach young people

Young people are digital natives and love technology – it has been a part of their lives since birth. They find most of their information online, on the run, and often through their online networks. Using social media is an easy and effective way to get your recruitment messages through to young people.

Most brigades use a Facebook page. However, brigades could also consider using X (previously known as Twitter) or Instagram.

Use existing local social media networks to generate interest. Ask local businesses, community groups, sports clubs, schools/TAFE/universities who have their own Facebook page to share your brigade recruitment posts.

It’s critical to develop social media posts and other recruitment materials that appeal to young people. We know through research that young people are motivated to engage in community organisations that make them feel like they belong. They want to make connections and engage with others, to seek opportunities to work collaboratively, and to develop their skills to enhance their employability.

Share positive stories about the brigade, the exciting experiences for adventuresome learning, the skills that can be attained and how they support a range of career pathways. Be sure to include photos of young members (there are plenty of photos in the Digital Library).

Contact your catchment team to discuss support available to you or visit Members Online. 

You may also find it useful to read the publication Young people and the Emergency Services, by Dr Fiona MacDonald, Victoria University.

When you recruit new members

• Make sure your brigade members will be welcoming and supportive of the younger generation. Sometimes the differences between generations can be off-putting, but if you look for the common ground you will be amazed by the similarities that exist.
• Try not to be judgemental or have preconceived ideas about what young people bring or should bring to CFA. Understand the skills, attributes, and capabilities they bring to your brigade. Play to their strengths when you can, but work with them to build their capability.
• Show interest in each young person as an individual. Every young person is unique, and assuming they are all alike will dampen their enthusiasm and limit you from supporting them to reach their full potential.
• Consider inviting your brigade members to a professional development workshop called ‘Valuing Youth and Young Adults as Volunteers’, developed by CFA in partnership with HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development. This engaging and interactive workshop covers topics including shifts in thinking, the appreciative approach, a Community Youth Development Model, and how to take action. If you would like to have a workshop delivered at your brigade, contact your regional Volunteer Sustainability Team.

Where to start

• Consider starting a Junior Volunteer Development Program. The Juniors Program introduces young people aged 11 to 15 years old to CFA by emphasising fire safety and teaching them a range of skills that set them up to become informed citizens who understand the importance of fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
• Junior members don’t respond to emergencies directly, but they engage in activities that enhance their skills. These activities take place at local fire stations and may include excursions, camps, and Championship events. Many Juniors look forward to transitioning to the senior ranks.
• Encourage members aged 16 and 17 years to participate in the Cadets camps. These camps aim to bring our youngest senior members together to meet other young members, give them some practical, hands-on fire training and work on some teamwork and leadership skills.
• Our CFA Youth Engagement Framework identifies the values, principles, and practices of CFA's work with young people and offers indicators of good practice to support the inclusion of young people in CFA. You can read it on Members Online. 

 

Submitted by	News and Media