Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association Ambassador Program

1. Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association Ambassador Program

2. The ambassador program was created with the concept of allowing our membership better access to the Executive Board for questions or to bring issues to our attention. Since it’s inception it has grown into a group of dedicated individuals who attend board meetings and weigh in on discussions. We have strived to have ambassadors located through out the state in a regional approach and while this is not always possible, the OVFA wants to encourage anyone willing to participate to apply. Being an ambassador can be a stepping-stone to becoming a Executive Board member by leaning what it takes to represent over 8,300 volunteer fire and EMS personnel through out our state. It also has special benefits associated with it. As an Ambassador, you are given clothing to identify your role, travel and lodging reimbursement as defined in the OVFA Policies and Procedures manual, and registration reduction and waivers to OVFA training and special events. We offer training and in-services on a as needed basis to educate you on presentation methods, how to address questions and to explain the mission of the OVFA. You are our ears out there to help us better “Represent Those Who Volunteer”

3. Goals • To promote the OVFA organization • To increase membership • To raise the awareness of our organization to the State of Oregon

4. Eligibility Requirements • Complete an application and present it to the OVFA Executive Board • Confirmation of current membership and support from your Chief or designee. • Attend at least 1 board meeting a year • Willing to contact 2 departments/agencies per month and be able to travel to meetings , drills, or special events to achieve this goal.

5. Guidelines Guidelines • Spread the mission of the OVFA “To service, Protect and Promote the interests of Oregon’s Volunteer and EMS providers” • Learn the history of the OVFA • Be aware of the future goals of the OVFA • Act as an information resource to our members • Act as a liaison between our members and the Executive Board • Keep members informed of all the issues that the OVFA is involved in • Listen to concerns and bring them before the board • be dressed in appropriate attire (black pants and an OVFA insignia shirt)

6. Term • An Ambassadors term is one year as appointed by the President, a candidate may serve as many terms as deemed necessary by the president or candidate.

7. Duties of the Ambassador • be a spokes person for the OVFA through department visits and correspondence • serve as a direct contact with OVFA members and other allied associations • recruit new members and or ambassadors • Communicate with other ambassadors • Assist at identified OVFA functions and conferences • make public presentations when called to do so (you should know the Mission & history of the OVFA ,explain current befits and projects, describe the Goals of OFVA and give updates on legislative issues.

8. Guidelines • Ambassadors are representatives of the OVFA. As such, it is important to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. • Attire:When possible dark pants (slacks/jeans) and an official OVFA shirt should be worn. • Public Presentations: • • Be adequately prepared, you may be asked to speak in front of groups on behalf of OVFA. • Some main areas to focus on in preparation are listed below. Tailor it to meet your style: • Know the Mission and History of the OVFA • Explain current benefits of OVFA Membership • Describe the goals of the OVFA • Pass on information regarding legislative issues and emergency services • An Ambassador does not have the authority to make commitments on behalf of the OVFAExecutive Board. • At times you may be asked questions to which you do not have answers. Be honest, tell the person you don’t know, but will speak to the appropriate Executive Board Member and get back • them within a specified timeline.

9. Benefits • OVFA clothing with insignia • ½ off conference registration • Conference registration waived for you if enough points have been accrued

10. Opportunity to travel around the • state and visit different departments • travel expenses reimbursed • Upon completion of the Ambassador workshop/orientation receive: OVFA Collar shirt, t-shirt, hat, sweatshirt and name badges

11. Future Opportunity to serve on the Executive Board Last but not least the opportunity to serve and represent our state’s Volunteer Firefighters

12. Ambassador Chain of Command The OVFA Executive Board: President: Steve Schneiderman Vice President: Tina Greiner 2nd Vice: Dave Butler Secretary/Treasurer: Toby Wilson 2nd Director: Scott Mullen 1st Director: Nic Granum Past President: Jim Oeder

13. Regional Ambassador • Regional Ambassadors coordinate the Ambassador Program within an assigned region • communicate information between the OVFA Executive Board and the ambassadors in their region • provide quarterly reports to the board of current status and activities of the Ambassadors • assist in regional planning for Ambassador visits • Assist Ambassadors with tracking member departments in their region • attend at least one department meeting per month • Submit a quarterly report to area coordinator detailing your visits and concerns brought up

14. So become a vital link to the Volunteer firefighters of our state and become an Ambassador for the Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association today.