The Volunteer Leadership Program (VLP) provides an exceptional leadership training experience tailored specifically for Fire and EMS volunteers serving in volunteer or combination systems. This two-weekend (6 day, 4 night) residential (aka, you’ll stay at and sleep at the conference hotel all weekend) professional development program offers a unique and immersive curriculum, covering essential aspects of effective leadership for Fire and EMS volunteers at all stages of their leadership journey.

Taught by seasoned instructors with extensive career and volunteer Fire and EMS experience in company- and command-level roles, and occasionally by exceptional leaders from a variety of other fields, the program goes beyond traditional lectures by providing dynamic scenario-based learning opportunities. Students work collaboratively in small-group sessions, learning to apply classroom theory in realistic contexts they might encounter at the station, on scene, or when interacting with community members or outside organizations. A strong focus on experiential learning ensures participants develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities necessary for achieving successful outcomes in high-pressure situations.

Graduates gain unique leadership insights and complete the program with new, powerful tools to help them thrive as leaders. The program places a strong emphasis on character development alongside core leadership skills, aiming to shape leaders who are respected within their organizations and recognized as positive influences by those they lead. This transformative journey unlocks the full potential of students as leaders in the volunteer Fire and EMS service, fostering confidence and empowering individuals to seek challenging leadership roles within their departments other emergency preparedness, response, and recovery organizations.

VLP offers a unique and comprehensive learning experience designed specifically for Fire and EMS volunteers. It features specialized instruction from national-caliber leaders drawn from the Fire, EMS, and other specialties. These instructors introduce students to foundational concepts of exceptional leadership.

The training approach includes lectures and hands-on, scenario-based learning. This theory-and-practice model allows students to test their understanding of leadership theories with their peers in practical ways, guided by experienced scenario facilitators and role-players. In small group settings, participants engage in complex scenarios that mirror real-world challenges often faced by leaders. This experiential learning methodology ensures that students develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills that allow them to bridge theory and practical application of key skills when leading in high-pressure situations.

The program empowers students with the knowledge and skills necessary be strong leaders in many different environments. Whether students aim to assume leadership roles within their station, board, state bodies, or other organizations, this training will equip participants with the confidence and experience needed to seek out or be selected for increasingly challenging leadership roles. VLP also places a strong focus on character development, striving to shape leaders who are not only respected within their organizations but also recognized as positive influences by those they lead, their peers, and their communities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative journey that will unlock your full potential as a leader in the volunteer Fire and EMS service. Apply to VLP and become part of a growing community of motivated individuals who are passionate about making a difference and driving positive change.

VLP welcomes passionate individuals who possess a deep commitment to their department, volunteer service, and helping others achieve their full potential. IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIRE/EMS SERVICE AND ARE INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONSIDER APPLYING, REGARDLESS OF RANK, TIME IN SERVICE, OR OTHER FACTORS.

While VLP was created specifically to develop volunteer Fire and EMS leaders in Virginia, the program welcomes volunteers from all jurisdictions. We’re looking for active and dedicated volunteer members who are held in high regard by their peers and station leadership and demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities or exhibit the potential to become valuable leaders in the future.

Applicants should generally have at least one year of non-probationary experience at their current volunteer station. Upon completion of the course, VLP graduates are empowered and expected to actively contribute within their station or system, paying forward the knowledge gained during the program.

Ultimately, the decision lies with individual departments to determine whether candidates are drawn from existing leaders, long-time members with newly recognized potential, or newer members who display remarkable leadership potential. We encourage those who are ready to embrace leadership roles or eager to unleash their untapped potential to apply to VLP.

Are you a career firefighter in Virginia? There are excellent programs designed specifically for career leaders, like the VFCA’s Virginia Fire Officer Academy and the Northern Virginia Leadership Development Institute. We encourage you to explore your options, BUT! If our program speaks to you, or works better with timing or logistics, please reach out to us. If we have the capacity to integratre a few career members into the program, we are absolutely open to supporting both the volunteer and career sides of the fire service.

Topics covered in each session of VLP change from year to year, based on the evolving needs of Fire and EMS leaders, changes in our industry, and other factors. The core program curriculum for upcoming sessions will focus on developing leaders’ communications skills, their ability to proactively engage with those they lead, and how to wield the responsibilities of influence and persuasion to achieve powerful outcomes. Core topics are covered from a theoretical perspective in a classroom setting, taught by leading Fire and EMS educators as well as experts from other fields. Lectures and small-group work activities are paired with significant scenario-based training to ensure students understand and can apply theory to the problems Fire and EMS leaders face every day. Examples of topics typically offered (or offered in past sessions) include:

Many volunteers are only vaguely aware of the rich history, rituals, symbols, and traditions of volunteerism in Fire and EMS. This discussion will frame student thinking and appreciation about their role in this larger “family” throughout the leadership program. Our guest instructor will help participants explore, understand, appreciate the long history and complex evolution of volunteer Fire and EMS service, as well as the important role these services have played in communities over hundreds of years. Students will learn why it is important to be aware of this history and how it contributes to a sense of pride and identity as members of a national – and international – family dedicated to public service. Students will come away with a greater appreciation for the history, rituals, and traditions of their profession and how they can contribute to continuing, preserving, and passing on this important history to future generations of volunteers.

This course is a comprehensive training program designed to empower fire service company officers with the skills needed to lead their teams effectively through the various stages of group development. This program delves into leadership principles specifically tailored to the fire service, while also providing a deep understanding of the stages of group development, such as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Participants will learn how to set clear expectations, foster open communication, and resolve conflicts during the storming stage. Through this comprehensive approach, company officers will enhance their crew’s performance and effectively navigate the complexities of team dynamics in the fire service.

Here we are more than 20 years into the new millennium, and yet most of us are still managing our organizations with tools from the budding industrial age of the 1920’s and 30’s. While we have integrated modern technology and firefighting tactics into our operations, the very design and structure of our stratified, paramilitary departments prevent us from leveraging some our greatest strengths to their capacity…our world-class employees.

This workshop, designed for both current and aspiring fire service executives, will utilize interactive lecture, discussion groups and activities, and case studies to offer senior leaders an opportunity to explore alternatives to the traditional fire service model of what an organization should look like and how to lead within it.

Topics discussed will include leading a new generation of employee, breaking down the silos we create for ourselves to improve communication, the creation of a shared purpose for your team and how to foster it with in the agency, and talent management and succession planning among others. Let’s get our heads together and collaboratively change the course of our profession’s future.

Enhance your communication skills by developing the ability to actively listen to others. Learn how to concentrate fully on what someone is saying, process the information, and respond appropriately. The training will cover the importance of body language, eye contact, and open-ended questions in fostering active listening skills. Participants will also learn techniques to clarify and summarize information to ensure they understand the speaker’s message accurately. Students will gain valuable skills in active listening that will enable them to build better relationships with colleagues, important stakeholders, and community members while improving their effectiveness as communicators.

Improve your ability to communicate effectively and confidently with supervisors, peers, subordinates, and others. Students will learn how to deliver clear and concise verbal messages, use body language and tone of voice to convey their message effectively, and write clearly and persuasively in different forms of professional communication. The training will also reinforce effective listening skills, explore how to understand different communication styles, and build rapport with team members. Participants will understand and be able to communicate more effectively, enabling them to inspire and motivate team members, improve relationships with stakeholders, and achieve greater success in leadership roles.

Develop confidence and strengthen the skills you need to engage in difficult conversations. Participants will learn how to prepare for and initiate these “courageous conversations,” including strategies for staying calm and focused during challenging interactions, techniques for active listening, and ways to express oneself effectively while respecting others’ perspectives. Participants will also learn how to manage emotions and navigate power dynamics in these conversations. This training will help participants be more at ease and empowered when faced with difficult conversations and be able to resolve conflicts, address performance issues, and improve communication effectiveness and positive outcomes within the workplace.

A critical discussion about a key aspect of any leader’s development is the understanding of what makes an effective leader. Particularly in an environment where the leader may be new to the group, may not as senior, may not know who they are working with, all of which bring a unique set of challenges just to be in the group, much less lead the group. These stresses are magnified when you are in the emergency services and leading yourself and one, two, or three others to accomplish the mission. In order to help make you a more effective leader we’ll discuss the needs for leading in that specific environment by studying the same needs for small-unit leadership in the military. We will talk about what a young NCO does to effectively lead a fire-team, a number similar to what comes off a rig at oh-dark in anywhere America, responding to a 911 call with limited information, compressed timelines, and insufficient resources. We’ll discuss the traits, characteristics and principles that differentiate an effective small unit leader from those merely in charge. Those traits are needed to transition between direct supervision and task-level action and are the bedrock for success on the street. However, success on the street does not happen without success in the firehouse, and that’s where small unit leadership in the fire service begins.

This multi-session experience combines lecture, small group work, and full-class discussions to help students unfold the secrets of successful – and failed – leadership drawn from illuminating examples of real-world critical incidents. The course will engage students in a discussion of the factors, characteristics, and other influences that shape a “good” leader, especially one who exhibits high performance leadership in defining moments (e.g., during rescues, on the fireground, in disasters, and other high-stress situations.) Example assessments of real-world defining Leadership Moments will be unfolded, analyzing the decisions and actions of leaders in those moments and their outcomes. Key dimensions of leadership, such as ethics, crisis management, decision-making, team dynamics, and communication, and their relevance to the students’ roles as volunteer fire department leaders will be discussed.

Explore the knowledge and skills needed to understand and manage your emotions, as well as how to recognize and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Participants will learn how to develop self-awareness, regulate their emotions, and practice empathy in their daily interactions. The training will also cover the importance of effective communication, conflict resolution, and stress management in building healthy relationships both in and out of the workplace. Participants will discover new “tools for their toolbox” that help them embrace their emotional intelligence and enable them to lead with greater self-awareness and refined emotional control.

Discover fundamental psychology insights that will help you build and maintain strong, positive relationships with diverse teams (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, professional background, life stage, etc.) to ensure members feel valued, are contributing meaningfully, and enjoy high levels of satisfaction. Success on these fronts contributes to volunteers who stay actively engaged over the long haul. Students will learn about the theory of Psychological Contracts, the unwritten expectations and obligations between employers and employees, or in the case of Fire/EMS, between volunteer members and their stations. The training will explore how leaders can use this theory to establish clear expectations and build trust with their teams, collectively and as individuals. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively with volunteer members, provide meaningful feedback, and recognize member contributions to the organization. They will also learn how to create an environment that encourages open communication and promotes teamwork.

This course will challenge volunteers to examine their personal motivations for choosing to volunteer in their respective roles, and to recognize and appreciate that other volunteers may be driven by motivations that are different but no less valid than their own. Through lecture and guided self-reflection exercises, participants will explore their personal values, aspirations, and the impact they hope their volunteerism makes in their own lives, in the lives of their families, at their station, and in their communities. Students will assess their strengths and areas for growth and identify specific changes they would like to see in their roles or within their departments. The presentation will support participants’ in developing a deeper understanding of themselves, their motivations, and the impact they can have in their volunteer roles, leading to a greater sense of purpose, achievement, and fulfillment in their work.

Explore the symbolism and power of the firehouse kitchen table, including its historic and unofficial significance as a space for fostering relationships, promoting teamwork, sharing and solving challenges, and building trust among Fire and EMS personnel. Emphasizing how the Firehouse Kitchen Table (and cab, tailboard, bay, and so on) serves as a place for sharing wisdom, traditions, and valuable lessons that go beyond formal training and procedures, students will work in breakout groups led by experienced Fire and EMS leaders to engage in deep discussions about their challenges, fears, aspirations, questions, frustrations, and other issues as leaders. Participants will also discover how to leverage the power of the Firehouse Kitchen Table as an important leadership tool, working with those they lead to build camaraderie, share their thoughts and experiences in a supportive and collaborative environment, and learn from and become stronger by addressing issues together.

Discover how leaders successfully use their influence and how you can develop the skills needed to become an effective and influential leader! Students will learn how to develop powerful influence skills by building credibility, establishing rapport, and leveraging persuasive communication skills. They will also examine how to successfully identify how and when to use their influence, whether the goal is to get new or underperforming members to increate participation, to inspire others, or improve morale. Various strategies to achieve their objectives and inspire their teams will be discussed, including how to create a positive work culture, set clear goals and expectations, and provide meaningful and effective feedback and recognition.

Aspiring leaders will be introduced to the skills, attitudes, and confidence needed to effectively network in social or professional situations. Through a variety of techniques, participants will learn how to engage with strangers and build meaningful connections with them. They will explore topics such as body language, active listening, small talk, and follow-up strategies. The class will empower participants to walk into any room with the confidence and skills needed to make authentic connections and expand their professional network. By building relationships with new people, participants will have the opportunity to learn, grow their Fire and EMS networks, and create new opportunities for themselves and others.

“Connectors Social” is an evening activity that takes place once students have learned how to “Work A Room.” This dynamic experience brings together all program participants, select instructors, and key leaders in the Fire and EMS service and other fields for a post-dinner opportunity where students can put their new “network building” skills to the test. Students practice networking in a safe environment, experimenting with new networking skills as they develop deeper relationships with fellow students, instructors, and our guest “Connectors,” leaders from within and outside the Fire and EMS services who would be excellent additions to anyone’s contact list – maybe even future mentors! Students are challenges to meet, learn about, and connect with as many new people as they can during the event, and a friendly competition will unfold toward the end of the evening to see who has taken these new skills to heart.

Participants in this comprehensive training will delve into the transformative power of mentorship, discovering how it can offer invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and constructive feedback to both mentors and mentees. By harnessing a mentor’s unique experience and knowledge, participants will unlock a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Throughout the program, students will explore how mentor relationships can play a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant workplace culture that thrives on continuous learning, mutual encouragement, and holistic development. Participants will master the art of identifying and selecting the perfect mentor or mentee, and gain the skills needed to establish clear goals for their mentorship journey. They will also learn how to craft a robust plan for ongoing learning and self-improvement. Students will acquire invaluable insights and essential skills that highlight the symbiotic nature of mentor relationships. They will discover how to cultivate strong, meaningful connections that not only nurture their own growth but also empower and fortify their mentors and organizations. Embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to forge exceptional mentor relationships, ultimately fostering an environment of success and fulfillment for all involved.

*NOTE: The topics listed above may be presented as individual classes, as subtopics in one or more broader classes, or may be replaced by other equally-relevant topics depending on instructor availability and other factors. Other topics may be added, as well.

Roundtable Discussions are a participant-driven component of VLP that takes place during each on-site lunch break. Each of the tables in the facility restaurant assigned to VLP will feature a particular topic that students seated at that table are encouraged to discuss. Share questions, experiences, challenges, successes, failures – learn from one another, inspire one another, challenge one another.

*NOTE: The topics listed above may be presented as individual classes, as subtopics in one or more broader classes, or may be replaced by other equally-relevant topics depending on instructor availability and other factors. Other topics may be added, as well.

The Volunteer Leadership Program offers exceptional value for Fire and EMS volunteers seeking to unlock their leadership potential. Over two weekends at a premier conference facility in Northern Virginia, participants will experience a transformative journey of comprehensive leadership development, including:

• On-site accommodation (overnight lodging required) and meals;
• Educational courses and materials;
• Engaging social and training events;
• Networking opportunities;

Participation in comparable programs would typically be valued at $2,500–$3,000 per student, including travel, housing, meals, and conference and training fees. As volunteer Fire and EMS leaders ourselves, we understand that investing in volunteer training translates into exceptional personal and professional growth, but can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.

Volunteer Leadership Virginia programs can be produced as turnkey, all-inclusive programs underwritten 100% by federal, state, or local agencies. They can also be subsidized at lower rates, with the balance being funded by individual students (or their sponsoring agencies.) Typical costs include the delivery of the program itself (instructors, materials, travel, and related costs), along with lodging, meals, and instructional space (consistent with the program’s instructional and experiential requirements) for the duration of the program. Costs, especially at the local level, can vary significantly based on local economic conditions. Please chat with us at info@vlpviriginia.org and we can explore program types and anticipated costs for a program in your city or region.