In the spring of 1990, when Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company President Jay Jester joined, the roster was full and boasted 125 active-duty members.
Almost 30 years later, that number has dropped by about a percentage point per year, every year.
“I only got in because someone else dropped off,” Jester recalled. “Now we have 72 active members — about 68 percent of where we were.”
The numbers are bolstered by the different roles the company offers, from life members and gold badge life members to honorary, associate and contributing members.
It's NOT th fact that no one wants to help anymore but rather the terrible way people are treated for volunteering their time. These volunteer "officers" think they are special because they are an "officer" and get to boss people around and belittle them. Add to that the ridiculous requirements and percentages that the departments require you to attend and it is not sustainable. People are VOLUNTEERING. They have lives, jobs and responsibilities. Be happy for what they CAN attend instead of belittling and mocking them for what they can't attend. If these departments were more inclusive and appreciative, there would be more volunteers. Instead, the companies make it feel like a second JOB instead of it feeling rewarding.
5:40 is 100% on the money with their assessment. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and then gladly gave the t-shirt to Goodwill when I no longer wanted to be associated with those narcissistic turd burglars.
Talk to the leaders at citizens hose in Smyrna de they have a 2 year backlog of cadets who want in.
ReplyDeleteNobody wants to help the community anymore just take what they can get for free.
ReplyDeleteIt's NOT th fact that no one wants to help anymore but rather the terrible way people are treated for volunteering their time. These volunteer "officers" think they are special because they are an "officer" and get to boss people around and belittle them. Add to that the ridiculous requirements and percentages that the departments require you to attend and it is not sustainable. People are VOLUNTEERING. They have lives, jobs and responsibilities. Be happy for what they CAN attend instead of belittling and mocking them for what they can't attend. If these departments were more inclusive and appreciative, there would be more volunteers. Instead, the companies make it feel like a second JOB instead of it feeling rewarding.
ReplyDelete5:40 is 100% on the money with their assessment. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and then gladly gave the t-shirt to Goodwill when I no longer wanted to be associated with those narcissistic turd burglars.
DeleteSpend 1/4 million bucks sucking up to union loafers in legal costs alone then beg for FRREEEEEE from volunteers. Can you blame them for walking?
ReplyDelete