Benefits of Women in Fire Membership
All Memberships Include:
- Conference discounts
- Vendor discounts
- Access to the Members Only section on our website
- Participation on Women in Fire committees
- Trustee opportunities
- Participation in mentor program
- Subscription to our bi-monthly electronic newsletter
The cost of individual membership reflects the actual cost of producing our publication as well as a portion of the costs involved in running the organization: staff salaries, equipment purchase and maintenance, etc.
We do not wish to exclude anyone from our resources and services due to financial need therefore, subsidized memberships are available for those with no, or extremely low income. These memberships are based on ability to pay; contact us to apply for a subsidized membership.
Note: If you are purchasing a membership for someone other than yourself, please provide details in the “Additional Comments About Your Order” area during checkout.
Member-Driven Organization
Women in Fire provides education, support and advocacy for fire service women through informational resources, job networking, products related to the fire service, and conferences. It is an organization of women and for women–but not for women alone. Our membership includes men in all ranks who seek to make the fire service a professional place where women and men work together harmoniously, as well as institutional members such as fire departments and union locals. Nonetheless, Women in Fire is mostly women. As the one organization that speaks specifically for them in their profession, Women in Fire continues to increase in membership. Hundreds of women firefighters and officers from urban fire departments and state or federal wildland agencies belong, as do EMT’s, paramedics, inspectors, dispatchers, and fire service educators. Career and volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel in 48 states and eleven countries are members. They are diverse in background, and united in their commitment to their profession. To the fire service, the International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Service is their voice.
Memberships and Donations
Women in Fire is a non-profit organization that depends heavily on memberships and donations for its financial health. What that means is: we need your dues and contributions in order to keep going! Individual memberships are available at several levels, beginning at $25.
Women in Fire Publications
With your Women in Fire membership, you will receive a subscription to our monthly electronic newsletter, FireWork.
Member Access
With your membership you will also receive member-only access to download several information packets, containing collections of articles and information on several important topics, at no cost.
Member Discounts
Women in Fire members receive special discounted rates on Women in Fire conference registrations and merchandise.
Member Mentoring Program
In the fire service we are tasked with managing and mitigating all types of risks and hazards and preparing our respective departments for homeland security. Each year we are being asked to accomplish more of these tasks with less money which require that we generate new ideas and non-traditional ways of getting the job done. We encounter pressures that pull us in all directions. We face one set of challenges from our coworkers, another from those who report directly to us, and still other challenges from our supervisors, political leaders, the community and family. Additionally, some of us face the added challenge of having to serve in a department in which there is very little support of women and/or one that is represented by a very small number of women.
Many of the members of Women in Fire have served as chief officers for quite a number of years and as such, have first-hand knowledge of the concerns and challenges you face. They have a wealth of experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Mentoring is a successful way to tap into this talent, explore new ways of doing things, network, exchange ideas, develop your career, solve problems and get desired results. A mentor is an experienced person who provides career guidance and support in a variety of ways to another person by acting as a role model, guide, tutor, coach or confidante.
Members of Women in Fire Mentoring program seek to share our experience, strength, and hope with other members who are interested in sharpening their skills, becoming a better leader, advancing through the ranks, and otherwise making a positive contribution to the fire industry. The program is designed to support current and potential fire service leaders by providing a forum for open and honest communication and by offering coaching and counseling. We are willing to take a special interest in helping others develop into a successful professional with hopes that a personal, as well as, professional relationship will develop over an extended period affording both the mentor and mentee an opportunity to exchange experience, information, and encouragement. The mentoring program strategies include guidance and advice on education and technical training, leadership, career development and community service.
An effective mentoring relationship is characterized by mutual respect, trust, understanding, and empathy. Good mentors are able to share life experiences and wisdom, as well as technical expertise. They are good listeners, good observers, and good problem-solvers. They make an effort to know, accept, and respect the goals and interests of the mentee. In the end, they establish an environment in which ones accomplishment is limited only by the extent of his or her talent.
If you wish to participate in this program please email our staff office at staff[email protected]. Our Program Manager will then forward your request to the Trustee Board for action.