Oregon Volunteer Firefighters

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Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association
Ambassador Program
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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 its 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
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Goals

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

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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.

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Guidelines
Guidelines

• Spread the mission of the OVFA To service,
  Protect and Promote the interests of Oregons
  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)

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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.

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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.

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• Guidelines
• Ambassadors are representatives of the OVFA. As
  such, it is important to maintain a professional
  appearance and demeanor.
• AttireWhen 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 dont know, but will speak to the appropriate
  Executive Board Member and get back
• them within a specified timeline.

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Benefits

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

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• 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

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• Future Opportunity to serve on the Executive Board

Last but not least the opportunity to serve and
represent our states Volunteer Firefighters
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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
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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

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