Remember the Splashes of Color in the Tall Grass: Your Current Supporters

Took this photo on a weekend walk with the family. It struck me as a good visual for the realities of fire department operations. The tall grass represent the highest priorities that demand and should continue to demand most of your attention:

• Fire calls
• Rescue calls
• Medical calls (if applicable)

The "tall grass" of firefighting gives plenty of opportunities for measurement and improvement, like:

• Time between page and station departure
• Volunteer response and participation 
• Opportunities for learning on any call execution items that could have gone better

As you glanced at the picture above, did you notice the purple blooms? Think of those as your current supporters. They bring beauty by providing the resources needed to offer the best possible emergency response services to your community. 

How readily do you think you are noticing the "purple blooms" in your department operations? Try this exercise:

1. Make a list of every unsolicited donation, check dropped off in the boot at your pancake breakfast and any significant in-kind support. 
2. Keep the list for future reference.
3. Ask yourself - when was the last time these people were thanked?
4. If the "slate" of response to question two is blank, start thanking them through any means that work best for your department:
• Personal phone calls just to say thanks
• A postcard or note of general thanks signed by department members
• An email (if you have it) 
• Consider at least one additional communication in the coming 6-12 months to report to your donors precisely how emergency response is stronger due to their support

Your current supporters are given hundreds of options for their nonprofit investments each year. They've chosen your department. Make sure those supporters know how grateful you are for the beauty of their generous decision! 

To build on this point, next week's post will focus on options for tracking donor and volunteer information and follow up (besides Firehouse software).

What's working well for your department in terms of thanking your current supporters?