Challenge #14: 2021 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #14: Leaders engage with their people and their peers.

• Become a member of the “Strengthening Your Tools” Facebook group.
• Contribute to the discussion through a post regarding a leadership tool or through a comment on an existing post.

#fireleadership #2021WFLDPCampaign

Challenge #13: 2021 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #13: Leaders read and write.

• Visit the WFLDP blog and select at least five posts to read that are not memes or challenges.
• Write a blog on the leadership subject of your choice. Submit your work for consideration as a post on the WFLDP blog.

PIO Bulletin Board - From the Field, For the Field

Today's From the Field, For the Field Friday spotlight comes from this year's PIO Bulletin Board as Public Information Officers prepare for or serve during the 2014 fire season.

Michelle Fidler, Traci Weaver, and Lori Iverson share how they use social media to share fire information to the communities around them.

 

The American Red Cross Launches "Wildfire" App

(Photo credit: The American Red Cross)

The American Red Cross launched their "Wildfire" mobile application this week. Consider sharing this application with members of your community during your pre-season meetings.

Application Features

• Step-by-step instructions let you know what to do before/during/after an wildfire, even without data connectivity. 
• Get notified about current wildfires or wildfire-conducive weather. 
• Let family and friends know you are okay with the customizable “I’m Safe” alert for Facebook, Twitter, email and text. 
• Find open Red Cross shelters in your area when you need help. 
• Stay safe when the lights are out with the Toolkit, including a strobe light, flashlight and audible alert functions. 
• Prepare for the worst by learning how to assemble an emergency kit for your family in the event of power outage or evacuation. 
• Empower your family to stay safe and remain calm in an emergency by learning how to make and practice an emergency plan. 
• Earn badges that you can share with your friends and show off your wildfire knowledge with interactive quizzes. 
• See an illustrated history of wildfires in your area.

We're Back!

We're back! At one time the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) shared our blog updates via their mobile app. Well, that feature was disabled, but it's BACK! Not only do you know when a new blog entry is available but also when reports and other great information is released by the LLC are available. Be "in the know" and download the app today by following the link below or clicking on the icon in the right margin of this blog page.

Wildland Fire LLC app - check it out on any phone!

Thanks for taking care of us, Wildland Fire LLC!

Oops!

Thanks to a very observant reader who noticed that our Facebook link was incorrect, we have updated the link on our sidebar. The old site actually redirected you to the National Interagency Fire Center's Facebook page (our official BLM sponsor). Therefore, be sure to visit the new link and "like" our page. We provide a variety of information and references beyond that found on the blog.

IGNITE the Spark for Leadership and become a fan today!

Transforming the Lone Nut into a Leader

In January 2002, the NWCG Leadership Committee/Subcommittee (LSC) was formed with the following mission: "To promote cultural change in the work force and to emphasize the vial importance of leadership concepts in the wildland fire service by providing educational and leadership development opportunities."

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) began as a vision of a few senior firefighters tasked with bringing about cultural change within the wildland fire service. This grassroots campaign fueled in and by the field has exploded into a set of service-wide values and principles, a formal leadership curriculum, and a toolbox full of resources and programs that are recognized and used around the world.

After 10 years, it is time to refresh the program. Recently, the LSC launched a campaign called IGNITE the Spark for Leadership. The effort focuses on using new ideas and social media to build the students of fire foundation and expand our methods of communication with the field. Some of the initiatives include:

• Redesign of the WFLDP website
• Fan drive on our WFLDP Facebook (goal of at least 500 "likes" by April 24, 2012) 
• Development of an annual Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge 
• Development of mobile applications for toolbox items

Every movement needs a leader and followers to keep the movement going. The foundation of the movement has begun; some have joined in while others continue to sit back and watch. The WFLDP is, and will always be, fueled by the field. We need that fuel now as we move forth and connect to a new generation firefighter as well as provide better communication with all wildland firefighters--especially those with seasonal and temporary status. 

The following video shows how one "lone nut" became the leader of a huge movement. Are you willing to help a few LSC nuts IGNITE the Spark for Leadership?

(Thanks to Chris Schow for posting on Facebook that this video was on TED!)

What is It?

You see them, but do you know what they are and what they do?

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

• A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry.
• The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background.
• Created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. It was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

How do I use it?

QR codes are used in conjunction with a mobile device barcode reader/scanner application. The application scans the image, identifies the location to which the user will be redirected, and redirects via a wireless connection.

QR Codes and the Firefighter

The GETA Group showcased QR codes on page 2 of their November 2011 Earthspin newsletter.

"This [QR code technology] has already been used for PIO applications in fire this past summer to pass on fire information to the public. The operations and planning sections could use this as an operational tool to get the most up to date information to firefighters. if a website is established for a particular incident then specific updates, IAPs, maps, and other pertinent information can be made available on that site. A QR code can then be generated that links to the incident site, and can be printed on any paper product suck as IAPs and incident maps.

Firefighters would only have to scan the QR code once while on that incident; they could then bookmark the website on their mobile device. The user could then return to the website everyday or even multiple times a day to get updates on the current situation."

The article goes on to tell users how to create the code.

What do you think?

• So what do you think about the emergence of social media entering the world of wildland fire?
• Do you have an idea of an application that could enhance the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)?
• Do you want to be a part of a growing group of firefighters who have purpose in bringing new ideas and innovation to our community?

Let us know if you have ideas or want to be a part of this initiative!

BTW: If you know don't have the barcode/scanner app, the above image provides a link to the WFLDP website.

WLFDP Joins Facebook

After months in the approval process, the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)has joined Facebook. This social media tool will be a powerful tool to reach the new generation firefighter.

A big shout out to Jenn Smith, NIFC External Affairs and NWCG Leadership Subcommittee advisor, for giving wildland firefighters yet another tool to share leadership successes and innovations.

Help us out by becoming a fan of the page by clicking "Like."