States and local governments are already feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This checklist will help you prepare for attacks on staffing, wages and benefits, retirement and other hard-earned gains.
1. Connect With IAFF Leadership
Provide your District Vice President with a status report on your local
Contact your state/provincial association for assistance and resources
2. Work with your District Vice President to request assistance from the IAFF:
Municipal Financial Analysis
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Political Campaigns
Strategic Communications Campaigns
Pension Plan Funding Analysis
Grant Applications
Behavioral Heath
3. Plan for the Impact on Revenues and Operating Budgets
Know the provisions in your collective bargaining agreement, memorandum of understanding or documents that define terms of work
Understand your municipality’s budgeting and revenue processes
Determine the financial health of your municipality (bond rating is a good indicator)
Educate yourself on the fiscal and economic challenges facing your community
Build relationships with elected leaders and other decision-makers to ensure a seat at the table for finding solutions
Know the issues that could threaten your defined benefit retirement plan
Access and bookmark the Preparing for a COVID-19 Economy toolkit to help you during this challenging time – check back frequently as new resources and guidance are added.
For additional questions or further assistance, contact your District Vice President
4. Engage and Activate Your Members
Make sure your local is politically active
Identify key decision-makers and community stakeholders
Educate elected leaders and the public on fire fighter issues
Encourage members to get involved
Increase internal communications with membership
Develop/refine your strategic communications plan
- Build your brand
- Boost social media presence
- Build rapport with news media
5. Take Care of Your Members’ Mental Health and Well-Being. The best way to relieve the stress of dealing with these tough economic times is to take care of yourself.
Review our behavioral health resources specifically for COVID-19
Listen to our latest IAFF Podcast to learn more about behavioral health initiatives to help members cope during COVID-19
Promote our IAFF online recovery meetings for members coping with or in recovery from an alcohol or substance use problem
Help members and their families who may be under financial stress – see review the Protecting Your Finances in a Pandemic for steps to take right now to protect your financial health
Join the IAFF Nutrition Facebook group for tips and advice on how exercise, nutrition, wellness, resilience, sleep and many other topics can ease stress during COVID-19