Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Being a diverse and inclusive organization will enable the International Association of Wildland Fire to learn from others, grow our understanding, and find new ways to address, understand and implement solutions to complex problems. The IAWF desires to maintain a positive, empowering, inclusive and innovative culture that enables all members of the fire community to feel safe and valued when contributing to the IAWF. We want to operate in a flexible and open manner to meet our membership’s needs and to help members achieve their fullest potential.

Read IAWF’s Full Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Principles of Conduct – Living Our Values – Leading by Example

In the conduct of personal and professional matters, IAWF places high importance on the values of integrity, responsibility and reputation. We are committed to maintaining high standards both within the organization and in our dealings with others in our daily lives. Our leadership has developed these Principles of Conduct to define our accepted and unacceptable ethical behaviors. It is important that our standards are defined, available, and understandable. We have established guidelines for all members at all times and non-members who may be participating at any IAWF conducted activities. It helps ensure that IAWF promotes, achieves, and maintains high standards of practice and it provides a benchmark for members and non-members participating in IAWF activities to use for self-evaluation.

Compliance with these standards demonstrates our individual and collective respect for our profession, our professional and personal relationships with others, and our respect and commitment to the long-term vision, goals, and values of IAWF.

Read IAWF’s Full Principles of Conduct

Expected Behavior:
Based on our core values of leadership, trust, and integrity; diversity and inclusivity; wildland fire advocacy; personal safety; promotion of science and operational principles; global communication; and personal and professional growth, IAWF expects that all members at all times and non-members who may be participating at any IAWF conducted activities will adhere to the expected behavior in the Principles of Conduct.

If You Witness or are Subjected to Unacceptable Behavior:
While at an IAWF sponsored or partner event, if you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, hear of any such incidents, or have any other concerns, please notify an IAWF representative immediately and report the incident.  Workplace incidents occurring outside of IAWF events should be reported to the appropriate employing organization, although serious actions by an IAWF member should also be reported to IAWF.

There are several means to report any occurrences of inappropriate behavior

NEED HELP OR SUPPORT?
 Are you, or someone you know, struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, Post Trauma Stress, addiction, substance abuse or other conditions and don’t know where to turn?

PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! 
These are common symptoms and experiences for those working in highly stressful situations, especially emergency first responders and wildland fire personnel, and their families.  Please know that there are people who can relate to how you feel, which includes firefighters and first responders who have had these same experiences and now provide support to others.  As difficult as it is, the first step is reaching out and asking for help.  The following is a list of professional resources that can provide support for firefighters, first responders and their families.

** If you or someone you know are in crisis or in danger of harming themselves or others, please seek immediate help.  Please contact any of the following resources to help you in moments of need. 

  • Call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
  • Emergency First Responder Crisis Text Line: free, confidential service available 24/7, please reach out by texting BADGE to 741741.
  • Safe Call Now: free crisis referral service available 24/7 for public safety employees, emergency services personnel and their families. Call 877-230-6060 or 206-459-3020.
  • National Volunteer Fire Council Fire/EMS Helpline: free 24/7 helpline created for first responders by members of the fire service to provide support for the unique needs of firefighters, EMS, first responders and their families.  Call 888-731-3473 (FIRE).
  • Copline: free service available 24/7 for law enforcement officers, staffed by retired law enforcement who have been trained in active listening. Call 800-267-5463
  • IAFF Recovery Lifeline: 24/7 support at 844-274-5374
  • CPTSD Foundation (for Complex PTSD and PTSD)
  • National Suicide Prevention
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  • NAMI Support Line: 1/800-950-NAMI 

Additional Resources:

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND REACH OUT FOR THE SUPPORT YOU DESERVE!