“The Ultimate Sacrifice”

Dear Potential Volunteer,

Thank you for your interest in the National EMS Memorial Project.

We are getting a number of responses to our recent announcement of the kick-off of the project and you have been directed to this page because you have expressed an interest in volunteering.

The Number 1 question we are asked by potential volunteers is “What can I do to help?” A lighthearted response to this question is “We don’t know. What can you do to help?”

Many of the people who have already expressed an interest in volunteering, and most of those who will do so in the future, will be personally unknown to us. So the above question is asked only half jokingly. Each of us has a unique skill set. We generally have no way of knowing what yours is but you do and therefore you are in the best position to know to which area(s) you are best suited.

So, as a first step we request that you review the short outline of the various phases of this project appended below and make a determination as to which area(s) you think you could be of the most help.

Once you have made your choices, please send a letter of interest (which can be sent electronically in Word, WordPerfect or Adobe PDF formats) identifying yourself, providing a brief outline of your history within the EMS community, telling us which area(s) you believe you can help and how, and providing your contact informaton. This process will allow us to both easily track those volunteering and to utilize your time and efforts to the best effect.

Please also note that not all of the opportunities to help support this project require that you serve on a committee. There are a number of ways for individuals to help. Some of these include:

• Identifying potential sites within or near your community appropriate to host the National EMS Memorial and then work with local EMS and community leaders on drafting a proposal and submitting these locations for consideration.

• Seek out members of you community who have design or architectural skills who may be willing to submit design concepts for consideration.

• Devise and host local fund-raising events to raise the money that will be needed to construct the Memorial.

• Educate your colleagues, coworkers and local government leaders about the National EMS Memorial Service and the Memorial Project and encourage them to support and participate.

• Work with your local, regional and state EMS organizations in building organizational support for the Memorial Project.
  
  

Please send your Letter of Interest to volunteer@nemsms.org if sending electronically or to National EMS Memorial Project, PO Box 6604, Carlstadt, NJ 07072-0604 if sending hard copy.

Thank you again for your interest in and support of the National EMS Memorial Project. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Agard

Project Chair

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The National EMS Memorial Project is managed by a six (6) member Steering Committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors of the National EMS Memorial Service.

There are four (4) primary subcommittees, each responsible for one of the four phases of the Project:

PHASE I: Site Selection and Acquisition

The goal of this phase of the project is to identify potential sites that are suitable to serve as the home of the National EMS Memorial. Such sites must both meet the published criteria and demonstrate an active and enthusiastic support of the community for bringing the Memorial to their areas. Primarily, volunteers in this area are needed to locally identify potentially available sites, assess community desire and support and, when appropriate, coordinate the submission of a site proposal for consideration by the National EMS Memorial Service.

A limited number of volunteer stakeholders will also be needed to serve on the Site Selection and Acquisition Subcommittee, the members which will assist those wishing to submit proposals, coordinate and review submissions and pass on its recommendations to the Steering Committee. Individuals chosen to serve on this committee will be expected to become well versed in the National EMS Memorial Service and all significant issues involved with building the memorial and producing the National EMS Memorial Service each year so as to be able to effectively advise and assist those wishing to submit a location for consideration.

PHASE II: Design

The goal of this phase is to solicit design and architectural concept s for the Memorial. Volunteers in this area will be need to seek out those with skills in the area who are willing to donate their time and efforts and to encourage as many of these folks as possible to submit design and architectural concept for consideration by the National EMS Memorial Service.

Volunteer stakeholders appointed the Design Subcommittee, will be responsible for assisting designers and architects wishing to submit designs or plans for consideration, coordinating the submission and passing on its recommendations to the Steering Committee.

PHASE III: Fund-raising

The goal of this phase is straight forward. It is to raise the funds required to build and maintain the Memorial. This is the area where we will require the most help. Volunteers will be need in all areas of fund-raising: Corporate, Individual, Grant writing, Event development and so on. All interested parties with fund-raising skills are encouraged to participate in this area.

Members of the Fund-raising Subcommittee will coordinate, approve and monitor all fund-raising activities conducted on behalf of the National EMS Memorial Project. Those interested in developing a fund-raising event or pursuing other sources of financing should submit their ideas to the Fund-raising Subcommittee.

PHASE IV: Construction

The Construction Subcommittee shall oversee the actual construction of the Memorial when the time comes. The Project seeks members of the EMS community with experience in the construction trades to serve on and assist this committee in identifying appropriate contractors and efficient, cost effective construction methodologies for the Memorial constuction.