Vision 20/20 is seeking papers for presentations for the 4th National Model Performance in Fire Prevention Symposium to be held in March in Virginia.
The 20-minute presentations will focus on proven programs with measurable results to be shared with professionals from across the country. The symposium is sponsored through a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to the Institution of Fire Engineers-USA Branch's Vision 20/20 project. It will be held in Fairfax, Va., on March 10 to 12. Those chosen to give presentations will be notified after Jan. 15, 2016.
Proposed presentations can address all disciplines of fire prevention including: engineering, enforcement, education including multi-hazard education as long as fire is part of the program; fire investigation; and infrastructure training, data collection and analysis as well as use of resources.
A complete evaluation of a proven project is not required, but does increase the chance of being selected. An evaluation must include at least one of the following measurement components to be considered:
- Formative Evaluation (qualitative or quantitative risk assessment)
- Process Evaluation (analysis of the program’s development and early implementation)
- Impact Evaluation (identification of measurable changes that are cognitive gains or behavior changes that reduced risk)
- Outcome Evaluation (longer term documentation that supports reduction of injury, death or economic losses)
Examples of evaluation can be found here. V2020 Applying Model Performance Measures Terminology
If you would like assistance with understanding how best to describe your project in evaluation terms let us know. We do have several instructors who are willing to help.
Model programs may also be presented that represent the five strategies of Vision 20/20
- Prevention Advocacy
- Prevention Marketing
- Prevention Culture
- Prevention Technology
- Prevention Codes and Standards
Presentations must focus on implementation experience and provide guidance for successful use in other jurisdictions. National programs are only eligible if the presentation focuses on local or state implementation and outcomes. We encourage creativity, but rely on documentation of effectiveness as the primary criteria for selection of national program presentations.
What happens next?
A program review panel will rank proposed presentations based on:
- A risk assessment (formative evaluation) was conducted demonstrating the link between community risk and prevention efforts to help guide program design and development
- The program has been documented to the extent that it could be used elsewhere – and process evaluation illustrates successful implementation strategies
- Impacts and/or outcomes are documented by data that support reduced loss (lives, injuries, property, resources)
Vision 20/20 will sponsor up to 20 presenters, Open registration will be available. Look for an announcement soon or check the Vision 20/20 website, www.strategicfire.org, Twitter and Facebook for updates. You can also sign up for notifications.
Programs that are selected for presentation must be limited to 20 minutes and include the following elements:
- Objective(s)
- Target audience
- Implementation strategy
- Methods and results of evaluations
- Recommendations for replication of a similar project.
Additional time during the symposium will be available for networking and discussion.
PowerPoint and handout templates will be made available with more specific instruction when notified of selection.
Submission may be made by clicking here.
All entries must be made by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 15.
