Welcome to the Firefly Rangers

We are excited to have you join us! This page is an overview of what you should know as a Firefly Rangers. It will link to more detailed parts of this wiki.

***THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT***

What do Rangers do?

Rangers are friendly, radio-equipped volunteers who help other Fireflies by connecting them with community resources, or just being a ear to listen. Rangers are trained to know how and when to deescalate a tense situation (using situational awareness and listening skills), and how and when to escalate responses to situations (for example, how to call for medical help). Most of the time, Rangers simply "do nothing", just participate in the event, and act as eyes and ears.

Rangers have no authority, we are not police or security. We keep an eye on safety: we have an obligation to report severe injuries and non-consensual harm; we make ourselves available to call for help; but we default to not intervening unless necessary. Rangers balance safety & not getting in the way of participant's experienced. Rangers stay sober and practice self-care so that we are best able to response to situations appropriately. We build social capital for the whole Ranger organization through positive, respectful, experiences with participants & other volunteers, and avoid spending that social capital unnecessarily.

How to Volunteer to Ranger at Firefly

Each year, we ask volunteers to fill out our Ranger survey, then they can sign up for shifts. All Rangers are asked to attend training, although the level of training can differ by experience level. Trainings are either in-person (recommended if you can) or virtual (zoom.). We also have a mailing list (Firefly Ranger allcom.). For more info & links, see Get Involved.

Ranger Roles at Firefly

If you are new to Rangering, your first Ranger shift will be as an alpha (trainee) and you will walk around with a mentor (more experienced ranger). After your first shift, you can do dirt shifts, or stay at HQ as Echelon to help answer walk-up questions and keep things tidy. Khaki is the shift supervisor, usually staying at HQ, who guides rangers on shift, monitors the radio, and helps dispatch help where needed. KIT (Khaki in training) is a learning shift where you work with an experienced Khaki.

Other Firefly Cores you should know about

First Aid Resources: For minor first aid issues, we can direct participants to self-service first aid supplies located near Ranger HQ, or Khaki can request the help of a First Aid Volunteer. We have experienced, contracted EMTs (NorthBeast) located near Ranger HQ. For any medical issues, radio khaki: "Khaki, Khaki, I need First Aid at [location] for [description of injury; if severely unconscious or bleeding, include that detail.

OOD (Officer of the Day) helps coordinate responses to incidents or issues that are beyond the scope of Rangers. Many but not all are experienced Rangers who take on different set of responsibilities.

Sanctuary is a place where distressed participants can go for a quiet space and a listening ear. Sanctuary has volunteers with some training, but is a limited resource; contact Khaki if you think a participant might benefit from Sanctuary.

DPW are the authorities on all things about trails, etc..

Situation Specific Procedures

Call Khaki for:

• Medical emergency
• Lost Child (treated as an emergency)
• Found Child (not an emergency)
• Unattended Fire
• Non-consensual Harm (if possible, have a face-to-face with khaki)
• Distressed or Disoriented participant (if possible, have a face-to-face with khaki)

Avoid sharing identifying information over the radio (lost child is an exception.)

Preparing for your Shift

Before Firefly: Attend training. Pick a unique, radio-friendly "handles" (Ranger / Burner name.) Sign up for shifts.

Be prepared to walk around in any weather on any terrain for several hours. Bring a notebook to takes notes.

On your Shift

Wear your shirt & your laminate (lam) for recognizability. Check in with Khaki at Ranger HQ.

After your Shift

Do not wear your t-shirt or lam offshift

Avoid gossiping, but do get support if needed.

Ranger Skills

In training, you will learn more about these skills. Follow the links for more information.

FLAME: Find Out, Listen, Analyze, Mediate, Explain

Self-Awareness

Situational Awareness

Listening

Deescalation

Kick it Sideways

Radio Use

Keep in touch!

Questions? Email rangers@fireflyartscollective.

Follow the FireflyAllCom and Fireflyannounce email lists. We also recommend the fireflyblink list.

Facebook groups: Firefly, Firefly Rangers

Discord