Compassion in Action
Become a TIP volunteer and offer calm, compassionate support to individuals and families during moments of crisis.
January 2027 Volunteer Training Academy
Start the New Year with a New Way to Serve Your Community
Our next TIP of Long Beach Volunteer Training Academy is planned for January 2027.
Learn how to provide emotional and practical support to people experiencing traumatic events and become part of a team serving Long Beach and surrounding communities.
January 2027 • Dates TBD
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORMComplete our short interest form to confirm that you meet the basic volunteer requirements and receive information about next steps and upcoming training dates.
How We Help the Community
Compassion When It Matters Most
TIP volunteers provide a calm, compassionate presence alongside first responders during some of life's most difficult moments. By offering emotional first aid and practical support in the critical hours following a traumatic event, volunteers help individuals and families begin to navigate what comes next.
During the Academy, volunteers learn to:
Understand how crisis and trauma can affect individuals and families
Offer calm, compassionate presence during emotionally intense situations
Practice active listening and supportive communication
Support survivors without judgment, advice, or direction
Work collaboratively alongside first responders as part of a coordinated response
Maintain healthy boundaries and practice volunteer self-care
Volunteers are never expected to handle situations beyond their role.
The Training Academy
What the Training Teaches
TIP volunteers complete a comprehensive 55-hour Volunteer Training Academy designed to prepare them to provide emotional first aid and practical support alongside first responders during moments of crisis.
No prior crisis response or mental health experience is required. The Academy provides structure, guidance, and hands-on practice in a supportive learning environment.
More Than Training
What Volunteers Gain
The skills and connections volunteers develop through TIP extend far beyond the moments they spend responding to a crisis.
Confidence in offering calm, compassionate presence during difficult situations
Stronger listening and communication skills that carry into everyday life
A deeper understanding of trauma and crisis and how they affect individuals and families
Experience working alongside first responders and community partners
A meaningful sense of purpose that comes from helping others during critical moments
Connection to a supportive team grounded in care, service, and shared commitment
Finding the Right Fit
Is TIP Volunteering Right for You?
TIP welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds who feel called to serve their community during moments of crisis. Successful volunteers are compassionate, dependable, and able to remain calm during emotionally intense situations.
Good Listeners
Able to be present with people during difficult moments without judgment.
Calm & Grounded
Able to remain steady during difficult or emotionally charged situations.
Team Oriented
Value collaboration and are comfortable working alongside first responders and fellow volunteers.
Dependable
Able to commit to training, ongoing education, and regular on-call service.
Open to Learning
Receptive to training, feedback, continued growth, and support from the TIP team.
Before You Get Started
Volunteer Requirements
These requirements help ensure volunteers are prepared, supported, and able to serve safely alongside first responders.
At least 18 years of age
Live in Long Beach or a surrounding community
Able to attend all required Volunteer Training Academy sessions
Able to successfully complete a background and fingerprint check
Valid driver's license, clean driving record, your own reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance
Able to commit to three 12-hour on-call shifts per month
Able to attend monthly Continuing Education meetings
Bilingual volunteers are encouraged, but not required.
From Interest to Service
Your Volunteer Journey
Becoming a TIP volunteer is a thoughtful, supported process. Each step builds knowledge, confidence, and readiness before you begin serving the community.
1. Submit an Interest Form
Tell us you're interested and confirm that you meet the basic volunteer requirements.
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM2. Complete an Application
We'll send you an application so we can learn more about you and your interest in becoming a TIP volunteer.
3. Talk With a TIP Team Member
Meet with a member of our team to learn more about the role, discuss expectations, and ask questions.
4. Attend the Training Academy
Complete TIP's comprehensive 55-hour Volunteer Training Academy. A $45 training fee is required to help offset training costs.
5. Complete Background Screening
Complete required background screening and Live Scan fingerprinting. Live Scan is provided at no cost through the Long Beach Police Department.
6. Complete Field Training
Continue learning alongside experienced TIP volunteers, including a police ride-along and supervised field experience.
7. Graduate & Begin On-Call Service
After successfully completing training requirements, you'll graduate and begin serving alongside first responders in the community.
In Their Own Words
Volunteer Voices
Real reflections from community members who serve with TIP.
“Volunteering with TIP has deepened my connection to the city I've called home for decades. I've met incredible survivors and first responders, and the Emotional First Aid skills I've learned have positively shaped every part of my life.”
— TIP Volunteer“I was nervous on my first call, but the moment I arrived, my training took over. TIP gave me the confidence to stay calm, trust the process, and offer a steady presence when it mattered most.”
— TIP VolunteerReady to Take the Next Step?
Start Your TIP Volunteer Journey
If you're interested in serving your community alongside first responders, complete our short interest form to get started.
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM