Compassion in Action
Become a TIP volunteer and offer calm, compassionate support to individuals and families during moments of crisis.
HOW WE HELP THE COMMUNITY
TIP volunteers help the community by providing calm, compassionate presence alongside first responders during moments of crisis. By offering emotional first aid and practical support in the first critical hours after a traumatic event, volunteers help ensure individuals and families are not left alone when they are most vulnerable.
Want to join our next Academy? Scroll down for training dates
What the Training Teaches
TIP volunteers participate in a comprehensive Volunteer Training Academy designed to prepare them to provide emotional first aid alongside first responders during moments of crisis. The academy focuses on presence, listening, and practical support — not counseling or therapy.TIP’s mission, values, and culture
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 not expected to have prior crisis response or mental health experience. The Volunteer Training Academy provides structure, guidance, and practice in a supportive learning environment, and volunteers are never expected to handle situations beyond their role.
What Volunteers Gain
Through volunteering with TIP, individuals often gain:
Confidence in offering calm, compassionate presence during difficult situations
Strong listening and communication skills that carry into everyday life
A deeper understanding of how trauma and crisis affect individuals and families
Experience working collaboratively 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
Who Should Apply
TIP welcomes individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who feel called to serve their community during moments of crisis. Successful volunteers are compassionate, reliable, and able to remain calm in emotionally intense situations
Individuals who are good listeners and able to be present without judgment
Those who can remain calm and grounded in difficult or emotionally charged situations
People who value teamwork and are willing to work alongside first responders
Individuals who are dependable and able to commit to training and on-call service
Adults who are open to learning, feedback, and ongoing support
Applicant Requirements
These requirements help ensure volunteers are prepared, supported, and able to serve safely alongside first responders.
Ability to attend all Volunteer Training Academy sessions
Residence in Long Beach or nearby communities
Successful completion of a background and fingerprint check
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, insurance, and clean driving record
Commitment to serving a minimum of three 12-hour on-call shifts per month
Attendance at monthly continuing education meetings
Bilingual volunteers are encouraged but not required
Volunteer Journey
Becoming a TIP volunteer is a thoughtful, supported process designed to prepare individuals for compassionate crisis response. Each step builds knowledge, confidence, and readiness before volunteers begin serving the community.
Submit an Interest Form
Begin the process by sharing your interest in volunteering with TIP.Participate in a Phone Information Meeting
A brief phone conversation to discuss the role, expectations, and answer questions. Following this call, a $45 training fee is collected to help offset training materials and program costs.Complete Application Paperwork
Submit required documents, including a DMV driving record and photocopies of a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.Attend the Volunteer Training Academy
Complete a 55-hour training focused on emotional first aid, crisis response, boundaries, and self-care.Complete Background Screening
Complete a Live Scan background check following the Training Academy. Live Scan is provided at no cost through the Long Beach Police Department.Complete Field Training with Experienced Volunteers
Participate in supervised field training, including one police ride-along, while being supported by experienced TIP volunteers and first responders.Graduate and Begin On-Call Service
After successful completion, volunteers are ready to serve alongside first responders in the community.
March 2026 Volunteer Training Academy
Join us for TIP’s nationally standardized Training Academy — a nine-day, interactive program where community members learn to provide immediate Emotional First Aid to survivors of traumatic events. Trainees learn TIP’s core model, practice Emotional First Aid skills, and prepare to work alongside local first responders.
Training Dates – March 2026
All sessions must be attended to graduate.
Wed, March 4 – 6:30–10:00 PM
Thu, March 5 – 6:30–10:00 PM
Sat, March 7 – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sun, March 8 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Wed, March 11 – 6:30–9:30 PM
Thu, March 12 – 6:30–10:00 PM
Fri, March 13 – 6:30–10:00 PM
Sat, March 14 – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: LBFD Headquarters
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join a dedicated team providing compassionate emotional first aid when our community needs it most.
If you feel called to support individuals and families during moments of crisis, TIP offers the training, structure, and support to help you serve with confidence and compassion. We welcome volunteers who are thoughtful, reliable, and committed to being present when it matters most.
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.”
“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.”