Compassion in Action

Become a TIP Volunteer and provide immediate emotional support to Long Beach residents experiencing sudden trauma.

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER

HOW WE HELP THE COMMUNITY

TIP Volunteers respond 24/7 at the request of first responders and hospitals to provide emotional and practical support in the first hours after a traumatic event.

  • Offer calm, compassionate presence during moments of crisis

  • Support survivors, families, witnesses, and bystanders

  • Help individuals identify immediate needs and next steps

  • Partner with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and hospitals

  • Ensure no one faces trauma alone

Want to join our next Academy? Scroll down for training dates

March 2026 Volunteer Training Academy

Join us for TIP’s nationally standardized Training Academy β€” 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

View the March 2026 Training Flyer

Location: LBFD Headquarters

 
START YOUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

What the Training Teaches

  • TIP’s mission, values, and culture

  • How survivors experience trauma

  • The 5 Emotional First Aid Skills

  • Supporting grieving families

  • Scene awareness and personal safety

  • Working with first responders

  • Ethics, boundaries, and TIP policies

  • Providing compassionate, practical support

What Volunteers Gain

Community & Purpose

  • Connection with volunteer team

  • Mentorship and continuing education

  • Deep purpose through service

Skills

  • Emotional First Aid techniques

  • Trauma-informed awareness

  • Communication and grounding skills

Personal Growth

  • Emotional First Aid techniques

  • Trauma-informed awareness

  • Communication and grounding skills

Who Should Apply

  • Compassionate, steady, calm listeners

  • Respectful of diverse backgrounds

  • Team‑oriented and reliable

  • Comfortable supporting others in distress

APPLY NOW

Applicant Requirements

πŸ“† Attend all Training Academy sessions

πŸ“Live in Long Beach or nearby cities

πŸ”Pass fingerprint/background check

🚘 Valid license, vehicle, clean driving record, insurance

⏰ Volunteer three 12-hour shifts per month

πŸ“š Attend monthly CE (3rd Wednesday)

πŸ’¬ Bilingual volunteers especially needed (but not required)

Volunteer Journey

  1. Submit Interest Form

  2. Attend Info Meeting

  3. Background Check

  4. 55-Hour Training Academy

  5. 3-Month Field Training

  6. Graduation & Deployment

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join us in providing compassionate support when our community needs it most.

SIGN UP NOW