WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS YOU?
Training Requirements and Information
A TIP volunteer makes a hands-on, heart-to-heart difference in someone’s life when they need it most. TIP Volunteers are called through the emergency response system to support community members in crisis, typically after a traumatic event.
Over a 2-week period, TIP Trainees attend a 60-hour Training Academy by certified TIP National Trainers on Emotional First Aid. After completion of the 2-week academy, Trainees enter into a 3-Month Field Training Program where each Trainee is paired up with a veteran volunteer. At the completion of the Field Training Program, Trainees graduate as TIP Volunteers. This ensures that all volunteers are well prepared and ready to respond to citizens in crisis with confidence and assurance.
Citizen Volunteer Training Academies are typically held once or twice a year. The following are requirements upon entering the academy.
- $50.00 registration fee – due after talking with TIP Staff and confirming place in academy
- Have a working cell phone (with texting capabilities)
- Have internet access and an email account – you must have frequent access to internet/email to be a volunteer.
- Have a Driver’s License, auto insurance, working vehicle and GPS Navigation System
- (Teens – Driver’s License and vehicle not a requirement)
- Attendance at ALL sessions of the Training Academy
- Paperwork, fingerprinting and criminal background investigation done through TIP before the training (details will be given upon admittance to academy)
- A copy of your 3-year Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driving Record (available on your state’s DMV website)
- A copy of Auto Insurance reflecting current coverage and copy of Driver’s License
- Attend all monthly Continuing Education Meetings, take three 12-hour on-call shifts per month, and sign a 1-year contract upon completion of 3-month Field Training Program
*TIPTeens are not required to have a license, vehicle or take monthly shifts.
