One of the cornerstones of the Be Connected program and Arizona Coalition for Military Families is equipping our community to access help and be a helper. Since 2009, the Coalition has provided training and education to over 55,000 community members throughout Arizona, including providers, first responders, faith community members, educators, legal professionals, social service providers, volunteers and more.
Here are some of the core trainings available to strengthen our community:
Statewide Symposium in Support of Service Members, Veterans & Their Families
Held annually since 2010 (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic), this is the only statewide conference that brings together military, government, and community to strengthen how our community cares for and supports military members, veterans, and their families. Held the third week of April, this event connects and offers the opportunity for shared learning. Learn more about the Symposium and view the archive of past events.
Military/Veteran Resource Navigation
This is the signature training for the Arizona Coalition for Military Families and Be Connected program. Resource navigation training focuses on equipping every person to be an open door to connect service members, veterans and their families to support and resources. Our goal is to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of participants so they can be a helper when the opportunity arises. Resource navigation training is held regularly and can be conducted in-service for groups. Learn more and register for an upcoming training.
Military/Veteran Culture
Everyone can be a helper but those who don’t have a direct connection to the military can benefit from military/veteran culture training to strengthen their lens of understanding the unique experiences and stressors of service members, veterans and their families. This is provided routinely by the Coalition team and is also available through our online training partner, PsychArmor (please click the Start Learning button in the box on the right-hand side of the page).
Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus
The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services administers the Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus program to strengthen support for military-connected students pursuing higher education. Training is required prior to certification as an AVSC and for regular re-certification and is provided by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families. Learn more about the AVSC program.
Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer
Arizona public and private sector employers can earn the Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer designation, which signifies organizations that have made additional effort to recruit, hire and retain service members, veterans and their families. Training is provided by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families.
Mental Health First Aid
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training curriculum focuses on equipping community members to respond to people experiencing mental health challenges in the same way CPR and First Aid prepares a person to respond to a physical health situation. MHFA is administered by the National Council. There is a military/veteran focused version of the training curriculum, that was adapted by a team from the Arizona Coalition for Military Families for use nationally by trainers with the background and experience of serving the military and veteran community. MHFA trainings are held routinely by various community organizations. There are options for Adult or Veteran programs as well as local and online access.
ASIST
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day in person workshop from LivingWorks focused on helping participants learn to prevent suicide, including recognizing the signs, providing skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan. Learn more and find training.
safeTALK
safeTALK is a four-hour in-person workshop from LivingWorks that equips participants to recognize the signs of suicide, engage the person and connect them to further support. Learn more and find training.
PsychArmor Online Learning
The Arizona Coalition for Military Families and Be Connected program are pleased to partner with PsychArmor to provide high-quality online training. There are dozens of courses to choose from to learn at your own pace. Register for an account and explore your training options (please click the Start Learning button in the box on the right-hand side of the page).
Military Immersion Training
Military Immersion Training is the ultimate opportunity for civilians to experience a slice of military life. Held in partnership with the Arizona National Guard, these trainings have provided immersive learning and the opportunity for civilian and military personnel to connect. We hope to offer these trainings again in the future!
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Training
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This course is about how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to work with people at risk for suicide—and their families—to reduce access. Learn more and find other training offered by Zero Suicide Institute.
