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Become A BTL Volunteer

The only qualifications necessary to become a volunteer for Bridges To Life are a willing heart, listening ear, and desire to help others! Volunteers need not be of a particular religious background or possess counseling-related credentials or experience. Volunteers may participate as a crime victim speaker, as a small group facilitator, or in both roles. 

(If you would like to be contacted by the Regional Coordinator in your area to learn more about volunteering, let us know!)

STEP 1:  Get TDCJ Volunteer Approval

To be a volunteer in a Texas prison, you must be approved by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ):

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  • Complete a TDCJ Volunteer Application form, either online OR using the downloadable form (English or Spanish). (In Program of Interest section, check box for Chaplaincy; then check box for OTHER and enter Bridges To Life.)

  • Submit the completed online application, OR print out the downloaded form, sign, and mail to: 
        Volunteer Services
        2 Financial Plaza, Suite 472
        Hunstville, TX 77340

  • Once your application has been received (call 936-437-3026 to confirm), sign up online to attend an
    in-person TDCJ training. Trainings are held at prisons throughout the state and last 4 hours.

STEP 2:  Get BTL Volunteer Training

After becoming an approved TDCJ volunteer, you must attend a Bridges To Life Volunteer Training. (If you are interested in volunteering only in non-prison facilities, TDCJ approval is not necessary.)

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  • Consult the Our Staff page to find the BTL Regional Coordinator in your area.

  • Call or email your Regional Coordinator to arrange a Volunteer Facilitator and/or Crime Victim Speaker training.

  • For the training (by Skype or Zoom), you will be mailed a Facilitator Manual, Restoring Peace curriculum book and study guide, and name badge.

  • Note: Some alternative facilities may require their own training in addition to BTL Volunteer Training.

________________________________________________For volunteer requirements in states other than Texas, consult your state's Department of Corrections.

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