Version 2.3

ICE Tea Academy Overview

Learn how the Academy works and how to get certified.

4 min readΒ·Qualified Lesson

ICE Tea Academy Overview

Core Module (All Tracks)

Info

Welcome to the ICE Tea Academy. This is your starting point to learn the tools, roles, and responsibilities that help protect our communities.

We train volunteers to monitor, report, and resist ICE activity through community-led safety strategies.
If you’re new, this guide explains how the Academy works, how progress is tracked, and how you can move toward trusted roles.


What Is the ICE Tea Academy?

The Academy is a training space designed to:

  • πŸ“š Equip you with actionable knowledge
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Prepare you for field and support roles
  • βœ… Verify your understanding for dispatch trust

Courses are either Qualified (read-and-attest) or Certified (test-based with reviews).
Both help us build coordinated, safe responses to ICE and law enforcement activity.


How Certification Works

Your progress moves through three stages. Each stage builds trust and unlocks new roles.

LevelHow to CompleteUnlocksTypical Time
VerifiedFill out intake form (skills, interests)Observer roles, basic updates~5 minutes
QualifiedRead course, mark as completeField support, dispatch visibility, prep roles10–30 mins/course
CertifiedComplete test/reflection, coordinator reviewLead roles, sensitive data access, coordination toolsVaries by role

Hint

Not sure where to start? Take the Role Finder Quiz (coming soon).

If you don’t pass a Certified course on the first try, no problem β€” coordinators will help you review and you can retake it.


Roles You Can Be Certified For

After completing the needed tracks, you can be certified for:

  • 🧀 Field Support – On-site, safety-conscious roles
  • πŸ“ž Dispatch & Coordination – Remote communications, logistics, and recordkeeping
  • πŸ‘₯ Community Liaison – Outreach, language access, and local connections
  • 🚫 No-Contact Roles – Admin, tech, research, or secure back-end operations

Each role links to specific training.
See full role descriptions here.


Callout Types in the Academy

We use different callout styles to keep courses clear and scannable:

πŸŒ€ Info

Info

For guidance and general tips.
Example: "This tool is most useful for quick field assessments."

⚠️ Warning

Warning

Highlights risk or safety concerns.
Example: "Never share undocumented individuals’ names or locations publicly."

βœ… Success

Success

Marks milestones or completion.
Example: "Your profile is verified and ready for dispatch calls."

πŸ’‘ Hint

Hint

Offers shortcuts or optional advice.
Example: "Use the β€˜#urgent’ tag only for active ICE sightings."

πŸ”₯ Critical

Important

Marks non-optional actions or vital safety steps.
Example: "Never act alone during in-person field interventions."

πŸ“š Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole

Optional deep dives for extra learning.
Example: "Explore the history of community copwatching movements."


Progress Tracking

Soon, you’ll be able to see your verification, qualification, and certification status in your dashboard.
Your dashboard will show:

  • Which courses you’ve completed
  • Which roles you’re cleared for
  • Next steps to advance (tests, coordinator reviews)

What Should I Do First?

Start here:

  1. πŸ“‘ ICE Tea Watch – Learn the public reporting tool
  2. πŸ“ How to Report – Learn what to include and what to avoid

From there, explore tracks based on your goals: field safety, dispatcher, medic, legal, or liaison work.

Success

Once you're ready, continue to the next course and mark it as complete when you're done.
Progress = Trust = More ways to protect your community.

⬅️ Back to Dashboard

πŸ“˜ Knowledge Check

What is the primary purpose of the ICE Tea Academy?

Certified courses require a reviewed assessment or reflection.

Which callout is used to indicate an optional deep dive?

Qualified courses require passing a quiz to complete.

Which of these are goals of the ICE Tea Academy?


🚫 You must register and log in to mark this lesson as qualified. Registering helps us track progress, verify training, and build trust across our network.

You can use your Dispatch login here if you already created an account there. Likewise, creating an account here will let you use the same credentials on Dispatch.

Complete and pass the quiz above to unlock this button. You’ll need at least 80% correct.