Building the skills communities need
Education and capacity building are central to how National VOAD supports its members and the communities they serve. The National Training & Development Institute (NTDI) brings together practical learning, peer exchange, and credentialed development to strengthen leadership and service across the disaster ecosystem.
Why NTDI
As we transition from Lead 2.0 into the National Training & Development Institute, NTDI expands access to high-quality training tailored to the realities of disaster response and long-term recovery. NTDI elevates skill development at scale by offering a mix of free, member-first courses and paid certification programs for advanced professional development.
What we offer
Free member courses
- Short, focused modules designed for frontline staff and volunteers.
- Topics include basic preparedness, coordination best practices, and rapid needs assessment.
- Self-paced and cohort-based options to fit busy schedules.
Paid certification programs
- In-depth, competency-based pathways for leaders and practitioners.
- Blend of online learning, instructor-led workshops, and applied projects.
- Industry-recognized credentials that validate leadership and technical expertise.
Core focus areas
NTDI centers its curriculum on the capabilities that matter most in disaster work:
- Leadership — adaptive decision-making, inclusive team building, and interagency coordination.
- Disaster preparedness — planning, risk reduction, and community engagement before a storm hits.
- Long-term recovery — case-based training on housing recovery, unmet needs coordination, and sustainable rebuilding.
- Community resilience — building local capacity, equity-driven recovery approaches, and preventative strategies.
How NTDI benefits members
- Scalable learning: Courses designed for individuals, teams, and entire organizations.
- Practical outcomes: Learning objectives tied to real-world competencies and organizational needs.
- Peer networks: Opportunities to connect with practitioners from across the VOAD movement and partner organizations.
- Continuity: Training that supports both immediate response and sustained, long-term recovery work.
Enroll and engage
- Members: Access the free course catalog and register for cohort-based sessions through the member portal.
- Non-members: Explore certification programs and public courses; consider membership for expanded access and reduced fees.
- Partners and trainers: Submit training proposals or request custom workshops tailored to your region’s needs.
Partners and accreditation
NTDI collaborates with national and local partners to align curriculum with best practices and professional standards. Certification programs are developed with subject-matter experts and are periodically reviewed to reflect evolving needs and evidence-based methods.
Get involved
Whether you’re a volunteer, program manager, or organizational leader, NTDI is designed to help you and your organization respond more effectively and build lasting resilience. Visit our NTDI page to view the course catalog, upcoming cohorts, and application details for certification tracks.