While You’re Waiting for TC4VETS

Patience with T’ai Chi Chih’s long, slow weight shifts is a constant friend and ally in the TC4VETS process certification to teach. As we wait, there are valuable actions to take.

Establish connections and confidence in yourself as an instructor. Contact the VA Volunteer Services to offer a weekly pro bono class to introduce yourself and TCC to their trusted network of medical professionals who can help provide referral numbers for veteran participants. TIP: Ask to be located in your preferred VA Hospital/Clinic at your preferred time. Anticipate one month for volunteer processing; two months of weekly VA classes prior to your Go Live date; and at least two months before classes evolve from functional to operational.

Establish classes at other locations after TC4VETS is operational. Create offsite classes that don’t compete with VA system classes. VFW locations are not VA facilities. TIP: Classes held at VA Hospitals/ Clinics are not eligible for Optum payments. VA class funding comes from another source, not the Community Care Network through which we are participating.

Research, contact and meet with the Commander(s) of your local VFW post(s) to discuss and plan for TC4VETS. Few VA and VFW officials are aware of this program. TIP: Request a copy of Marcus Julian Carbo’s wonderful guidelines for approaching veterans’ communities.

Locate and collaborate with a veteran T’ai Chi/Qigong buddy in your region. Someone connected in the VA system can help guide you through VA processes. They don’t need to be a TCC instructor. TIP: Join TaijiFit Instructors Share Network on Facebook and the TCC Teacher Circle Facebook group.

Attend as many live TaijiFit sessions as possible. Use your first and last name on screen to get continuing education credits. Credits are for in-person attendance only. TIP: 12 credits are required annually, based on the signature date.

Consider and practice ways to lead each TCC movement without instructions, eliminating words such as left and right. TIP: For PTSD safety concerns, no corrections are allowed in TC4VETS classes. DDR recommends cues such as “this way” and “that way.” DDR also emphasizes leading in a style that’s applicable whether seated or standing. BEST TIP: If you participate in this program, invite cheerful patience to accompany your every step.