Chronic pain patients are often ignored, misunderstood, and undertreated.
We must work together to change that.
Become an ambassador
The U.S. Pain Ambassador Network isn’t just a network of volunteers–it’s a family. Many of our ambassadors form relationships that last a lifetime with their fellow pain warriors.
We also understand that, because of pain, finding the time and energy to volunteer can be difficult. That’s why the Ambassador Network is tailored to your needs and abilities. Many activities can be done from the comfort of your home. Examples of ambassador efforts:
- Host an information table or awareness event in your community (can be at a hospital, a library, a statehouse… anywhere!)
- Help distribute U.S. Pain materials and resources (e.g. ask to share with your doctor’s office, your local library, etc.)
- Participate in different awareness campaigns year-round, such as Pain Awareness Month or KNOWvember
- Participate in or host a fundraiser (online or in-person)
How it works:
- Sign up to become an ambassador by completing a short questionnaire (link below).
- After you complete the questionnaire, you’ll become a “junior ambassador.”
- Complete three tasks as a junior ambassador to earn the “ambassador” title and receive a certificate and ambassador package!
Ambassadors are eligible for special benefits, like trainings, webinars, and conferences. We hope you’ll join our ambassador family! If you have questions, email lori@uspainfoundation.org.
Ambassador toolkit
Once you sign up as an ambassador, you will receive a welcome email and a password to access the ambassador toolkit, which has resources to help you to maximize your impact on behalf of the chronic pain community. If you already are an ambassador and haven’t received the password, email lori@uspainfoundation.org.
Resources in the toolkit include:
- Ways to engage
- Proclamations resources
- Beautify in Blue resources
- Light up the Landmark resources
- Media policy
- Code of Conduct policy
And more!
Current opportunities
There are many ways to get involved. Here are just a few ideas!
- Participate in a U.S. Pain webinar or Twitter chat
- Share U.S. Pain posts on social media
- Take part in U.S. Pain surveys (usually sent via email or in eNews)
- Share your story
- Distribute U.S. Pain materials, like the INvisible Project, to your doctor’s office
- Host an information table at a local hospital, library, community center, health fair, etc.
- Give a talk at your workplace, school, or a local city council meeting about U.S. Pain and life with chronic pain
- Participate in Beautify in Blue by hanging U.S. Pain ribbons/signage in your town or other community location
- Annual efforts:
- Participate in Pain Awareness Month in September by obtaining a city or state proclamation; getting a landmark or building to light up in blue; or writing an op-ed
- Participate in Rare Disease Day each year on February 28 by hosting an information table or giving a talk
- Help commemorate Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in June through events, talks, etc.
- Attend a Take Control of Your Pain or other U.S. Pain event and help with setup, sign in, etc.
- Host an Alex and Ani or Bravelets fundraiser
- Host a fundraising event, like a Dine to Donate event or Points for Pain
- Sign up and participate in the Advocacy Network
- Refer another volunteer to sign up
For questions on how to get started, email lori@uspainfoundation.org.
Latest ambassador news
Pain Warrior of the Month
Pain Warriors of the Month are volunteers (ambassadors and/or advocates) who have gone above in beyond in contributing to U.S. Pain. Pain Warriors of the Month are announced in the newsletter each month and receive a certificate.
Past honorees:
The Joselynn Badman Ambassador of the Year Award
Nominations are being accepted NOW through Nov. 30, 2018.
A tribute to a fellow pain warrior who was active within U.S. Pain Foundation, The Joselynn Badman Ambassador of the Year Award is an annual recognition presented to a volunteer who has excelled in grassroots awareness and advocacy efforts for the pain community. The award is given to an ambassador and/or advocate who inspires others to make a positive difference by aligning with the organization’s mission to educate, connect, inform and empower pain warriors while advocating on behalf of the entire pain community.
How does the nomination process work?
U.S. Pain Foundation welcomes anyone to submit a nomination for an individual they feel deserves to be the recipient of this prestigious honor. The nominee, however, must be a pain ambassador, advocate and/or volunteer for U.S. Pain. The nomination committee is made up of five individuals from various departments within the organization, all of whom have direct contact with Pain Ambassadors and/or Advocates.
The nomination committee is charged with the following:
To select a U.S. Pain Foundation pain ambassador, advocate and/or volunteer who exemplifies a willingness to give back to the pain community through U.S. Pain Foundation-driven programs, initiatives and campaigns, while carrying out the organization’s mission to educate, connect, inform and empower those within the pain community.
Members of the nomination committee will additionally make its selection based on the nominee’s efforts and commitment of time, accomplishments, impact to the pain community and enhancement of the lives of others.
Nominations close on Nov. 30, 2018. Self-nominations are not permissible. The nominee will be notified that he/she has been recommended to receive the Ambassador of the Year Award and will then fill out additional information for the nomination committee to review.
Tips to make your nomination stand out
Past recipients
Pain ambassador and advocate since 2015, Michigan.
Learn more about Suzanne.
Pain ambassador and advocate since 2014, California.
Learn more about Michele.
About Joselynn Badman
An active and nurturing pain ambassador for several years, Joselynn Badman was an inspirational volunteer for others living with chronic pain who sought hope and support. Joselynn was able to provide comfort to those who felt their pain condition was not validated. A pain warrior since 2007, Joselynn learned to live life with pain and not in pain, despite the conditions she fought. While a volunteer for U.S. Pain Foundation, Joselynn was able to raise awareness within her state of Indiana, advocated for patient rights and educated others about issues impacting the chronic pain community.
In 2015, Joselynn courageously lost her pain battle, but her legacy lives on. Her willingness to always support the pain community for the greater good of others continues to shine throughout the efforts of the organization and those volunteers who were fortunate to have known Joselynn. She has inspired other ambassadors to become more actively involved with U.S. Pain Foundation initiatives and has touched the lives of each and every U.S. Pain team member.
U.S. Pain Foundation is honored to memorialize Joselynn’s dedication to the pain community through this unique and empowering award.