This is the third installment of a three-part series leading up to the exciting re-launch of the U.S. Pain Foundation Volunteer Network. You can read the first part here and the second part here.

Picture yourself driving on a long, winding road in the middle of the night, surrounded by darkness. The headlights cut through the shadows, but the way forward isn’t clear. Then, suddenly, your GPS chimes in—a calm voice directing you toward a destination you’ve been longing to reach. That voice doesn’t just guide you; it reassures you. It whispers, You’re not lost. You’re on your way.

Many of us living with chronic pain feel like we’re searching for purpose, especially when we’re traveling down life’s dark roads. But what if I told you there’s a way to illuminate your path—not only for yourself, but for others? What if I told you that your GPS for creating change starts with a single step: becoming a volunteer?

The Road to Connection

Joining the U.S. Pain Foundation Volunteer Network is like programming your personal GPS for purpose. It’s about charting a course that leads you to meaningful work, where your time and energy ripple outward to impact entire communities.

This year, the Volunteer Network is introducing exciting new “mile markers” on this journey:

• A Private Facebook Page: Consider this your hub—a roadside café where you can stop, connect, and recharge with like-minded travelers. Here, you can share ideas, celebrate successes, and find inspiration to fuel your drive. For those who aren’t on Facebook or who prefer a quick recap, we’ll also send a monthly update email with all the key information you need to keep you in the loop.
• Optional Monthly Zoom Meetings: Picture these as pit stops—a chance to check your map, refuel your passion, and recalibrate your course with others who share your mission. We will celebrate successes, talk about any problems or questions you’ve encountered, and discuss possible volunteer opportunities for the following month.
• Opportunities to Engage Locally: These are the scenic detours—moments where you’ll step out of your car and into the heart of your community. From organizing events to lending a hand in person, these opportunities will allow you to truly see the real-world impact of your journey.

Navigating the Darkness: From Isolation to Community

Think about that dark road again. It’s easy to feel lost or alone when you can’t see the light. But as more people join you, their headlights create a glow, turning the darkness into something bright and navigable. That’s the magic of collective action.

When we come together as volunteers, we’re not just moving forward individually; we’re lighting the way for others. Every shared story, every problem solved, every health care provider or lawmaker educated, every act of kindness—it all adds up, forming a supportive community where no one feels like they’re driving alone.

As you engage with U.S. Pain’s Volunteer Network, you’ll see how small actions lead to big impacts. One person spreads awareness about our online resources; another donates their time to organize an event. Soon, a ripple turns into a wave, and before you know it, you’re part of something greater than yourself.

Start Your Engine

So, here’s your call to action. The GPS has given you directions, but it’s up to you to start the engine. Sign up to be a volunteer. Plug into the community. Show up for the monthly Zooms. Step into those local opportunities.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be officially re-launching the U.S. Pain Volunteer Network! Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved and make a difference.

Let’s create a roadmap for change, together. Because the road out of the darkness isn’t paved by a single driver. It’s built by a convoy of people who believe in brighter destinations and are willing to lead the way.

The journey awaits. Are you ready to hit the road?

—Michele Rice, Patient Engagement Lead, U.S. Pain Foundation