Volunteer with the Facial Pain Association

The FPA is a volunteer-led organization and as such, we greatly value all who offer their time and talents for the benefit of the facial pain community. There are several ways to volunteer with the FPA and we will be adding new opportunities when they become available.

Read the FPA Volunteer Guidelines

Apply to become an FPA Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Support Group Leader or Co-Leader

The FPA manages a network of in-person and virtual support groups across the United States, and in collaboration with peer organizations in other countries. Groups meet anywhere from a few times per year, to monthly or weekly. Support group meetings provide opportunities to learn about topics of interest through educational presentations and guest speakers as well as supportive time for caring, sharing, and networking with other attendees. FPA Support Group meetings are free and open to anyone affected by facial pain. Some groups offer custom support for young patients (under 40) or family and friends. No specific skills, educational background, or experiences are required to serve as a Support Group Leader.

FPA Support Groups are led by volunteers – they are people affected by facial pain, just like you. The FPA conducts a structured vetting and training process to choose and onboard new support group leaders, and provides ongoing educational opportunities and peer mentorship for new volunteers.

Support Group Leaders schedule and coordinate meetings in their local communities and/or via Zoom. Leaders gather input from the group and secure speakers on topics of interest. The FPA provides ongoing help for our Leaders to ensure they have everything they need to run successful groups.

Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentor Program is an important part of the FPA’s commitment to substantially increase the number of people we reach in the facial pain community including those living with neuropathic facial pain, their caregivers, and the medical community. The FPA believes personal contact with others affected by facial pain is critical, and connects thousands of people to our carefully selected Peer Mentors.

FPA Peer Mentors are trained volunteers who respond to inquiries from those affected by facial pain. Volunteers strive to communicate with empathy, honesty, and reassurance. The FPA provides volunteers with training, support, and educational resources. The FPA welcomes Peer Mentor volunteers from varied backgrounds, life experiences, and medical histories. No specific skills, educational background, or experiences are required to serve as a Peer Mentor. 

Become a Peer Mentor and ‘pay it forward’ as you provide support for others affected by facial pain. Share what you have learned and connect people to information.

Special Projects

Do you have an expertise or ability that you think may benefit the FPA? From time to time, the FPA needs volunteers to assist with programs and projects such as:

  • Translating materials
  • Event production, support
  • Grant writing
  • Patient advocacy
  • Patient advisory for research studies
  • Social media moderation

Please contact Regina at [email protected] and let us know you want to help.

View or Download the Patient Guide

Learn more about neuropathic facial pain, including how to get a diagnosis, treatments, and more by viewing or downloading our free patient guide.

By filling out the form below, you will receive a free FPA Patient Guide and periodic updates on the management and treatment of facial pain conditions. We do not share this information with any outside sources.

By filling out the form below, you will receive a free FPA Patient Guide and periodic updates on the management and treatment of facial pain conditions. We do not share this information with any outside sources.