Lupus Volunteer Information
Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a volunteer with Hospital for Special Surgery’s lupus support programs. For decades, these programs have played an important role in supporting people living with lupus, as well as their families and caregivers, through education, connection, and peer support.
Volunteer opportunities vary by program and are matched to individual interests, skills, availability, and current program needs. Applicants are encouraged to share the areas in which they are most interested in contributing.
Lupus Volunteer Contact
Adam Ramsey
Email: ramseya@hss.edu
Tel: 646.797.8914
Application Timeline
October 2026: Application is live
December 18, 2026: Application closes
January–February 2027: Candidates Interviewed and Selected
March–May 2027: Training and Onboarding for New Volunteers
Below are three main Lupus support programs offering volunteer opportunities:
LupusLine® is a free, national telephone-based peer support program offering one-on-one emotional support and education to people with lupus. Since 1988, trained volunteers who live with lupus or care for someone who does have provided scheduled support calls to those seeking guidance. After an initial intake, callers are thoughtfully matched with a peer who understands the challenges of living with lupus. Services are available throughout the New York tri-state area, across the U.S., and internationally.
Becoming a LupusLine Counselor
TheLupusLine® Peer Support Counselor provides emotional support for individuals with an SLE diagnosis. It's vital that these volunteers create a safe space for callers to share their experience and provide them with a confidant who understands first-hand what they're going through.
Since the LupusLine® was founded at Hospital for Special Surgery in 1988, it has strived to reduce feelings of isolation in the lupus community.
By connecting people who are newly diagnosed with experienced volunteers who understand the lupus journey firsthand, LupusLine® offers a unique source of peer support, understanding, and encouragement. These connections help individuals navigate the challenges of living with lupus, from diagnosis and throughout their journey
Serving as a LupusLine® Peer Support Counselor provides a rewarding opportunity to support others with lupus, build connections with a community of fellow counselors, and expandyour knowledge through ongoing education about the disease.
Peer Support Counselors
- Support callers emotionally in a safe and uplifting environment
- Provide counselor-caller relationship with a focus on adaptive problem solving
- Help callers understand symptoms without giving medical advice, referring to medical providers when appropriate
Peer Counselor Requirements
- 18+ years of age
- Have a confirmed SLE diagnosis of at least 2 years
- Attend a comprehensive training program to ensure preparedness for taking callers
- Attend quarterly meetings with the LupusLine coordinator and other counselors to continue education and build community
- Available to volunteer at least 2 hours a week
Successful Peer Counselors Are
- Interested in continued learning about the disease
- Organized with administrative tasks
- Excellent communicators and good listeners
- Technology savy
Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® is a sister program to LupusLine® that provides free, culturally responsive support and advocacy to individuals with lupus, particularly in historically underserved Latino and African American communities but is available to any individual with lupus. The program offers peer health education through trained volunteers, with a focus on bilingual support. Services include monthly support groups for teens, young adults, and parents; one-on-one counseling provided in person, by phone, and via telehealth; community presentations; participation in health fairs; and engagement in national conferences. Charla operates on-site at several hospitals, including HSS.
Becoming a Charla de Lupus Volunteer
Volunteers play an important role in supporting the Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® Program and its mission to provide culturally relevant education, support, and resources for people living with lupus, their families, and the community.
Volunteer opportunities may include supporting program operations and outreach as well as special events and educational programs, based on current program needs.
Volunteers may assist Charla program staff with activities that support the ongoing coordination and delivery of the program. Volunteers may also assist with Charla educational programs, support groups, community outreach activities, and special events in-person.
Program & Administrative Support
- Supporting general administrative and program-related tasks
- Assisting with participant outreach, reminder calls, and program communications
- Assisting with mailings and the distribution of educational materials and resources
- Assisting with data entry and maintaining program records and information
- Researching relevant community resources and educational materials
- Supporting the preparation and organization of program materials
- Assisting with participant feedback and program evaluation activities
Events & Program Support
- Supporting pre-event planning and preparation
- Assisting with event setup and breakdown
- Welcoming participants and supporting registration/check-in
- Distributing program materials and resources
- Supporting participant engagement and event logistics
- Assisting with outreach and awareness activities
- Supporting the collection of participant feedback and evaluations
Skills & Qualities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A welcoming, respectful, and compassionate approach when engaging with program participants
- Reliability, organization, and attention to detail
- Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Collaborating with program staff and other volunteers
- Interest in learning about lupus, health education, and the communities Charla serves
- Comfort with basic technology and administrative tools
LANtern® (Lupus Asian Network) is the only national program to provide lupus peer support and education tailored for the Asian community while serving all individuals and families affected by lupus. Culturally relevant bilingual (Chinese/ English) resources and education programs are available. LANtern's Support Line and support groups provide one-on-one peer counseling and facilitate meaningful connection. With the support of our Advisory Board, collaborating community partners and volunteers, LANtern continues to create networks of hope for people living with lupus.
Becoming a LANtern Volunteer
A Peer Health Educator (PHE) is a trained volunteer with lived experience of lupus who supports others facing the disease. Their firsthand understanding helps build trust, encourages open conversations, and reassures patients that they are being heard and understood.
Becoming a Peer Health Educator is an opportunity to empower others, expand your health knowledge, and help develop leadership skills while building meaningful connections within the lupus community.
We will provide training to help volunteers use their experience effectively as a special skill for supporting and empowering others. As Peer Health Educators, volunteers also learn to provide basic information about lupus and its treatments, while helping individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to better manage their illness.
Volunteers are expected to complete 100 to 120 hours of service and commit to supporting the program for at least one year.
How PHE Supports People with Lupus
- Provide one-on-one support over the phone from the comfort of their homes
- Offer a listening ear and encouragement as individuals adjust to life with lupus
- Share coping strategies to help manage stress and promote well-being
- Connect patients with helpful community resources and support services
- Help patients better understand lupus and available treatment options
- Support patients in communicating confidently with their healthcare team
Additional Ways to Get Involved
- Event planning & support for special events
- Health fairs and community outreach efforts
- Public forum presentations and personal testimonials that help raise lupus awareness
- Administrative and program support through coordination, data entry, attendance tracking, and operational assistance
- Technical support with virtual meeting platforms, completing forms, and accessing digital educational resources
- Research, writing, and educational initiatives
Who Can Become a Peer Health Educator
- Have personal experience with lupus, either by living with the condition for at least two years or by supporting a loved one diagnosed with lupus
- Demonstrate strong communication skills, self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to supporting people with lupus and their families
- Are comfortable communicating in English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) to support program participants
- Complete specialized training and ongoing learning opportunities to prepare them to provide peer support
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently there are volunteer opportunities within the following programs: Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)®, LANtern® (Lupus Asian Network) , and LupusLine®. Please review each program description to determine which opportunity best aligns with your interests and experience.
Yes. If you are interested in multiple programs, please indicate your preferences on the application. Placement will depend on program needs, your qualifications, language abilities, and availability.
Volunteer opportunities and eligibility requirements may vary by program. Individuals living with lupus, family members, caregivers, and others interested in supporting our mission are encouraged to apply.
Application Timeline
October 2026: Application is live
December 18, 2026: Application closes
January–February 2027: Candidates Interviewed and Selected
March–May 2027: Training and Onboarding for New Volunteers
Contact:
Adam Ramsey
Email: ramseya@hss.edu
Tel: 646.797.8914
Yes. Selected volunteers will receive specific training before beginning volunteer activities.
Time commitments vary by program. Please refer to each program description. We encourage applicants to be realistic about their availability before applying.
Volunteer opportunities may be virtual, in person, or hybrid, depending on program needs and event schedules. Please indicate which format(s) you are interested in.
Certain programs may require proficiency in languages other than English, such as Spanish or Chinese languages. Language requirements are outlined in the individual program descriptions.
Some volunteer roles involve direct interaction with patients or community members, while others focus on education, administration, or program support. Please review the role descriptions for details.
Yes. Volunteering can provide valuable experience in patient support, health education, community outreach, advocacy, and nonprofit programming.
Apply to Become a Lupus Volunteer
Providing structured peer support for those affected with lupus.