Why Volunteer With AcuWellness5NP?

There are three powerful reasons people feel inspired and passionate about helping expand access to the 5-Needle Ear Acupuncture Protocol (5NP):

1. Social justice roots.

5NP was born out of community activism in the 1970s Bronx. It was developed as a grassroots response to the heroin crisis—at a time when government services were failing to respond with respect or effectiveness. That spirit of empowerment and care lives on in our work today.

2. Community-based healing.

5NP was specifically designed to be taught and shared within the community. Community members trained each other to serve their neighbors in familiar, accessible spaces. It’s a true example of people helping people—and it still works.

3. A purpose-driven community.

Those called to offer 5NP are some of the most compassionate, selfless people you’ll ever meet. Volunteering with AW5NP means working alongside individuals who genuinely care about helping others heal and thrive.

You don’t need to be trained in 5NP to make a difference.

We have many volunteer roles available that don’t involve needling but still play a vital part in delivering this supportive, low-cost therapy to those in need. Whether you bring organizational skills, outreach abilities, event support, or something else—there’s a place for you here.

Join us and be part of a community-led response to the behavioral health challenges so many people face. Together, we can help bring calm, dignity, and healing where it’s needed most.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering is more than just giving back—it’s about growing as a person, building meaningful connections, and becoming part of something much bigger than yourself. At AcuWellness5NP, you’ll experience all three.

🌱 Personal Growth

Every volunteer role—whether or not it involves needling—keeps you close to a powerful, calming modality that helps people heal from within. As a volunteer, you’ll have regular opportunities to receive 5NP treatments yourself or share them with loved ones. Even beyond the treatments, the simple act of supporting others can bring more hope and peace into your own life.

🤝 Meet Extraordinary People

The 5NP community—across the country and around the world—is full of kind, purpose-driven individuals who are motivated not by money, but by a deep desire to serve.

Our founders, Nobi and Chuck, were inspired by their experience at the 2016 NADA Conference in Albuquerque, where they met pioneers like Dr. Michael Smith, Carlos Alvarez, and Dr. Libby Stuyt. That same energy still fuels their passion today—and they’re excited to welcome new volunteers who share that spirit.

🌍 Be Part of Something Bigger

From natural disasters and systemic trauma to burnout among frontline workers, the need for emotional healing is overwhelming—and growing. People from all walks of life are struggling with chronic stress, addiction, and hopelessness.

5NP stands out because it’s simple, nonverbal, and deeply respectful. There’s no need to talk about trauma or re-live painful stories. The treatment itself offers calm, clarity, and connection—and its grassroots delivery model allows us to serve far more people, more efficiently.

By volunteering with AW5NP, you help expand access to this safe, affordable, and deeply supportive therapy—improving wellness not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities.

Are you ready to be part of something that matters? We can’t wait to welcome you into the AW5NP family.

Ways You Can Help

There are many ways to support AcuWellness5NP’s mission—whether you're behind the scenes or on the front lines. Here are just a few of the volunteer roles we’re looking to fill:

🧘 Event & Clinic Support

Help our clinics run smoothly by assisting with room setup and takedown, handing out flyers and information, gathering informed consent signatures, and answering basic questions about the 5NP procedure. Your support allows our Auricular Acu-Technicians (AATs) to focus fully on providing treatments.

📣 Social Media, Graphic Design & Community Outreach

Help us raise awareness about 5NP across Southern Arizona. Whether you’re skilled in social media, visual design, or building community relationships, your creativity and communication can make a big impact.

💸 Fundraising Support

Play a critical role in helping us secure the resources needed to expand our reach. From assisting with grant applications and donor outreach to helping with fundraising events, there are many ways to get involved.

Every volunteer effort—big or small—helps bring this healing therapy to more people in need.

FAQs

Q: Do I need any prior experience or training to volunteer?

A: Not at all! You can come to an AW5NP clinic and receive a treatment to prepare, and we encourage you to explore some of the resources on ths website. You will get on the job training to volunteer to assist at clinics and events. For other volunteer roles, we will likely be training each other.

Q: Will you give us a script so that we know what to tell people?

A: We will remind you of a few questions to ask people before they receive a treatment (“Do you need to go to the bathroom?”) This is a nonverbal, nondiagnostic treatment, which is the 5NP  superpower. We do not have to ask potentially embarrassing or triggering questions to provide 5NP treatment. And we absolutely DO NOT offer lifestyle advice. A warm greeting and a pleasant, “See you next time” is the primary verbal interaction.

Q: How much time do I need to commit? 

A: It’s entirely up to you! We have flexible opportunities to fit your schedule. Our clinics generally run 2 hours and events, such as employee wellness events, often go for four hours. AW5NP is in this for the long haul and we don’t want our volunteers to burn out, so we will encourage you not to over do it. But you will really enjoy being around the 5NP AATs and volunteers, as well as the people you are helping to serve.

Thank you for considering joining our amazing team of volunteers. Together, we can make a real difference in our community!