The UpStander Program is the front door. It’s how someone who cares about loneliness — or who has lived it — moves from concern into ongoing practice.
The path
- Apply. Tell us a little about yourself and why you want to show up.
- Train. Complete the introductory Friendship Academy cohort.
- Match. Join a HUDDLE, Circle, or other long-term engagement.
- Stay. UpStanders aren’t volunteers logging hours — they’re members of a community of practice with ongoing support, supervision, and shared learning.
What we ask
We don’t ask for heroics. We ask for consistency: showing up when you said you would, being honest about your limits, staying in relationship even when it’s awkward. That’s it.
What we provide
- Training and continued education
- A community of fellow UpStanders to lean on
- Trauma-informed supervision and reflection space
- Real partnership — you’re never sent into a relationship alone