Frequently Asked Questions

NEA Ambassadors is a national community of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by eczema. Ambassadors are adults living with eczema and caregivers—such as parents or loved ones—who use their lived experience to create meaningful change.

By sharing their perspectives, raising awareness, participating in advocacy efforts and contributing to research initiatives, Ambassadors help ensure that the needs of the eczema community are understood and represented.

As an NEA Ambassador, you help elevate the voices and experiences of people affected by eczema.

Depending on your interests and the opportunities available, you may:

• Share your lived experience with researchers, healthcare providers, legislators, industry partners or the public.
• Raise awareness about eczema within your community and networks.
• Participate in advocacy efforts supporting access to care, research funding and patient-centered policies.
• Contribute to research and engagement opportunities that advance understanding of eczema.
• Connect with fellow Ambassadors and help strengthen the eczema community.

You are not expected to participate in every opportunity. You can choose activities that align with your interests, experience, availability and well-being.

The program is open to U.S. residents age 18 and older who are living with eczema or caregivers of a person(s) with eczema (such as a parent or loved one of someone with eczema).

Currently, the NEA Ambassadors program is limited to U.S. residents due to U.S.-based research and advocacy events. If you live outside of the U.S and are interested in sharing your story or organizing an event, please contact us. You can also join our global NEA community on social media! Follow our social media channels @NationalEczema, and/or plan on attending our annual conference Eczema Expo.

As an Ambassador, you can:

• Make a meaningful impact on eczema care, research and advocacy.
• Help ensure that people affected by eczema are represented in important conversations and decisions.
• Raise awareness and educate others about the realities of living with eczema.
• Build advocacy, communication and leadership skills.
• Connect with fellow Ambassadors across the country.
• Access exclusive training, educational opportunities and engagement experiences.

Most importantly, you will help build a future in which people affected by eczema have greater support, better treatment options and a stronger voice.

Required onboarding consists of:

1. The Ambassador Foundations course; and
2. One learning track course, such as Eczema Research 101, Eczema Advocacy 101, or Community Outreach 101.

These courses provide the foundational information you need to understand the Ambassador role and prepare for engagement opportunities.

Yes. You are welcome to complete additional courses based on your interests. Learning about multiple areas can prepare you to participate in a wider range of Ambassador opportunities.

Existing Ambassadors must complete the updated onboarding and active-status requirements by December 31, 2027, to maintain active Ambassador status beginning in 2028.

This includes:

• Completing the Ambassador Foundations course.
• Completing one learning track course,
• One learning track course, such as Eczema Research 101, Eczema Advocacy 101, or Community Outreach 101.
• Completing one additional Ambassador training beyond the updated onboarding.
• Participating in at least one qualifying Ambassador opportunity.

The updated courses offer an opportunity to refresh your knowledge, understand current program expectations and prepare for meaningful ways to participate. Beginning in 2028, maintaining active status will allow you to continue participating as a current NEA Ambassador and access select opportunities available to active Ambassadors.

Ambassadors are expected to:

• Complete the required onboarding.
• Represent the eczema community professionally and respectfully.
• Follow program policies and participation guidelines.
• Stay informed by visiting the Ambassador site and reading the monthly Ambassador e-newsletter.
• Uphold NEA’s Code of Conduct and Engagement Best Practices.
• Complete the requirements needed to maintain active Ambassador status.

Your lived experience is valuable, but no single person’s story represents everyone affected by eczema. Ambassadors are encouraged to speak authentically about their own experiences while recognizing that eczema affects people differently.

No. You may share your own experience, but you should not present it as medical advice or suggest that what worked for you will work for everyone.

When answering questions about eczema or treatment, direct people to trusted resources such as NEA’s website and encourage them to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

To maintain active status, you must complete the following by December 31 of the calendar year after the year you join the program:

• Complete one additional Ambassador training beyond the two courses required for onboarding.
• Participate in at least one qualifying Ambassador opportunity.

For example, an Ambassador who joins in 2026 has through December 31, 2027, to complete the additional training and qualifying opportunity.

Maintaining active status allows you to continue participating as a current NEA Ambassador and provides access to select opportunities available to active Ambassadors.

Qualifying opportunities involve taking an active role in advancing NEA’s mission. Examples may include:

• Using an IRL Toolkit.
• Presenting during a Journal Club.
• Participating in Virtual Hill Day.
• Serving on an advisory committee.
• Joining a focus group.
• Piloting a NEA research survey.
• Participating as a Patient or Caregiver Panelist. 
• Responding to Action Alerts. 
• Sharing your experience in an NEA podcast or article

Opportunities are posted on the Ambassador Events & Opportunities Calendar. Individual opportunity descriptions will indicate what participation involves.

Attending a general meeting, such as an Ambassadors Huddle or Advocacy Gathering, does not count as a qualifying opportunity. However, taking an active role, such as presenting during a Journal Club, does count.

Upcoming activities are posted on the Ambassador Events & Opportunities Calendar and shared through the monthly Ambassador e-newsletter.

Visit the Ambassador site and read Ambassador communications regularly so you do not miss opportunities that may interest you.

The time commitment varies depending on the opportunities you choose. Some activities may take only a few minutes, while others may involve training, preparation, meetings or follow-up.

To remain active, you must complete one additional training and one qualifying opportunity within the active-status timeframe. Beyond those requirements, you can select opportunities that fit your schedule and interests.

NEA Ambassadors are volunteers, and most opportunities do not include payment.

Some opportunities may offer an honorarium in recognition of the time, preparation, expertise or level of participation required. When an opportunity includes an honorarium, NEA will communicate the amount, expectations, payment details and any required documentation in advance.

All Ambassadors should review and follow:

• The Code of Conduct.
• The Engagement Best Practices Guide.
• Any instructions or participation guidelines provided for a specific opportunity.

These resources help create a respectful, inclusive and productive experience for Ambassadors, NEA staff and community partners.

For all questions about the Ambassador program, contact the NEA Ambassadors team at neaambassadors@nationaleczema.org.