Are you or anyone else from your club interested in getting even more involved with supporting NAMI? Talk with your local NAMI Affiliate about the potential for volunteer or employment opportunities! There are so many different ways to support NAMI. You can support occasional events, support administrative work, and if your 18+ years old you're eligible to train to be a program leader. NAMI values all lived experiences with mental health and highlights that through the many educational and supportive programs. If interested in becoming a program leader, most programs will require you to first become a NAMI member under your local NAMI Affiliate. If you are not already a member you can click here (link) to see the membership options. 

Listed below are some great programs to start with that don't require too much of a time commitment.

NAMI Ending the Silence 

NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation that helps middle and high school aged youth learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.

This would be a great way to share your personal story with younger students. As you can remember, things feel more impactful when you hear it from someone closer to your age or a peer. Presenting as a young adult speaker or as a lead speaker you shine a light on the importance of student mental health through a series of slides, videos, and your personal experience. You may even have an opportunity to promote the NAMI On Campus High School program!
 

Requirements:

• NAMI Membership
• Young adult presenter- a young adult aged 18-35 in recovery with a mental health condition 
• Lead presenter- an adult who is either a family member or a person with a mental health condition
• Availability to present (talk with affiliate about if they have any time requirements)
• Approved by their local NAMI Affiliate

 

What to expect:

• Certification:
  • Online training
  • Practice session for approval of local NAMI Affiliate
• Presenting:
  • Local NAMI Affiliate will coordinate with you for presentations based on your availability
• Time Commitment:
  • Presentations last about 50-60 minutes in person or virtually, not including setup or travel time
  • The online training is self-paced and the practice session can last up to 4 hours.
  • The more availability you have, the more likely you'll be called upon for presentations

NAMI In Our Own Voice  

NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health conditions. These free, 40-, 60- or 90-minute presentations provide a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition.
 
This presentation is open to all audiences to hear open and honest perspectives on a highly misunderstood topic. It provides an opportunity for the community to ask leaders questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions.

Requirements:

• NAMI Membership
• Adult in recovery with a mental health condition
• Availability to present (talk with affiliate about if they have any time requirements)
• Approved by their local NAMI Affiliate

 

What to expect:

• Certification:
  • Online training prior to live training
  • Live in-person or virtual training
  • Approval of local NAMI Affiliate
• Presenting:
  • Local NAMI Affiliate will coordinate with you for presentations based on your availability
• Time Commitment:
  • Presentations last about 50-60 minutes in person or virtually, not including setup or travel time
  • The online training is self-paced, and the live training will take 8 hours
  • The more availability you have, the more likely you'll be called upon for presentations 

Do you have more time that you want to dedicate to serving your community? Consider talking with your affiliate to see what other programs you would like to get involved in. To see more NAMI Programs, click here.