Needs From: Baltimore County Volunteers

Mighty Monsters is a presentation in the style of a children's story that aims to teach 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders about the 5 core emotions - happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm. This interactive presentation helps children understand the basic emotions they experience and how to navigate them with the help of a trusted adult. Each 45-minute presentation features:

Mighty Monsters, a story of five monsters depicting each of the core emotions and hope to cope with and talk about each emotion. A post-reflection art activity, where students can draw or write about what makes them experience each emotion and draw themselves as a Mighty Monster!

Volunteer Role Requirements:

All potential program leaders are screened to determine whether the opportunity is a good fit for the individual and for the organization.Potential program leaders will complete a video training before attending a live interview to shadow/assist with a session to determine readiness for leading a session.Lead and/or assist Mighty Monsters presentations in 1st-3rd grade classroomsBring energy and enthusiasm to story-telling and leading activitiesAbility to manage a classroom of about 15-30 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gradersVolunteer Commitment: Volunteers are kindly asked to commit to providing 1 presentation per month for 1 year; however, the number of presentations a volunteer completes will be dependent on their availability and the demands of the program.Daytime availability is a must.Minimum Age: 16 years old

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Work cooperatively with co-presenters to conduct the presentation which includes a story followed by an activityVolunteers are responsible for gathering materials needed for the event from the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore office.Excess should be returned after event.Volunteers are contacted by the Youth & Young Adult Engagement Coordinator on an as-needed basis to present.Volunteers are responsible for providing the Youth & Young Adult Engagement Coordinator with their availability.Volunteers are required to report the number of participants to the Youth & Young Adult Engagement Coordinator

Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com!

Ending the Silence Presenters

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious mental illness and their families.

NAMI Ending the Silence is a free presentation led by 2 presenters: one lead presenter shares an informative presentation about mental health and a young adult presenter shares their personal story of living with a mental health condition, followed by Q&A.

The presentation can be adapted for three audiences: students, school staff, and families, and has been shown to is effective in improving middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help, both immediately after the presentation and after 4-6 weeks.

Presentations are typically held at the school, but can also be conducted virtually if need be. Volunteers are needed to help lead the presentations.

Lead Presenter Volunteer Responsibilities and Requirements:

Complete an online training and in-person/virtual half day training with the Program and Outreach Coordinator. Must be a family member or person with a mental health condition, and over 18 years of age Comfortable being out in the community and with public speaking, or have a willingness to learn General, working knowledge of mental illness and NAMI’s mission; Fact sheets and talking points will be provided

Young Adult Presenter Responsibilities and Requirements

Must be between 18-35 years of age Personal experience having a mental health condition and living well in recovery Comfortable with public speaking and sharing personal mental health journey in a school setting Complete an online training and in-person/virtual half-day training with the Program and Outreach Coordinator

Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com!

In Our Own Voice Presenter for Youth & Young Adults

Role Description: NAMI Metro Baltimore's In Our Own Voice for Youth and Young Adults was created as
part of NAMI’s initiative to involve young individuals living with mental illness in our effort to educate
the general public about mental illness. The goal is to change the attitudes, preconceived notions and
stereotypes of what individuals living with mental illness look and act like. Presentations are given to
consumers, health care providers, law enforcement officials, faith communities, students, and any other
community organization that is interested in learning more about mental illness and recovery. The
presentation format includes viewing a NAMI video about mental illness, personal testimony from 2
IOOV volunteers, and time for questions from the audience. Presentations can be run in 40-, 60-, or 90-
minutes. Presenters receive a $30 stipend for their service.

Location: Presentations are held throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
Reports to: Senior Director of Programs

Role Requirements:
▪ Young adult ages 18-26 with mental illness who is living well in recovery.
▪ Complete supplemental application to be an In Our Own Voice presenter.
▪ Experience in public speaking is helpful but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable
speaking in front of groups.
▪ Complete 8-hour online portal training and 1-day NAMI training course.
▪ Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join.
▪ Complete a NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Stipend Volunteer Agreement. Volunteers are responsible
for notifying the Volunteer Coordinator of changes to their IRS Form W-9 information on an annual
basis.
▪ Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are kindly asked to commit to providing 1 presentation per month
for 1 year.
▪ Minimum Age: 18 years old.

Volunteer Responsibilities:
▪ Work cooperatively with a co-presenter to conduct the presentation which includes speaking about the
topics of dark days, acceptance, treatment, coping skills, and successes, hopes, and dreams.
▪ Volunteers are responsible for gathering materials needed for the event from the NAMI Metropolitan
Baltimore office. Excess materials should be returned after the event.
▪ Volunteers are required to complete a Reporting Form and collect Evaluations from audience members.
These items must be returned to the Outreach Coordinator within 1-week of the presentation.
▪ Volunteers are contacted on an as-needed basis to present. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring the
Senior Director of Programs knows their availability

Representative for Community Events

 Role Description: NAMI participates in community events, fairs, and festivals to introduce the organization, its mission, and its resources to the community at large. Events are held at sites such as universities, faith-based institutions, and community organizations.

Location: Events are held throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Reports to: Volunteer & Outreach Manager

Role Requirements:

Volunteers will be asked to pick up resource materials from the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore office prior to the event date and return these items afterward. Comfortable being out in the community. Some venues may be crowded. “People skills” and a friendly face! May require sitting or standing for extended periods in variable weather conditions. General, working knowledge of mental illness and NAMI’s mission. Fact sheets and talking points will be provided. No formal training is required. May require lifting and carrying items of moderate weight to transport materials. NAMI membership is encouraged but not required. Volunteer Commitment: Outreach events are usually 2-6 hours and usually occur on weekends, though some take place during the week. Must be able to pick up and drop off materials at the NAMI Metro Baltimore office. Minimum Age: 14 years old with parent accompaniment or permission.  Staff the booth at the event, usually while working cooperatively with NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore staff and/or volunteers. T asks include greeting members of the public, answering general questions about NAMI, distributing resources and materials, and encouraging interested individuals to sign up for our email list.

Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com

NAMI Sharing Hope Facilitator

Role Description: NAMI Sharing Hope is a free safe space for people of Black/African Ancestry to have conversations about mental health and wellness. It was created by Black and Brown communities to give other Black and Brown communities a supportive and healing space in which they can be open about their struggles. NAMI Sharing Hope helps introduce these conversations through a three-part community conversation series grounded in the sharing of sacred stories and guided dialogue on mental wellness and support. We provide high-quality videos, facilitator guides, and other resources that you can use to organize community conversations rooted in sacred storytelling and ancestral wisdom. Facilitators will help prompt discussions about community needs and mental health challenges, as well as wellness and coping strategies. Separate segments are available for Families, Young People, and Community Leaders, and material can be adapted to diverse settings from churches to cafeterias to large celebrations, family gatherings, and more.

Location: Presentations are held throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Reports to: Director of Signature Programs

Role Requirements:

All potential program leaders are screened to determine whether the opportunity is a good fit for the individual and for the organization. Potential program leaders attend intensive online training followed by an in-person/virtual practice session to become certified All program leaders must be members of NAMI Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are kindly asked to commit to providing 1 presentation per month for 1 year; however, the number of presentations a volunteer completes will be dependent on their availability and the demands of the program. Must identify as part of the Black and/or African American community. Minimum Age: 18 years old Work cooperatively with a co-presenter to conduct the presentation which includes an informational presentation followed by a personal story Volunteers are responsible for gathering materials needed for the event from the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore office. Excess materials should be returned after the event.

Role Description: In Our Own Voice (IOOV) was created to involve individuals living with mental illness in NAMI’s national effort to educate the general public about mental illness. The goal is to change attitudes, preconceived notions and stereotypes about what individuals living with mental illness look and act like. Presentations are given to peers, health care providers, law enforcement officials, faith communities, students, and any other community organization that is interested in learning more about mental illness and recovery. The presentation format includes viewing a NAMI video about mental illness, personal testimony from 2 IOOV volunteers, and time for questions from the audience. In fiscal year 2018, NAMI Metro Baltimore volunteers provided over 170 presentations that reached more than 2,300 audience members! As a bonus, all In Our Own Voice presenters will receive a $30 stipend!

Location: Presentations are held both virtually and throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Reports to: Senior Director of Programs & Community Engagement

Role Requirements:

Adult with mental illness who is living well in recovery. Apply to IOOV program by completing a supplemental application and interview with Volunteer & Outreach Manager Experience in public speaking is helpful but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups. Complete an 8-hour training portal and 1 day virtual NAMI training course. Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join. Complete a NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Stipend Volunteer Agreement. Volunteers are responsible for notifying the Senior Director of Programs & Community Engagement of changes to their IRS Form W-9 information on an annual basis. Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are kindly asked to commit to providing 1 presentation per month for 1 year; however, the number of presentations a volunteer completes will be dependent on their availability and the demands of the program. Presentations are 40, 60, or 90 minutes. Minimum Age: 18 years old. In Our Own Voice Presenter Volunteers are responsible for gathering materials needed for the event from the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore office. Excess materials should be returned after the event. Volunteers are required to complete a Reporting Form and collect Evaluations from audience members. These items must be returned to the Senior Director of Programs & Community Engagement within 1 week of the presentation. Volunteers are contacted on an as-needed basis to present. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring the Senior Director of Programs & Community Engagement has their availability.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious mental illness and their families.

Volunteers help to serve as teachers for NAMI's Family-To-Family education course. This is a free, 8-week class for families and friends of adults with mental illness. The course is taught by two volunteer teachers who provide information about mental illness, as well as communication, problem solving skills, and strategies to support a loved one with a mental illness.

Role Requirements:
▪ Personal experience having an adult family member with a mental illness
▪ Complete a 2-day training program provided by NAMI after completing the Family-to-Family course as a participant 
▪ Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join
▪ Volunteers are encouraged to teach the course at least twice in the 2 years following completion of training. The course meets for 2 hours for eight consecutive weeks.

Volunteer Responsibilities:
▪ Maintain confidentiality of course participants
▪ Work cooperatively with a co-teacher to conduct the courses
▪ Coordinate classes with the Director of Signature Programs, including completion of all required paperwork
▪ Complete online refresher course every 2 years
▪ Assist with planning and outreach for the course

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious mental illness and their families.

Volunteers help to serve as Mentors for NAMI's Peer-to-Peer education course. This is a free, 8-week class for adults with a mental illness. Peer-to-Peer emphasizes recovery from mental illness as a feasible, supportable goal and challenges the stigma often wrongly associated with mental illness. Volunteer Mentors receive a $250 stipend for their service.

Role Requirements:
▪ Personal experience having a mental illness and living well in recovery
▪ Participated in a Peer-to-Peer course ▪ Complete an 8-hour online training and a 2 day Zoom training provided by NAMI
▪ Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join
▪ Volunteers are encouraged to teach the course at least twice in the 2 years following completion of training. The course meets for 2 hours for eight consecutive weeks.

Volunteer Responsibilities:
▪ Maintain confidentiality of course participants
▪ Work cooperatively with a co-teacher to conduct the course
▪ Coordinate classes with Program Director, including completion of all required paperwork
▪ Complete online refresher course every 2 years
▪ Assist with planning and outreach for the course
▪ Encourage class participants to join NAMI and become advocates

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious mental illness and their families.

Volunteers help to serve as Support Group Facilitators for NAMI's Family Support Group program. Support Group Facilitators provide support, education, and practical knowledge to other people living with mental illness and family members. Groups meet weekly under the guidance of two Volunteer Facilitators.

Role Requirements:
▪ Personal experience having an adult family member with a mental illness
▪ Complete a 2-day training program provided by NAMI
▪ Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join
▪ Volunteers are kindly asked to make a 1-year commitment upon completion of training. Facilitators are scheduled on a rotating basis; minimum 3 hours per month

Volunteer Responsibilities:
▪ Facilitators are not counselors or teachers; instead, they are primarily present to give the group structure by opening and closing each support group session, guiding the discussion, and shifting the discussion when necessary
▪ Maintain confidentiality of support group attendees
▪ Work cooperatively with a co-facilitator to conduct the group
▪ Report attendance to the Director of Signature Programs

NAMI Connection Peer Support Group Facilitator

Role Description: NAMI Connection Peer Support Groups follow a peer-based, mutual support group model that provides an opportunity for individuals living with mental illness to share and learn from their common experience. Groups are a safe space to confront the challenges that all people with mental illness face, regardless of diagnosis. Facilitators offer support, information, and practical knowledge to people living with mental illness. Facilitators are not counselors or teachers; rather, they are present primarily to give the group structure by opening and closing each support group session, guiding discussion, and shifting discussion when necessary. Groups meet weekly under the guidance of 2 volunteer facilitators.

Location: Support Groups are held both virtually and throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Reports to: Director of Signature Programs or Outreach Coordinators

Role Requirements:

Personal experience having a mental illness and living well in recovery. Willingness to share one’s own lived experience with mental illness. Strong commitment to supporting individuals dealing with mental illness. Attend 2-3 Peer Support Group sessions Apply to become a volunteer facilitator by completing a supplemental application and interview with the Director of Programs & Outreach. Complete a 2-day NAMI training course and subsequent refresher requirements. Participation in a Peer-to-Peer course and Connection Peer Support Group is encouraged. Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join. Responsible, good organizational skills, strong people skills. Desire to facilitate and commitment to adhere to the NAMI support group model. Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are asked to make a 1-year commitment upon completion of training. Facilitators are scheduled on a rotating basis; minimum 2 hours per month. Minimum Age: 18 years old. Work cooperatively with the co-facilitator to conduct the group. Respect the privacy of support group attendees by creating an environment of confidentiality in the program setting and by holding in confidence sensitive, private, and personal information. However, you must also be prepared to break confidentiality when you believe there is a danger of harm to a participant or others. Offer respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope to participants. Send attendance and weekly reporting forms to the Director of Signature Program Fulfill refresher requirements. Encourage attendees to join NAMI and become advocates. Actively maintain your own wellness and respect your emotional and physical limitations.

 

Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com

Working with Families in Crisis Presenter

Role Description: Working with Families in Crisis is a workshop that helps law enforcement, first responders, crisis workers, and mental health professionals work more effectively with family members dealing with the trauma of mental illness.

Location: Presentations are held throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Reports to: Volunteer & Outreach Manager

Role Requirements:

Willingness to share your story and experience as a family member or loved one of an individual who has experienced an Emergency Petition, interactions with the police, or other incidents that called for serious external interventions. Meet with a NAMI Metro Baltimore staff member for a one-on-one practice session after watching the training video and reviewing the script. Experience in public speaking is helpful but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups. NAMI membership is encouraged but not required. Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are encouraged to commit to presenting 3 times per year; however, the number of presentations a volunteer completes will be dependent on their availability and demands of the program. Presentations are typically 90 minutes. Volunteers are contacted on an as-needed basis to present. Minimum Age: 18 years old.  Volunteers are responsible for gathering materials needed for the event from the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore office. Excess materials should be returned after the event.

Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious mental illness and their families. Virtual Voices (VV) is an experiential workshop unique to NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, and is one of the most popular outreach education programs offered.

Patricia E. Deegan, PhD, a well-known disability-rights advocate, psychologist and researcher, developed the groundbreaking simulation. Workshop participants experience simulated auditory hallucinations via headphones while being assigned simple tasks.

The goal of this workshop is for participants to challenge their perceptions, begin to understand the day-to-day challenges that people with mental illness face, and promote empathy in their interactions with individuals with mental illness. VV presentations are given to varied audiences including police, hospital staff, students, and mental health workers.

Role Requirements:
▪ Attend a Virtual Voices session as an observer, as well as a 2-hour training
▪ Experience in teaching or public speaking is helpful for Lead Facilitators but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.
▪ Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are encouraged to assist with VV workshops at least twice in the year following completion of training. Workshops are typically 2.5 hours and held on weekdays during business hours.
▪ Minimum Age: 18 years old.

Volunteer Responsibilities:
▪ The Lead Facilitator is a volunteer who conducts the workshop with support from 3-4 assistant volunteers.
▪ Work cooperatively with a small group of volunteers under the direction of the Lead Facilitator to set up and facilitate the workshop.
▪ The Lead Facilitator is responsible for overseeing the workshop from beginning to end which includes assigning volunteer roles at sessions, leading the sequence of course components, and moderating discussion.
▪ The assistant volunteers are assigned tasks for role-playing such as Psychiatrist, Test Administrator, and Day Program Staff.

 

Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com. 

Lack of information surrounding mental health issues can prevent people in Hispanic/Latinx communities from getting the help and support they need.

NAMI's Compartiendo Esperanza is a three-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Hispanic/Latinx communities through dialogue, storytelling and a guided discussion on the following topics:

Youth and Mental Wellness: "Sanando Juntos"/"Healing Together" Community Leaders and Mental Wellness: "Las Raíces de Nuestra Sanación"/"The Roots of Our Healing" Latinx Families and Mental Wellness: "La Mesa"/"The Table"

We are seeking native Spanish-speakers to lead this presentation and share their personal mental health journey! Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com.