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
