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.
