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
