School & Community Presentations
We are partners in providing resources and training to the community.
NAMI Dane County presentations provide the public with the information and resources they need to better understand mental illness, how to recognize early warning signs and connect people with mental health challenges to community resources. Additionally, our community education programs strive to increase public awareness about the challenges of living with a mental illness and reduce stigma.
Community education programs are provided at no cost to the public.
SUBMIT PRESENTATION REQUESTS TO: outreach@namidanecounty.org
Please provide the day, time, and location of our presentation along with any other details that will help us to find the best fit for you.
Please provide enough lead time for us to process the request, assign it to a member of our team, and prepare for the presentation by contacting us as soon as you are aware of a need for our services.
We look forward to partnering with you!
Community Education Presentations
“After school that day, I went home and told my mom. I told her I need help with this because it’s not something I can fix myself. I’ve tried and tried. Your story really helped me… My friend also has depression and your presentation showed me what I can do to help her. Please continue to visit schools and share your experience with many people. I know you can help inspire many people, just like you inspired me.”
Specialized Community Presentations are presentations that focus on a specific topic or area of focus. Requests should include specifics of desired topics and we will do our best to match those requests with an existing presentation or we will create one tailor-made for your group, business, or organization. If we are unable to accommodate a request, we will connect you with another organization or agency that will be a better fit for your needs.
NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is an in-school presentation designed to teach middle and high school students about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, how to recognize the early warning signs and the importance of acknowledging those warning signs. Research has shown that NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is effective in changing middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help.
NAMI Ending the Silence for School Staff is a 1-hour presentation for school staff members that includes information about warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students and how to work with families.
Mental Health Chat is a mental health awareness presentation given to elementary age students. The target population is 4th graders (3rd – 5th) and the presentation is delivered by someone living with a mental illness or someone who is a family member of someone with a mental illness. The presentation is about 30 - 35 minutes with a curriculum follow-up for teachers provided.
Mental Health & Verbal De-Escalation Training is a one- to three-hour training on the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, how to recognize the early warning signs, and available support services in the community. This workshop also provides scenarios that offer specific techniques to help deescalate a mental health crisis in a workplace setting. This workshop can be tailored to the group.
Hearing Voices is a one-hour workshop that simulates auditory hallucinations while participants complete various tasks. Audiences will better understand the day-to-day challenges that people with mental illnesses may face, become more empathetic and compassionate towards people who hear voices, and apply what they have learned to their interactions with people who experience auditory hallucinations.