Back

Ending the Silence Presenter

Ending the Silence (ETS) is a free NAMI classroom presentation for high school students, presented by two volunteers, including a young adult with lived experience of a mental health condition. Students learn the warning signs of mental illness and how to help themselves, friends, and family members who might need support. During the 50-minute presentation, a young adult living with mental illness and a family member tell their stories about mental health challenges, helping raise awareness and change perceptions around mental health conditions.

Community Education & Outreach
Sign Up

Minimum Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years or older

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteers are encouraged to commit to presenting 3 times per year; the number of presentations depends on availability and program demand. Presentations are typically 50 minutes.

Reports To

Program Coordinator

Location

Presentations are held throughout Madison and Dane County.

Responsibilities

  • Work cooperatively with a co-presenter to conduct the presentation, which includes speaking about the following topics: dark days; acceptance; treatment; coping skills; and successes, hopes, and dreams.
  • Gather the materials needed for the event from the NAMI Dane County office, and return excess materials after the event.
  • Complete a Reporting Form, collect evaluations from audience members, and return both to the Program Coordinator within one week of the presentation.
  • Volunteers are contacted on an as-needed basis to present and are responsible for keeping the Program Coordinator up to date on their availability.

Requirements

  • An adult with mental illness who is living well in recovery.
  • Apply to the Ending the Silence program by completing a supplemental application and an interview with the Program Coordinator.
  • Experience in public speaking is helpful but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.
  • Complete a 2-day NAMI training course.
  • Current member of NAMI or willing to join.

Required Training

2-day NAMI training course
Close
Do you give us permission to use your story for NAMIWalks future promotions and testimonials?

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.

Close
Registration is only required one time for all support groups.  If you've already registered previously for a group, your registration is complete for attending all support groups from NAMI Dane County.

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.

Close

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.

If you or someone you know are having a mental health crisis, please call 988 to speak with a trained counselor or call 911 and request a Mental Health Trained Officer.

For resources or to speak with a Peer or Parent Peer Support Specialist please follow the link below.

Peer SupportClose
Close

We respect your privacy.
Close
Do you personally live with a mental illness?
Do you have a family member who lives with a mental illness?
Have you ever participated in a NAMI Dane County program, class, or support group?
Do you currently have a NAMI Dane County paid membership?
If yes, please select which of the following programs you've participated in
Please indicate your volunteer interests:
What days of the week are you available?
What time of day are you available?
Is English your primary language?
What are your preferred pronouns?

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.