Back
Hearing Voices Volunteer
Hearing Voices is a one-hour workshop that simulates auditory hallucinations while participants complete various tasks. The workshop helps participants better understand the day-to-day challenges that individuals with mental illness may face, become more empathetic and compassionate toward people who hear voices, and apply what they’ve learned to their interactions with people who experience auditory hallucinations. It also helps reduce the stigma of mental illness.
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 60 minutes.
Reports To
Program Coordinator
Location
Programs 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
- Apply to the Hearing Voices 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