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In Our Own Voice Presenter

In Our Own Voice (IOOV) involves individuals living with mental illness in NAMI’s national effort to educate the general public about mental illness, with the goal of changing attitudes, preconceived notions and stereotypes about what people 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 interested in learning more about mental illness and recovery. Each presentation includes a NAMI video about mental illness, personal testimony from 2 IOOV volunteers, and time for audience questions.

Community Education & Outreach
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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 90 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.
  • 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 In Our Own Voice 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
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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.

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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.

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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?

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