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NAMI Basics Teacher

NAMI Basics is for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents who have either been diagnosed with a mental illness/emotional disturbance or who are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed. The course consists of six two-and-a-half-hour classes, taught by 2 volunteer teachers who provide information about the impact of mental illness on the family, treatment, support, coping, and navigating child-serving systems.

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Minimum Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years or older

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteers are encouraged to teach the course at least twice in the 2 years following completion of training. The course meets for 2.5 hours for 6 consecutive weeks.

Reports To

Program Coordinator

Location

Classes are held in Dane County (see the events calendar on the website for more information).

Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively with your co-teacher to teach the class, including planning, setup/cleanup, and bringing materials.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of course participants.
  • Work with the Program Coordinator on planning and outreach, coordinating classes, and completing all paperwork requirements (data collection and class attendance).
  • Fulfill teacher refresher requirements.
  • Encourage class participants to join NAMI and become advocates.

Requirements

  • A parent or caregiver of a child with mental illness, with the willingness to share their story with others.
  • Preferably participated in a NAMI Basics course or other NAMI programming.
  • Complete the process to become a Basics teacher, including filling out the volunteer application and completing an interview with the Program Coordinator.
  • Complete a 2-day NAMI Wisconsin training course.
  • Current member of NAMI or willing to join.
  • Desire to teach and a commitment to adhering to the NAMI Basics course curriculum.
  • Experience in teaching or public speaking is helpful but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.

Required Training

2-day NAMI Wisconsin 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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We respect your privacy.
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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 particpated 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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