Key Affiliate Programs

As a grassroots organization, NAMI derives its strength and delivers most of its services through local and area affiliates like yours.  You and your fellow affiliate members truly are on the front lines in our battle to improve the quality of life for people and families coping with mental illness and to eliminate prejudice and unfair discrimination against them.

Because of the critical role support and education services play in our organization's health and well-being, NAMI encourages each of its affiliates to offer family support groups and education courses. 

With well developed family support groups and education courses  in place, your affiliate can offer the best possible service to your community.  Since new members are vital to your affiliate, you will benefit from the steady stream of prospective members these programs provide.  As new members of your affiliate, course graduates are well prepared to assume leadership roles.  Contact the state office for information on training for support group facilitators and course instructors.

From Support to Education to Advocacy

NAMI's growth and vitality depend primarily on each affiliate's ability to attract and keep members.  As an affiliate leader, you are responsible for -

Those whose primary need is for information often have their first contact with your affiliate through an education course.  Others find us when they need support.  Often, their call to your contact number comes after month - even years - of trying to cope with a family member's mental illness on their own.  Some callers are in crisis and need your help immediately.

As a general rule, an affiliate member's interest in advocacy develops only after the more pressing needs for support and education have been filled.  You can encourage newcomers to advocacy to become involved by planning ongoing advocacy projects involving issues of direct, personal interest to newer members.  As their interest and confidence grow, recommend further leadership training to improve advocacy skills.

This evolution from support to education to advocacy can take a few months or a few years, depending on the member and the circumstances.  The healthiest affiliates have members at all three stages at all times.