National Alliance on Mental Illness       

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NAMI OF DuPage VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

IN the OFFICE

Office Support:  Office volunteers typically dedicated one day per week, generally between the hours of 9:00 am to 2:00 pm , to assist staff with a variety of office tasks including mailings, filing, data entry, research into various issues, and manning the telephone hotline. Persons who man the hotline receive additional orientation for this task.

Computer Word Processing: We have a steady flow of documents in need of typing.   Training is available.

Computer Data Entry: We regularly update the information in our information and referral files and need assistance in input changes and additions to our database.  Training is available.

Library Assistance:  Our library is a lending library available to members of the organization.  Additionally it is used by an assortment of students and professionals.

Membership Renewal/ Recruitment:  The success of this organization is based upon the strength and the quality of its members.  We work to increase membership in NAMI DuPage and also plan activities which bring members together to share information, experiences and obtain support.

Newsletter Contributing/Editing:  We need assistance editing the drafts as well as with,  layout, editorial contributions, book reviews.

FUNDRAISING

Annual Campaign: Letters go out several times a year to solicit donations.  Creative ideas for these direct mail campaigns are needed as well as assistance in updating mailing lists, Xeroxing materials for the mailing, etc.

Special Events Planning:  A major source of financial support for our organization is special events, ranging from our annual benefit dinner/auction and our Run/Walk, “Run for the Mind.”  Volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of event production including: corporate sponsorship, publicity, ticket sales and day-of-event activities.

Grant Writing:  Persons with skills in researching potential funders and writing grant proposals are always welcome.

OUT of the OFFICE

Library Display Coordinator:  We set up displays at libraries throughout the DuPage County to educate the public about mental illness.  We need someone who is willing to take our free educational material and displays, set them up and take them down at the beginning and end of each month.

Writing/Calling Legislators:  We keep tabs on legislative issues related to mental illness and, as needed, prepare an organizational response to issues.  We regularly ask our members to contact their legislators to inform them on issues.  Occasionally, we provide testimony about the needs of individuals and families.

Media /Anti-Stigma Writing/Calling:  We monitor the print and verbal media for evidence of ignorance, misinformation, and stigma.  Letters and phone calls are made to editors and those in charge to educate them about serious mental illness.

Community Mental Health Services /Housing Advocacy: We support the ongoing development of effective recovery based mental health services ranging from adequate psychiatric and counseling services to satisfactory housing.  Attend community meetings on services, write letters, contact departments to make sure that these issues are addressed. 

Faith Based Community Outreach:  We provide information and support to faith based communities.  Our needs include setting up displays, helping with administrative duties and sharing personal stories.

Hispanic Outreach:  We now provide very limited support to the Hispanic Community.  We need someone to help provide support and distribute educational material to the community.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Support Group Leaders:  Of the hundreds of phone calls received by NAMI Dupage each month, a majority are from callers seeking emotional support.  There is a need for support groups dealing with specific needs including: parents, spouses, siblings, adult children, specific ethnic groups, or persons diagnosed with a mental illness.

Speakers Bureau:  NAMI DuPage receives many requests for speakers from community organizations, mental health service providers, faith communities and other interested groups.  Family members, consumers and mental health professionals are needed to help spread the word about the positive benefits of membership in NAMI DuPage.

Public Education:  Volunteers help disperse accurate information about mental illness to the public.  This includes staffing exhibits at health fairs, participating in seminars and related educational activities, and distribution of flyers, brochures, and pamphlets throughout the community.

Family to Family Teachers:   We are providing six 12 week sessions of the Family to Family Education Program annually and would like to expand this.  Additional trained teachers are needed to achieve this expansion. 

Visions For Tomorrow Teachers:   We are providing four 8 week sessions of the Visions for Tomorrow Education Program annually and would like to expand this.  Additional trained teachers are needed to achieve this expansion. 

Peer to Peer Teachers:   Annually we offer an 8 week Peer to Peer Course for consumers of mental health services taught by consumers.  Person who have completed the Course are eligible to be trained as teachers.

ENCORE SHOP