Who better to talk about having a mental illness than people in recovery? Volunteer with NAMI Metro Baltimore!

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. In Our Own Voice (IOOV) began as part of a movement within NAMI to further involve individuals in peer education about mental illness. The program is recognized for its potential to reduce stigma and educate the public about mental illness.

Volunteers are needed to serve as IOOV Presenters to share their stories of living with a mental illness to decrease stigma and increase awareness. Presenters receive a $30 stipend for their service.

General Presentations are given to consumers, family and friends, health care providers, law enforcement officials, faith communities, students, and any other community or civic organization that is interested in learning more about mental illnesses and recovery. IOOV presentations are also conducted at University of Maryland Medical Systems (UMMS) institutions every Saturday. The presentation is typically 90 minutes and the format includes viewing a NAMI video about mental illness, personal testimony from 2 IOOV volunteers, and time for questions from the audience.

Role Requirements:
▪ Adult with mental illness who is living well in recovery.
▪ Comfortable presenting to an audience, or willingness to learn public speaking skills.
▪ Complete a 2-day training program provided by NAMI. Available weekends only.
▪ Volunteers are encouraged to commit to presenting 3 times per year; however, the number of presentations a volunteer completes will be dependent on their availability and demands of the program.
* UMMS Presenters must complete additional volunteer application, orientation, and training requirements set forth by UMMS.

Volunteer Responsibilities:
▪ Work cooperatively with a co-presenter to conduct the presentation which includes speaking about the topics of dark days, acceptance, treatment, coping skills, and successes, hopes, and dreams.
▪ Volunteers are responsible for gathering materials needed for the event from the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore office. Excess materials should be returned after the event.
▪ Volunteers are required to complete a Reporting Form and collect Evaluations from audience members. These items must be returned to the Outreach Coordinator within 1-week of the presentation.
▪ Volunteers are contacted on an as-needed basis to present. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring the Outreach Coordinator has accurate information regarding their availability.

Visit www.namibaltimore.org to download a volunteer application.

Questions? volunteer@namibaltimore.org