Volunteer for NAMI CCNS!

Volunteering for NAMI Cook County North Suburban is an important way to help us end the stigma against people with a mental health condition.

The mission of NAMI CCNS is to improve the lives of individuals with serious mental illness and those who love and care for them through education, support and advocacy. Our goal is to change how people think about mental illness. Your interests, skills and experience can help us achieve our goal.

 

There are four main areas where volunteers can help:

1) Serving as a NAMI CCNS representative in their community

a. Serve as a liaison between NAMI CCNS and their community
b. Distribute flyers for upcoming classes, programs and fundraising events
c. Provide hospitality at public education programs
d. Attend occasional meetings at NAMI CCNS headquarters in Skokie

2) Assisting with NAMI CCNS fundraising events

a. Provide on-site, day-of event support
b. Secure event sponsorships and donations
c. Serve on planning committees

3) Performing research and administrative tasks that support our operations

a. Identify gatekeepers throughout our catchment area who should be aware of all our services
b. Help us publicize our classes, programs and fundraising events through local media outlets
c. Post programs and events on community calendars
d. Provide on-site office administrative support, including data entry

4) Sharing your NAMI experience

a. …as a class teacher or support group facilitator
b. …as an In Our Own Voice speaker
c. …as a panelist for Parents and Teachers as Allies or Ending the Silence

5) Reaching out to your faith community

a. Help with NAMI Faithnet to create understanding of mental health issues and build support in faith-based communities

Our Facebook and Twitter photo albums have many great photos of our wonderful volunteers and events!

 

Current Volunteer Needs:

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led, confidential support group for any adult
who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Participants will gain insight from hearing
the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there.

Time Commitment:
Approximately 2 hours per group (90 minutes of group time, plus time to set up and debrief if needed)

Qualifications:

  • Age 18 or over
  • Living comfortably in recovery with a mental health condition
  • Willing to attend at least one meeting prior to training
  • Willing to become a NAMI CCNS member ($5 memberships are open to people with limited financial means)
  • Willingness to undergo a 2-day training (if in person) or a 3-day training (if virtual).
  • Adherence to fidelity to the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group model.
  • Commitment to perform support groups for a minimum of one year.
  • Ability to provide group participant data as required.
  • Willingness to identify potential new facilitators from their support groups.
  • Positive regard for or personal experience with mutual support.

If you are interested in becoming a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group facilitator, please contact
Heather Kendall at hkendall@namiccns.org for more information and an application.

Event Calendar

Events

Upcoming | Events, Classes & Support Groups