NAMI Family-to-Family Instructor

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NAMI Family-To-Family is a free, 8-week course for family members and caregivers of adults with mental illness. The course is taught by 2 volunteer teachers who provide information about mental illness, and teach skills for communicating, problem solving, and supporting a loved one with a mental illness.

Role Requirements:

1. Personal experience supporting a family member with a mental illness.
2. Willingness to share one’s own lived experience with course participants.
3. Strong commitment to supporting families dealing with mental illness.
4. Past graduates of a NAMI Family-to-Family course are preferred.
5. Complete 3-day NAMI training course and subsequent refresher requirements.
6. Current member of NAMI LBA, or willingness to join.
7. Responsible, strong organizational skills and people skills.
8. Desire to teach and a commitment to adhering to the NAMI Family-to-Family course curriculum.
9. Ability to read, comprehend, and present technical material.
10. Experience in teaching or public speaking is helpful but not required; however, volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.

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 8 consecutive weeks and volunteers must be available to teach for the 8 weeks of instruction.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

1. Work collaboratively with co-teacher to teach the class, including planning, setup/cleanup, and bringing materials.
2. Maintain confidentiality of course participants.
3. Work with the Education Program leaders to assist with planning and outreach, coordinate classes, and complete all paperwork requirements (data collection and class attendance).
4. Fulfill teacher refresher requirements.
5. Encourage class participants to join NAMI and become advocates.

Scheduling:
Classes are scheduled throughout the calendar year. Please discuss your availability with the Volunteer Director.

COVID-19:
Currently classes are held virtually. In future, classes will offer a combination of in person and virtual environments.