NAMI Basics Teacher

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Role Description: NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week education program developed specifically for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents who have either been diagnosed with a serious mental illness/serious emotional disturbance or who are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed. The in-person course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. The volunteer teachers provide information about the impact of mental illness on the family, treatment, support, coping, and navigating children's services systems.

Role Requirements:

1. Personal experience, past or present, as a parent or caregiver of a child with mental illness before the age of 13.
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 Basics course are preferred.
5. Complete 3-day NAMI training course and subsequent refresher requirements.
6. Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join.
7. Responsible, strong organizational skills and people skills.
8. Desire to teach and a commitment to adhering to the NAMI Basics 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:

1. Volunteers are encouraged to teach the course at least twice in the 2 years following completion of training.
2. The course meets for 2.5 hours for 6 consecutive weeks.

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 Director of Signature Programs 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.