Local NAMI Involvement
As a grossroots organization, our free programs, support groups and most of our events occur at a local level. If you've been involved with your local NAMI Affiliated, we'd love to hear about your experience. Which NAMI Affiliate was it? What did you do?
If you're just hearing about NAMI for the first time and would like to know more about what we do, or if you'd like to get involved but aren't sure which NAMI Affiliate is located nearest you, please ask!
@gonzo6 I attened a weekly support group run by NAMI in New Providence, NJ last spring! It was run by NAMI Union County, super convienent and close to my home. The program was called NAMI Connection and it brought together many of us struggling with mental illness to share our experiences and learn from eachother. It really helped me recover from major depressive disorder at a time when I didn't think I could and I actually made a lot of friends through the program.
@Hopeful2 that warms my heart! I'm so glad you found it helpful. Meeting other people who understand what it's like to live with a mental health condition is really a powerful tool for recovery. Support networks are important, and I'm glad you found one through NAMI!
Being involved is super awesome! I haven't gotten involved yet, but I do plan on attending a NAMI Walk in Lexington, Kentucky this fall 
Maybe becoming an Intern with my local NAMI chapter as well - such as the Social Media Coordinator in the nearfuture. Excited to hear everyone's lovely involvement in such an awesome organization!
@Emily619 that's great! NAMI is always looking for enthusiastic people like you to help out! NAMIWalks are very fun to take part in. The energy of being surrounded by people who are all connected through the mental health community is so positive and powerful. If you decide to participate, let us know! We'd love to hear how it goes.
I first became involved with NAMI - Anne Arundel County in Maryland my last year of high school. Looking for ways to get involved and help reduce the stigma of mental illness, my guidance counselor at school referred me to my local NAMI. Since being involved, I have participated in a few NAMI walks and NAMI Peer-to-Peer classes. Raising money and awareness for NAMI, the walks were a great oppurtunity to meet people and share stories of dealing with mental illness. The Peer-to-Peer classes have also been great. They have provided me with a safe space to share my story and relate to others. Through presentations and discussion, I have gained a better sense of the impact of my symptoms and created a personal plan toward recovery.
@smmacon12 nice! It sounds like you're doing a lot in your community to fight stigma. Thanks for sharing!!
@gonzo6 I work with NAMI Main Line in PA. Kristine (the chapter administrator) is wonderful! I run my school's NAMI on Campus group, and she's very enthusiastic about providing us with resources! They're super on top of local and state policy too. I haven't attended any of their classes or groups, but I did recruit some people associated with the affiliate to do a pannel discussion at my school. It went really well, and the speakers were lovely. I love having such an active chapter so close by.
@HungryAlpaca how cool! NAMI On Campus is a great way to spread awareness about mental health on college campuses. It sounds like you've done a lot to get involved and help your peers 
@gonzo6 Growing up, my family did not fully understand my anxiety disorder, so they recently have been going to Nami Family to Family through Nami Northern Virginia. It really helped them understand what I go through and how they can better communicate with me. I also attend Nami Connection so that I can learn from others who are experiencing similar situations. It's made us feel much more confident when we interact with each other, I'm so glad I went!
@Doogles96 thanks for sharing. I actually first heard about NAMI because of Family-to-Family. A family friend encouraged my mom and I to go (my sister is living with factitious disorder). It paved the way to my involvement with NAMI because I loved F2F so much. I viewed my sister and her condition completely differently from that point forward.
So cool to hear about everyone who is involved with NAMI or who wants to be in the future! There are so many ways to get involved and help out. 
I just looked up my local NAMI today to see what's around. Thinking about going to one of the free support groups.
I voulnteer at NAMI helpdesk at the national level and it is the best. A great organization that cares deeply about mental illness. I attend Penn State University and hope to get invloved with my local NAMI in PA.
@gonzo6 I would love to get involved in Chicago!
@Mellietronx That's awesome!! You can reach NAMI Chicago either by calling 312- 563-0445 or emailing
info@namichicago.org. You can also check out NAMI Chicago's website to learn more about how you can get involved (you can even complete an online volunteer interest form on their Volunteer page).
Thank you for your desire to help others and welcome to the NAMI family!
@gonzo6 I attend NAMI's Family to Family program here in Boston. It has been incredibly helpful. It has allowed me to learn more about my brother's condition as well as provided me with a community of support. Talking to other people who have been in a similar situation is extremely theraputic and makes me feel as though I am not alone.
@cSmith02 Thats great! Glad to hear that NAMI Family-to-Family has been helpful for you!
