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Volunteer Opportunities Available

If you'd like to share some of your time and become more involved in NAMI of DuPage, please consider one of the following volunteer opportunities.  If you see something that looks interesting, call the office at (630) 752-0066 and volunteer! You can also fill out our volunteer interest form and then fax it to (630) 752-1064 or mail it to the office.

« IN THE OFFICE »

Volunteers can contribute in the office with the following tasks:

Office Support:  Office volunteers typically dedicate one day per week, generally between the hours of 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, to assist staff with a variety of office tasks including mailings, filing, data entry, research into various issues, and manning the telephone hotline. Persons who man the hotline receive additional orientation for this task.

Computer Data Entry: We regularly update the information in our information and referral files and need assistance in input changes and additions to our database.  Training is available.

Computer Word Processing:We have a steady flow of documents in need of typing.  Training is available.

Library Assistance:  We have a lending library focused on mental illness concerns. It is opened to the public.

Membership Renewal/Recruitment:  The success of this organization is based upon the strength and the quality of its members.  We work to increase membership in NAMI DuPage and also plan activities which bring members together to share information, experiences and obtain support.

Newsletter Contributing/Editing:  We need assistance with editing, graphic design and layouts. Book reviews and editorial contributions are always welcome.

« OUT of the OFFICE »

Volunteers can provide assistance out of the office with the following duties:

Writing/Calling Legislators:  We keep tabs on legislative issues related to mental illness and, as needed, prepare an organizational response to issues.  We regularly ask our members to contact their legislators to inform them on issues.  Occasionally, we provide testimony about the needs of individuals and families.

Media/Anti-Stigma Writing/Calling:  We monitor the print and verbal media for evidence of ignorance, misinformation, and stigma.  Letters and phone calls are made to editors and those in charge to educate them about serious mental illness.

Community Mental Health Services/Housing Advocacy: We support the ongoing development of effective recovery based mental health services ranging from adequate psychiatric and counseling services to satisfactory housing. We attend community meetings on services, write letters, and contact departments to make sure that these issues are addressed. 

Hispanic Outreach: We now provide limited support to the Hispanic Community.  NAMI of DuPage needs people to help provide support and distribute educational material to the Spanish-speaking members of our community.  (Please see SPANISH INTERPRETER for more information on our Hispanic Outreach opportunities.) 

Faith Based Community Outreach: We provide information and support to faith based communities.  Our needs include setting up displays, helping with administrative duties and sharing personal stories.

Phone Calls for Office: Volunteers calling on behalf of NAMI DuPage will make phone calls to notify or update members and volunteers about various activities, classes, and other concerns.

« ENCORE SHOP »

NAMI of DuPage has many opportunities available at our Resale Shop.  Assistance is needed with organizing, moving, pricing, merchandising, cashiering, ironing & cleaning, etc.

« EDUCATION PROGRAMS »

We disperse accurate information about mental illness to the public, so we need volunteers to participate as leaders, teachers, and spokespeople in our education programs.  There are many ways you can help:

Support Group Leaders:  Of the hundreds of phone calls received by NAMI Dupage each month, a majority are from callers seeking emotional support.  There is a need for support groups dealing with specific needs including: parents, spouses, siblings, adult children, specific ethnic groups, or persons diagnosed with a mental illness.

Speakers Bureau:  NAMI DuPage receives many requests for speakers from community organizations, mental health service providers, faith communities and other interested groups.  Family members, consumers and mental health professionals are needed to help spread the word about the positive benefits of membership in NAMI DuPage.

 Family to Family Teachers:  We provide six 12 week sessions of the Family to Family Education Program annually. Any adult family members seeking support and wishing to become informed about mental illness are welcome to attend. We hope to expand this program and are happy to provide teacher training for alumni of this program.  

NAMI Basics Teachers:   We provide four 68 week sessions of the NAMI Basics Education Program annually. This program provides support for parents with children who are under the age of 17 and who suffer from a mental illness. We also hope to expand this program and are happy to provide teacher training for anyone wishing to become involved.

Peer to Peer Teachers: Annually we offer an 8 week Peer to Peer Course for consumers of mental health services taught by consumers.  Person who have completed the Course are eligible to be trained as teachers.

Booth Display Attendant: NAMI of DuPage sets up booth displays at various events throughout the community.  We need people to tend to the booth displays in order to create awareness and help others learn about our services.

« DROP IN CENTERS »

Our drop in centers, located in Naperville, Westmont, and Villa Park, need volunteers to help with various activities, such as outside maintenance, yard work, house manager, food donations.

« FINANCIAL SUPPORT »

In order to continue helping consumers, family members, and the community, we would like to see the NAMI DuPage family grow.  Donations, membership, and sponsorship are always welcomed.

General Donation: Any amount offered would be greatly appreciated.  It will contribute toward educational materials, booth display/other fees, and office supplies, etc.

Become a Member: Join today, and/or encourage someone you know to join us!  It also makes a great gift idea for someone you know who is interested in or working in the field of mental health.  We would like to see the NAMI DuPage family double its membership size by the end of 2006.

Sponsor a Public Presentation: Help promote education about mental illness throughout the community.

« SPRING BENEFIT »

Several opportunities exist during NAMI of DuPage’s Spring Benefit.  Volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of event production, including: phone calls, corporate sponsorship, publicity, mailings, ticket reservations & sales, and day-of-event activities.

« FALL RUN/WALK COMMITTEE »

Our Run for the Mind 5K Run/Walk is a major fundraiser held each year in order to help support this local affiliate.  A major source of financial support for this organization is through special events like the Spring Benefit and Run for the Mind.

« NAMI BOARD POSITION »

Volunteers may choose to serve as a Board Member or Treasurer for NAMI of DuPage.

« SPANISH INTERPRETER »

We now provide limited support to the Hispanic Community.  We need people to provide support by returning phone calls from the NAMI DuPage Hotline, as well as to distribute educational material to our Spanish-speaking members, through our Family to Family or NAMI Basics classes.

« LEGISLATION BREAKFAST »

We need assistance to help run our Legislation Breakfast, held once a year.

« FAMILY SUPPORT COMMITTEE *new!* »

This committee needs volunteers to help support family members in crisis, by accompanying them at court hearings and/or hospitals, making phone calls, and providing resource information.