To be successful in championing mental health, nonprofit organizations like us need volunteers to keep the “wheels turning.” If a lot of us each do a little, we can accomplish so much. Here are some opportunities that might be a good fit for you as a volunteer.
Programming
Presentations. Enjoy presenting or teaching? We have several NAMI programs you may be interested in. Our presentations are currently done online via Zoom until we can do in-person events again.
Support Groups. These are a continuing weekly commitment. Support group sessions last 1-1/2 hours plus a little set-up and wrap-up time and are via Zoom during COVID-19.
Communications/publicity
Social Media. Currently, we have Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. You would be creating content for these platforms, and work in tandem with our intern and the volunteer who puts out a brief weekly news bulletin via MailChimp.
Website management. We are changing our Website structure from WordPress to WIX which is a more user-friendly website platform. The volunteer who manages this will focus on keeping it current and gradually expanding its features.
Relay announcements to local newspapers, radio, and TV. Using our contact list, you can help get the word out via local media.
Membership
Clerical. The volunteer would coordinate with the national office to learn of new members and reminders of dues.
Outreach
Scheduling audiences for NAMI presentations.This is a good opportunity for an outgoing person who likes meeting people and coordinating the audience with the presenter.
Networking. You may know people in your own house of faith, social or service club, etc. who can be an important conduit to setting up a presentation or collaborating on a community project.
Leadership
Leadership Team. We need different perspectives, connections, ideas, and organizational experience from as great a variety of regional counties as possible.
Skilled at writing up meeting notes? You’d be a hit as Secretary.
Good with numbers? Most of our finances are handled by the state NAMI office, but we appreciate a financial person familiar with our annual budget who keeps us up to date and helps once a year updating the budget.
Advocacy
This primarily refers to promoting support for mental health needs in the Virginia legislature. The state NAMI office provides significant tracking and priorities. You’d help translate that into items in all the local NAMI internal and external communications channels.
