Join Us On Discord: Building a thriving volunteer community through Discord
By Kayla Mandel, MPH
If you’ve never heard of Discord, that’s ok! You’re in the right place to learn about this engaging, fun, and super useful tool.
Discord is a powerful messaging and community building tool (computer app for Mac and for Windows, Web app, and mobile app for iOS and Android) similar to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Slack–but it has a whole bunch of other powerful tools for connecting–like voice channels, private channels, direct messaging, online event hosting, and helpful bots.
So why might a mental illness support and awareness organization like NAMI WC want to leverage Discord you might ask?
As a volunteer, you can sometimes feel siloed–you might be working solo on a specific program or project, not necessarily connecting with other folks. Although volunteers have regular opportunities to connect through meetups and online events, with Discord, you can continue the conversation in a casual and continuous way–from the comfort of your home, office, or favorite coffee shop, right on your mobile device or laptop.
When it comes to sharing information about mental health, announcing volunteer opportunities, and providing updates on events and programs, Discord is a fantastic tool to connect with other volunteers, make new connections, and see the variety of ways you can help out with NAMI-WC.
So how is NAMI-WC already harnessing the power of Discord?
- A mindful-musings channel to allow people to share interesting articles and thought-provoking ideas.
- A share-a-laugh channel to keep things playful and allow folks to share the things that have them doubled over in giggles.
- A volunteer-opportunities channel with a helpful bot reminding folks to post their new and upcoming volunteer needs.
- An advocacy channel to share mental health advocacy news and opportunities.
Are you ready to join us on Discord?
Here’s what you should do next…
Already a NAMI-WC volunteer and want to join the Discord server? Join by emailing volunteers@namiwc.org with your name and the email subject line ‘Joining the Discord Server’
Not yet a volunteer yet but excited to get on board with Discord? Fill out the volunteer interest form to get started.
Kayla Mandel, an Ann Arbor native, earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. She’s passionate about promoting mental health awareness, normalizing conversations about mental illness, and supporting mental well-being for everyone.