Volunteer Date or Ongoing Project: Ongoing
Estimated Time Commitment Per Week: 2-3 hours twice per month

Location/Hours: Zoom, twice a month, usually 7:00-8:30 pm

Program Coordinator/ Contact Information

Patricia Doyle, volunteers@namiwc.org

Description: The leader role would be to co-facilitate a Connection Recovery support group.  A Connection Leader is one who lives with a mental health illness and is recovering and stabilizing to a point that they are able to support and provide empathy for others who are earlier in their journey.  The co-leaders facilitate the group, promote open discussion and encourage sharing of coping strategies.  Experience is helpful but not required.

Ideal Skill Set

  • Friendly, professional demeanor
  • Previous experience leading a support group, helping with a mental health text or hotline

Process of Becoming a Connection Support Group Leader

To give you an idea of what is involved, we have provided the process we use to onboard a new leader.

  1.  Fill out an online volunteer application found on the website NAMIWC.org.
  2. Sign up and attend a zoom orientation meeting with Pat Doyle, Volunteer Coordinator.
  3. Attend and participate in at least six meetings.
  4. Be recommended by a Group Leader to attend training.
  5. Interview with Connection Program Leader.
  6. Join NAMIWC.  (Info provided by Volunteer Coordinator.)
  7. If approved, attend training and be certified to lead Connection.
  8. Attend group and practice being a co-leader.

We ask for a one-year commitment to lead a group.  Exceptions can be made if necessary.

What you will receive:

  1.  NAMI WC will pay for the two-day training you attend.
  2. This training will teach you the NAMI format and process used in leading our support groups.  NAMI requires that groups using the NAMI name follow the NAMI format.
  3. If your group is on Zoom, we will provide Zoom training if you need it.
  4. NAMI WC will provide peer supervision by an experienced leader.
  5. Periodic continuing education programs will be offered.
  6. There will be a NAMI Connection Leader or Coordinator available to you if you need assistance handling a situation in your group, need help identifying resources needed by a participant, or to debrief following an intense group session.

If you’re interested in the position please fill out the form below and someone will contact you soon.