Offer to serve on the Board of Directors.  Elections of officers and other directors are held in May at the Annual Meeting.
 

Offer to serve on a Board committee:
Legislation: Attend state hearings, make phone calls and write letters to state legislators, testify at hearings, contact other NAMI members to get them involved in calling and writing.
Communication:  Assist with the production of our monthly newsletter,  including writing articles, editing, word processing, and distribution.  Help update our Resource Guide and other informative materials.  Assist our webmaster who has responsibility for keeping our website up-to-date and attractive.
Fund-raising: Help plan activities to secure funds to support NAMI programs.
Welcoming: Help set up and maintain a system for welcoming newcomers to NAMI functions.
Membership: Devise ways of increasing the number and involvement of members.
 

Become a family education teacher.  Train to teach a 12 week Family to Family class in which families learn about  affective disorders and schizophrenia and practice skills for living with family members who have brain disorders.  Or train to teach an 8 week "Visions for Tomorrow" class in which parents of children with brain disorders learn coping skills.
 

Work in the NAMI Office at Gateway Regional Medical Center. NAMI Madison County's new office at Gateway Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is now open. We are still accepting names for our volunteer’s list to work in the office.
 

Volunteer as a "resource monitor," helping to maintain the accessibility of up-to-date resources, including educational brochures, books and tapes.  Set up a system for circulating these materials among the membership.
 

Become a "membership caller."  Assist the treasurer by contacting members near the time of their renewal date and keep a brief record of their comments.
 

Volunteer for the Visitor's Program for Chester and Alton Mental Health Center.
 

Offer to serve as a "peer support person."  Help another family through an experience you are familiar with such as dealing with issues related to housing, education, social security, Medicaid, etc.
 

Offer to staff an information booth at various health and resource fairs held in Metro East.
 

Become a support group facilitator.   Assist  our support group leaders by monitoring newspaper notices, making phone contacts, helping organize resource materials, and providing refreshments.