What is NAMI In Our Own Voice?

• A 60 minute presentation that aims to change the attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes about people with mental health conditions
• Available free of charge to the audience.
• Presenters with mental health conditions share their personal stories, including what happened, what helps and what's next
• Features a live presentation combined with a DVD that's shown at intervals throughout the presentation that includes people from diverse backgrounds sharing the impact of and recovery from mental health conditions
• Presenters engage the audience in a discussion on each topic that's discussed during the presentation
• Presenters are trained to customize their presentation for various audiences
• NAMI In Our Own Voice presenters do not recommend or endorse any medications or other medical therapies
• NAMI In Our Own Voice is copyrighted

What are the goals of the NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations?

• Give audience members a chance to ask presenters questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions
• Dispel stereotypes and misconceptions
• Audience members leave with an understanding that every person with a mental health condition can hope for a brighter future
• Provide information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community

What are people saying about NAMI In Our Own Voice?

• "Amazing presentation with amazing presenters! You 100% erased any stigma I used to associate with mental illness."
• "I learned more about mental health conditions from these generous people than any book I have read."
• "Several of the mental health staff stated that they saw recovery as a real option, for the first time ever."

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What is the community scope and reach of NAMI In Our Own Voice?

• Launched in 1996
• Available in 44 states*
• More than 9,500 volunteers have been trained to lead NAMI In Our Own Voice*
• Over 1,500,000 audience members have seen a presentation*
• A Spanish translation is available: En Nuestra Propia Voz de NAMI
• NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations are seen by a wide range of audiences:
  • Civic groups
  • Educators
  • Students (elementary to graduate schools)
  • Family members of people with mental health challenges
  • Law enforcement personnel
  • Others with mental health conditions
  • Health care staff
  • Politicians
  • Social services staff
  • Veterans/Active military personnel

* As of Dec. 2018