NAMI North Central Region's Board Mission Statement
To champion justice, dignity, and respect for all people affected by mental illness (biological brain disorders). Through education, advocacy and support, we strive to eliminate and pervasive stigma of mental illness, affect positive changes in the mental health system, and increase the public and professional understanding of mental illness.
In Our Own Voice
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. Throughout the IOOV presentation, audience members are encouraged to offer feedback and ask questions. Audience participation is an important aspect of IOOV because the more audience members become involved, the closer they come to understanding what it is like to live with a mental illness and stay in recovery.
Health & Wellness Fairs (throughout year)
Board members and volunteers, set up booths at Health & Wellness Fairs where we promote advocacy and support for consumers and families. Information about NAMI, NAMI NCR, mental illness, and support are distributed. People are encouraged to join NAMI.
Mental Health Month (May)
We spend May distributing and posting information to make the public more aware of mental illness to decrease stigma, promote our advocacy.
Annual NCR Picnic (August)
Food for the meal is donated and prepared by the NAMI NCR Board of Directors. This is a well-attended social summer event. Location is to be determined annually.
NAMI Walks (September)
This is a fund raising affair and also raises public awareness of mental health issues. This has been held for three years and has grown each year. Everyone meets at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. Before the 3 mile walk, there are speakers and music. NAMI NCR has taken a van or bus to these events, although some use their own transportation. This is a fun and social event.
Mental Illness Awareness Week (October)
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. Throughout the IOOV presentation, audience members are encouraged to offer feedback and ask questions. Audience participation is an important aspect of IOOV because the more audience members become involved, the closer they come to understanding what it is like to live with a mental illness and stay in recovery.
Health & Wellness Fairs (throughout year)
Board members and volunteers, set up booths at Health & Wellness Fairs where we promote advocacy and support for consumers and families. Information about NAMI, NAMI NCR, mental illness, and support are distributed. People are encouraged to join NAMI.
Mental Health Month (May)
We spend May distributing and posting information to make the public more aware of mental illness to decrease stigma, promote our advocacy.
Annual NCR Picnic (August)
Food for the meal is donated and prepared by the NAMI NCR Board of Directors. This is a well-attended social summer event. Location is to be determined annually.
NAMI Walks (September)
This is a fund raising affair and also raises public awareness of mental health issues. This has been held for three years and has grown each year. Everyone meets at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. Before the 3 mile walk, there are speakers and music. NAMI NCR has taken a van or bus to these events, although some use their own transportation. This is a fun and social event.
Mental Illness Awareness Week (October)