Personal stories from individuals and families are an important component of a non-profit’s outreach strategy. In the mental health context, they also combat continuing stigma. To facilitate storytelling, NAMI has developed the In Our Own Voice Program, which combines a video and a presentation from an individual living with mental illness. We will discuss and demonstrate this program and NAMI’s efforts to engage corporations and the public in reducing stigma and supporting our cause. Presented at the FrontStream Philanthropy Solutions Conference, June 8-9, 2015.

1. Mary Giliberti, Executive Director, NAMI
Deanna Ross, NAMI In Our On Voice PresenterJune 8, 2015

2. an association of hundreds of local
affiliates, state organizations and
volunteers who work in
communities across the country. We
are the nation's largest grassroots
mental health organization
providing advocacy, education,
support and public awareness so
that individuals and families
affected by mental illness can
build better lives.
WE ARE

3. OUR WORK
SUPPORT
ADVOCACY
EDUCATION AWARENESS

4. Share YOUR story...
Creating public dialogue through personal disclosure of a mental health condition can be a
difficult challenge, but sharing personal stories is one of the most effective means of breaking
down stigma and providing hope for recovery. Speaking out based on experience can
encourage other people to get help if they need it and to share their own stories as well.

5. Stories can also help us understand real people.

6. The reseach
bears this out.
The best way to reduce bias is to
have an encounter with someone
from the stigmatized group

7. In Our Own Voice
3:17
PLAY VIDEO

8. In Our Own Voice

9. 1 2 3
Learn about
mental health.
See the
person/yourself
not the illness.
Take action.
And as part of this new wave,
we have launched
The pledge is simple

10. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR VITAL WORK.
Learn more. Get involved. Visit nami.org