Volunteer Opportunities

Board and Committee Members

• Task Description:
  • To attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings.
• Why:  
  • Committed persons who serve on the Board, one of the Advisory Councils and Committees set policy and evaluate programs so that NAMI Lexington can fulfill its mission.
• Responsibilities:
  • To accept particular tasks (i.e. chair a committee, hold an office on the Board) and fulfill the task to the best of your ability.
  • To work effectively with others who have related responsibilities.
  • To help determine policy, set priorities, work with staff, and evaluate programs.
• Qualifications:
  • Expertise in a particular area which can help meet NAMI Lexington mission.
  • Willingness to attend meetings and work in a collegial manner to carry out the purpose of the group.
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Confidentiality
• Rewards:
  • Seeing NAMI Lexington recognized as a peer organization of choice which brings best practice programs to families when someone has a mental illness.
  • New Friends and Contacts

 

Bulk Mailers or Communication Engineers

• Task Description:
  • To assemble and prepare mailings.
• Why:  
  • Some 1,000 persons depend on monthly mailings to select programs of education and support which can be helpful to their family.  Special events need timely communication for success.
• Responsibilities:
  • To respond to a bulk mailing request when possible.
  • To work with others to assure the timely completion of the task.
• Qualifications:
  • To perform a repetitive task with accuracy.
  • To do your part to make it a pleasant experience for all involved.
• Rewards:
  • A Chance to Visit with Friendly People
  • Knowing that you are Helping Many Families Anonymously

 

Volunteer Clerical Office Assistant

• Task Description:
  • To assist with data entry, filing, photocopying, and other general office tasks.
• Why:  
  • A friendly, efficient, and productive office is vital for accountability and program delivery.
• Responsibilities:

• Typing
• o       Filing
• o       Photocopying
• o       Faxing
• o       Light Cleaning
• o       Folding/stuffing
• o       Labeling
• o       Stamping
• o       Sorting

• Qualifications:

• Alphabetical and numerical filing
• o       Familiarity with office equipment
• o       Attention to detail
• o       Ability to follow directions and complete tasks
• o       Good organizational skills
• o       Patience

• Commitment to Days/Hours Needed:

• Flexible schedule for individual tasks

• Rewards:

• New friends and contacts
• o       Personal satisfaction for helping with maintaining records and supporting programs

 

Family-to-Family Teacher

• Task Description:
  • To co-teach a 12-week family education class
• Why:
  • Families who experience this class find it life-changing.  The peer-to-peer approach brings participants together with greater understanding, empathy, and mutual support.
• Responsibilities:
  • To take the state training for teachers.
  • To work with a co-teacher and the Program Director to schedule a time & place for the class.
  • To work with a co-teacher and the Program Director to organize a class of 20 to 25 participants.
  • To plan for each class and to fulfill the teaching commitment.
  • To complete required records and return them promptly to the Program Director.
  • To support and encourage your co-teacher throughout the class.
  • To attend two meetings each year to share, up-date training, and plan future classes.
• Qualifications:
  • To want to teach the class and help other families as a peer
  • To be non-judgmental
  • To be culturally sensitive
  • To hold confidentiality
  • To value the “lived experience”.
• Rewards:
  • New Friends
  • Each Class is a New Experience
  • Watching Families Become Empowered and More Joyful
  • Recognition of Other Teachers

 

Helpline Associate

• Task Description:
  • The volunteer responds to those calling or visiting the office with support, information, and education.
• Why?:
  • When someone contacts NAMI Lexington they should be greeted by a human voice or person and they should receive help for their particular needs.
• Responsibilities:

• Answer Helpline calls
• o       Provide appropriate information and referral to callers, e.g., family members, consumers, and professionals
• o       Mail requested materials to callers
• o       Record all calls and referrals made
• o       Sometimes screen calls for staff and other volunteers
• o       Greet and respond to individuals who walk in seeking assistance
• o       Make phone calls for specific NAMI outreach, e.g., meeting reminders, order pick-up, legislative network
• o       Help with light office work such as stuffing envelopes during non-busy periods
• o       Report volunteer hours
• o       Find own substitutes. Call NAMI to inform us of any substitutions

• Qualifications:

• Knowledge of mental illness and the mental healthcare delivery system within Lexington
• o       Good telephone skills
• o       Ability to assess the caller’s needs by asking appropriate questions
• o       Ability to empathize with caller and provide reassurance for their concerns
• o       Ability to access the appropriate answers from our resources (directories, referral guides, computerized information) to relay to the caller
• o       Ability to react sensibly and responsibly to irate or emotional callers
• o       Ability to handle emergency calls and refer them to appropriate agencies
• o       MUST BE TRAINED IN QPR

• Commitment needed:

• Attend scheduled updates and trainings (in-services)

• Rewards:

• Ongoing training
• o       Certification
• o       Current information on mental health issues
• o       Personal satisfaction from aiding persons in troubling circumstances

 

Lead Volunteer

• Task Description:
  • To manage and support a group of volunteers in a particular program (i.e., support groups, helpline, FTF teachers) in a timely manner.
• Why:
  • Volunteers and staff need a link to assistance in organizing details such as gathering materials, finding space, collecting data and scheduling.
• Responsibilities:
  • To facilitate their particular program by handling details such as materials, space and scheduling.
  • To contact volunteers to ensure tasks are completed.
  • To increase personal knowledge of  NAMI programs.
  • To report problems to the appropriate staff member.
  • To provide staff with program data such as volunteer hours.
  • To attend all scheduled training.
  • To recognize volunteer effort and contribution.
  • To support volunteers by being available to talk.
• Qualifications:
  • Excellent communication skills, including speaking, listening and writing.
  • Leadership, mentoring and coaching skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to plan and prioritize tasks.
  • Desire to accomplish goals.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • Self motivated.
  • Ability to work in a collegial manner with staff and volunteers.
• Rewards:
  • Personal satisfaction from accomplishing goals.
  • Personal satisfaction from knowing you have helped others accomplish their goals.
  • Growth in marketable skills.
  • Ongoing training.
  • New friends and contacts.

 

 

Phone Outreach

• Task Description:
  • To give urban families from our mail list a friendly call and an invitation to a specific program.  If the family gives permission give repeated calls over time.
• Why:  
  • Families living with mental illness are more likely to engage in programs of education and support when given a friendly, personal invitation.
• Responsibilities:
  • Attend training.
  • Attend monthly forums for discussing task with others.
  • Keep records as requested.
  • Engage three or four families over time.
  • Be familiar with NAMI Lexington programs.
• Qualifications:
  • Self Motivation
  • Desire to be a Support for Other Families
  • Expert Listening Skills
  • Friendly Peer-to-Peer Approach
  • Empathy for People in Crises
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Confidentiality
• Rewards:
  • New Friends and Contacts
  • Training Opportunities
  • A Challenging Task