1. Identity and Mission

1.1 NAMI is a grassroots organization of individuals with serious mental illnesses and their family members whose mission is to eradicate serious mental illnesses and improve the quality of life of persons of all ages who are affected by them.

1.2 The primary functions of NAMI are support, education, and advocacy for consumers and their families; for research and services; and for the education of all professionals, providers, and the general public. An individual with a serious mental illness is sometimes referred to as a consumer. When speaking of NAMI members in general, we speak of family and that includes the consumer as a family member. We speak of consumer when it is necessary to make the distinction.

1.3 NAMI promotes the prevailing scientific judgment that "severe mental illnesses" are brain disorders, which at the present time are neither preventable nor curable, but are treatable and manageable with combinations of medication, supportive counseling, and community support services, including appropriate education and vocational training. The causes of serious mental illnesses are complex, and they are not understood thoroughly. There is a genetic component to some serious mental illnesses. Although stress or drug and alcohol abuse can precipitate or aggravate episodes of an illness, they are not primary causes.

1.4 NAMI's roots grew from the need of people for knowledge, understanding, sharing of grief, relief of guilt, mutual support, and mutual love. Increase in NAMI's membership is likely to be concentrated in families and consumers needing and seeking these same needs. Family means consumers and their parents, siblings, adult children, spouses, and other involved relatives.

1.5 While primary peer support is concentrated in local affiliates and conventions, all components of NAMI declare:

(1.5.1) Together we can give each other strong support;

(1.5.2) The illness is treatable;

(1.5.3) It's not anyone's fault;

(1.5.4) You don't need to explain anything–we already know;

(1.5.5) You can survive as an intact family;

(1.5.6) With dedication and unity, we have enormous strength through which we can accomplish constructive change.

1.6 Persons with serious mental illnesses share many similar problems with persons with other disorders and disabilities. To achieve our own goals, NAMI supports to the fullest extent possible solidarity with those persons with disorders and disabilities to effect positive changes in societal attitudes, government, education, and public and private institutional responsiveness. NAMI maintains the right to forcefully advocate for the rights of persons with serious mental illnesses, even when our views conflict with the views of other disability groups. NAMI places the highest priority on medical treatment, services, education, and rehabilitation for persons with serious mental illnesses, as well as research aimed toward the ultimate prevention and cure of these disorders.

1. Identity and Mission

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