NAMI Next Gen Community of Practice

When you’re passionate about a specific topic, there’s immense value in connecting with others who share that drive. A Community of Practice brings people together to learn how to engage more intentionally and have a deeper impact. Members learn from each other’s experiences, expertise, and perspectives while building relationships, exchanging best practices, and co-creating new strategies and solutions for change.

For our NAMI Next Gen Community of Practice, we’re intentionally gathering young adults to empower youth voices in a genuinely youth-led initiative. It’s a space to build solidarity, engage in training and skill development, and increase hope in the often-demanding work of mental health advocacy. Expect to walk away with actionable ideas, proven techniques, and a clearer direction for your advocacy efforts. Through actionable discussions, shared toolkits, and peer-led insights, you’ll gain practical ‘how-to’ knowledge to amplify your impact.

“The Community of Practice’s emphasis on inclusivity brought together individuals from various backgrounds and roles, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives that enhanced discussions and led to more comprehensive solutions to mental health challenges. Additionally, the access to a wide range of resources, tools, and educational materials empowered participants with both practical and theoretical support to advance their work.”- Next Gen Community of Practice Participant 2024

The NAMI Next Gen Community of Practice is kicking off in Summer 2025, forming a vibrant community of 100 passionate young mental health leaders.

Apply today if you or someone you know is between the ages of 16 and 25 and the following:

• A new advocate interested in engaging in mental health leadership.
• Storyteller or content creator raising awareness through your platforms.
• Campus organization leader fostering mental health initiatives in your school communities.
• Person with mental health lived experience or an ally seeking empowerment and connection.
• Youth peer support specialist or youth coordinator sharing your professional expertise.
• Anyone passionate about making a difference in the mental health landscape.

The NAMI Next Gen Community of Practice will be a powerful space for you to learn and grow your skills as an emerging advocate for youth mental health. Beyond skill development, you’ll gain a national network of allies and tangible strategies to drive real change in mental health for young people.