
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
NAMI Clackamas volunteers represent the organization at events, help out in the office, teach classes, facilitate support groups and so many other things! No matter what your background, we have a volunteer position that will work for you. Please fill out our online volunteer application form.
A few examples of current opportunities:
Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups are 90 minute free peer-based, mutual support groups for any adult living with a mental illness. Connection groups are led by two trained facilitators who are in recovery themselves and are at a point where they want to "give back to others" by offering encouragement and support through their own experiences. Successful facilitators are good listeners with an empathetic ear. Training is required and volunteers must commit to facilitating a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly group for at least one year.
Family Support Group Facilitator
NAMI Family Support Group is a weekly or monthly trained peer-led support group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. In these groups, family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. Training is required and volunteers must commit to facilitating a weekly or monthly group for at least one year.
Basics Teacher
NAMI Basics is a free six-session class for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents who have either been diagnosed with a mental health condition or who are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed. It is taught by people who have been there--who have parented a child with a mental health condition. Requirements include taking the Basics class and then attending a Basics Teacher Training
Family-to-Family Teacher
Volunteers commit to teaching an 8-week course once a week for family members of individuals living with severe mental illness. This class discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to care for themselves as well as their loved one. Attending the course, as well as training is required.
Peer-to-Peer Teacher
Volunteers commit to teaching an 8-week course for individuals living with mental illness with a focus on maintaining recovery. Telling your story, relapse prevention planning, and an advance directive for psychiatric care are included in this class. Attending the course, as well as training is required. Please note this is a stipend eligible position.
Education Coordinator
Coordinates education programs, primarily working with Family-to-Family and Peer-to-Peer. Must have a strong communication skills. Previous knowledge and understanding of NAMI organization is preferred, although training is provided.
Ending the Silence Moderator
These are 50 minute presentations designed to give students, families and school staff an opportunity to learn about mental illness through an informative presentation by a trained two-person team, one of whom is a young adult living in recovery with a mental illness. *This is a stipend eligible position.*
Newsletter Editor / Assistant Editor
Published both in print and online, the NAMI Clackamas bi-monthly newsletter is a vital source of communication between NAMI Clackamas and our community. Assist with writing, proof-reading, editing and other related tasks. Must have a reliable computer with high-speed internet access and compatible software programs, and strong computer skills. HTML experience preferred. Time commitment: up 20 hours per publication – most at deadline time.
De Familia a Familia Teacher
Volunteers commit to teaching a 12-week course for family members of individuals living with severe mental illness. This class discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to care for themselves as well as their loved one. Training is required and provided. Please note this is a culturally adapted course for Spanish-speaking communities. Bilingual in Spanish required/Bicultural is preferred.
Compartiendo Esperanza Moderator
Compartiendo Esperanza is a 90-minute interactive presentation specifically tailored for Spanish-speaking communities. This important presentation is given by a team of two presenters in different community settings. Presenters must either be a person living with a mental health condition or a family member of a loved one with a mental health condition. Bilingual in Spanish required/Bicultural preferred.
Other opportunities that come up throughout the year, and especially once the office opens back up, will be posted on our website and on volunteer websites (ie: VolunteerMatch.org)
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NAMIWalks Volunteer
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Special Event Planner
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Administrative Assistant
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Annual Fundraiser Gala Volunteers
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Outreach and Fundraising Events
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Special Projects
Contact Sheri with any inquiries: volunteercoor@namicc.org