Raising Awareness at College: NAMI on Campus Leaders Share Their Work

Transcription

1 Raising Awareness at College: NAMI on Campus Leaders Share Their Work

2 Crispin Jackson, President, NAMI on Campus, Lehman College, Bronx, NY Alex Shrewsberry, President, NAMI on Campus, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA Amanda Swindle, President, NAMI on Campus, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA Emily Cepla, MPH, Program Manager, NAMI, Child and Adolescent Action Center, Arlington, VA

3 NAMI on Campus, Lehman College I spoke at John Jay College about the Peer to Peer course I led and about my experience with mental illness While there, I was able to observe the difference that the NAMI on Campus club was making at John Jay College

4 Our Club Activities We distributed flyers and offered PIZZA, PIZZA and MORE PIZZA! This gave initial club members an incentive to see what we were all about and learn how they could get involved During club meetings, we had role playing, games and discussions centered around mental health awareness and education, both core elements of the NAMI mission We hosted In Our Own Voice presentations, attended tabling events on campus and held bake sales

5 Challenges We began really late in the semester and weren t able to host all of the activities that we wanted to Our budget was limited and the funds allocated to us by the school were small It was challenging for us to find members who participated consistently

6 Successes We raised $360 in one bake sale to benefit the NAMI Walk in 2014 Thanks to the help of NAMI NYC- Metro, our table presentation during Spring Fever Week was among the most decorated. We attracted students not only to our NAMI on Campus club but also to the larger NAMI movement Our In Our Own Voice event was enlightening and informative despite our challenges in promoting attendance

7 Important Partnerships Lehman College s Student Disability Services Center provided invaluable support! They bought us pizza and sent blasts to help us gain membership The president of NAMI on Campus at John Jay, Joseph Deluca, gave me a lot of advice and support. We met in person and he mentored me on starting my club and brainstorming ideas for events and activities

8 We worked very closely with NAMI New York City- Metro: Provided flyers, brochures, a banner and other resources for us to promote our club Worked with us to bring In Our Own Voice presenters to campus Working with NAMI

9 NAMI on Campus, Grand View University A faculty member at school held a meeting about the club I got involved because of my own mental health experiences and because of the loss of friends to suicide Many people can see and understand physical disabilities, but something like mental illness takes a lot more education and understanding

10 On Campus Activities Bake Sale Bracelets Spoke to Classes Egg Throw Puppies Book Club

11 Fighting the Stigma Our club made lime green bracelets that said Fighting the Stigma to symbolize the important work we were doing We also knew these bracelets could be used as conversation starters Started taking them off our wrists and handing them to students to show them that they are not alone

12 Successes Spoke at schools, conferences, churches and in communities Worked with Please Pass the Love Were featured in local news stories Created a more positive climate on campus Won campus awards Saw our membership grow

13 Struggles Only NAMI on Campus club in our area Campus Size

14 Coming Soon Have a presence at New Student Days Expand NAMI on Campus to other colleges and universities in Iowa Speak to more schools

15 NAMI on Campus, Christopher Newport University Curious freshman wanting to get involved I was passionate about issues regarding mental health Became general member of NAMI, moved up to Secretary and then eventually President Sparked an immense passion for raising awareness of mental health support, education and advocacy

16 Challenges Recruiting members and member retention Creating and implementing new and exciting ideas and events Energizing young students to be interested and passionate about mental health Motivating executive officers and club members to stay involved and proactive

17 Successes Increased membership Increased recognition and knowledge of NAMI on Campus throughout CNU More interactive meetings Increased involvement in annual NAMI Walk in Richmond, VA

18 Working with NAMI

19 I m Interested Now What?

20 I m Interested Now What?

21 And then? Four Easy Steps: NAMI checks to see if there is already a club being formed on campus. If not, the student is sent the Startup Packet To complete the Startup Packet: Write constitution Recruit 5 members Recruit faculty advisor Become recognized by their school Get endorsed by NAMI Includes recognition from NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate

22 Questions? Contact Information: