If you are interested in this presentation, please completed the Presentation Request Form. Or, submit a Program Interest Form with any questions/comments.

Presentation Request Form

Program Interest Form

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a hands-on advocacy training program that helps people living with mental illness and friends and family transform their passion and lived experience into skilful grassroots advocacy.
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NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is designed as a series of three 1-2 hour workshops or modules or as a single full-day training that develops the following skills:

• Telling a compelling story that is inspiring and makes an “ask” in 90 seconds
• Writing an effective email, making an elevator speech, and making an impactful phone call
• Orchestrating a successful meeting with an elected official

The unique step-by-step, skill-building design of NAMI Smarts is effective with a wide range of participants, including those who are new to advocacy as well as individuals with years of experience.

Participants routinely share that they’ve never been able to condense their story or make a clear “ask," but with NAMI Smarts, they are now able to.
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Lobbyists who represent NAMI state organisations or mental health coalitions also love this program—they see participants come out confident and able to share their story in a way that moves policymakers.

​What People are Saying

“Amazing presentation with amazing presenters! You 100% erased any stigma I used to associate with mental illness.” -Audience member

“Several of the mental health staff stated that they saw recovery as a real option—for the first time ever.” —Audience member
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“Presenting this program is the single most effective thing I am doing to maintain my mental health. Time after time, I see the audience respond with curiosity and interest. I know I am changing the face of mental illness and that I have transformed my pain into the power to make a difference.” -IOOV Program Leader