Volunteer

NAMI NKY can always use volunteer assistance. If you would like to explore ways in which you could assist us, call us at 859-261-4080. You may also send an email to us at including your name, address, telephone number(s) and email address. You may include your interests and the type of expertise and assistance you wish to offer to our organization.

NAMI NKY requires an interview in person before accepting a volunteer. Volunteers for NAMI NKY must belong to the organization. Those who volunteer for jobs requiring training and/or supervision must commit to a regular schedule and minimum number of hours. Our all-volunteer staff has limited time to train and supervise other volunteers. We are selective about those we train to conserve our limited resources.
Some tasks are one-time, or needed on an ad-hoc basis. Volunteers for such jobs need not commit to a schedule or minimum number of hours.

Other jobs are periodic. Teachers for support group facilitators must be trained, and then conduct the class or group. They must complete the requisite paperwork and reporting in a timely manner in accordance with the NAMI NKY procedures.

Volunteers for positions on the Board of Directors, or on Board Committees, must possess the requisite talent, skills, or background appropriate for the assignment, appointment, or nomination.

NAMI NKY considers that a volunteer position is the equivalent of a paid position, and treats its volunteers as if they were employees to the extent possible. This includes supervision of hours and tasks completed to establish community service hours for school, work or other agencies that require such service. NAMI NKY reserves the right to reassign volunteers to other tasks or to release them from their commitments if the volunteer is not satisfied with the assigned position or task, or if NAMI NKY is not satisfied with the performance of the volunteer.

Those who volunteer through an organization or workplace that offers volunteer services on a short-term basis or for single projects are not required to join NAMI NKY.

The following list is a sample of the jobs that are available for volunteers.

• Work in the NAMI NKY office
• Distribute brochures to area libraries, churches, etc
• Help with newsletter or other mailings
• Plan and/or conduct social events
• Teach Family-to Family Education Class
• Teach the Peer-to-Peer Class
• Teach the Basics Class
• Facilitate a Family/Friends support group
• Facilitate a Connection (consumer) support group
• Organize outings for consumers
• Design images for our publications
• Captain a team for our NAMIWalks
• Monitor our general information email address and respond to requests.
• Respond to telephone calls requesting referral or assistance
• Scan and file documents
• Help raise funds for NAMI NKY
• Arrange for speakers for our meetings
• Write articles for our newsletter
• Tell your story to our classes or other groups
• Become a support person for classes and groups
• Contact schools, churches, etc. to obtain speaking engagements about our programs and classes
• Help with computer and network maintainence and updates
• Monitor our social network pages and respond to requests for information
• Speak to organizations about our programs and classes
• Write letters to community agencies, legislators, and officials to support programs or services for those with mental illness.
• Serve on the Board of Directors
• Serve on an ad hoc or permanent committee
• Offer any other skills and services to further our mission and goals

Contact us to discuss how we can help each other.