Storyteller

About NAMI Chicago

NAMI Chicago is a community-driven organization focused on mental health education, advocacy, and support. They aim to combat stigma and discrimination by sharing authentic experiences and fostering connections with individuals on their mental health journeys, with a strong emphasis on equity.

Opportunity Overview

NAMI Chicago is inviting passionate individuals to become Storytellers who help reshape public understanding of mental health through personal narratives. The role operates primarily as an independent contractor or volunteer basis, activated as needed, and includes potential honorarium compensation for time contributed. Storytellers report to designated support staff and are engaged at various locations throughout Chicago, including schools, faith institutions, the Police Academy, and government offices.

Storytelling Tracks

• Ending the Silence: Deliver presentations to youth, families, and school staff in Cook County to reduce stigma and express hope relating to mental health. Honorarium available.
• Bridges of Hope: Educate faith communities and ministry leaders about mental health to foster compassion and healing within spiritual settings.
• Training, Conference and Advocacy: Share lived experiences during wellness-centered sessions aimed at raising awareness and advocating for mental health system improvements. Comfort speaking before diverse groups of 20-100 participants is necessary; honorarium possible.
• Crisis Intervention Training: Participate in training for police officers and recruits by discussing personal or familial mental health crisis experiences, including interactions with law enforcement. Requires travel to Chicago Police Academy; honorarium offered.

Candidate Profile and Responsibilities

The ideal Storyteller holds lived experience with mental health challenges, either personally or through a close relation, and can communicate these stories authentically to educate and inspire varying audiences. Candidates must demonstrate cultural sensitivity, maintain professional boundaries, and align with community storytelling values. Public speaking experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

• Deliver personal mental health narratives tailored to audience types: youth, families, faith groups, law enforcement, or advocacy settings.
• Work collaboratively with NAMI Chicago staff to prepare and align messaging with program goals.
• Fulfill mandatory training commitments ahead of engagements.
• Practice self-care and maintain healthy boundaries when sharing emotional content.
• Represent NAMI Chicago’s values of equity, inclusion, and community focus in all presentations.

Additional Information

Interested parties may attend optional informational sessions before applying. These occur on August 7th from 1-2 pm and August 12th from 10-11 am via online meetings, with registration required.

Selected Storytellers will be notified about the training schedule essential for activation. The role is not salaried but may offer honoraria acknowledging time invested on engagements.