In Our Own Voice Training

Subject: In Our Own Voice Presenter Training

Dear Friends

Announcing (again) the invitation to a special Presenter Training Event!

What?

In Our Own Voice:

Learn about Mental Illness from People Who Have Been There

In Our Own Voice is a recovery education presentation given by trained consumer presenters. A brief, yet comprehensive interactive presentation about mental illness - including video, personal testimony, and discussion - enriches the audience's understanding of how people with these serious disorders cope with the reality of their illness while recovering and reclaiming productive lives with meaning and dignity.

The program offers an opportunity for consumers to gain self-confidence and self-esteem while serving as role models for the community. It is living proof that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and that recovery is an ongoing reality. The speakers are outstanding messengers to the community, carrying (and demonstrating just by their presence) the message that people with mental illness get well and stay well, achieve goals, deal with stigma - and here is what helps and what hurts us in our recovery journey.

The presentations are about hope, recovery, and stigma.

Hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and other severe mental illnesses. These presenters offer insight and hope by their example and testimonials of their experiences.
The brief video features consumers speaking about the topics of Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills, Successes, and Hopes and Dreams.
The presenters also provide opportunity for discussion about each section to enrich the audience's understanding of living with mental illness.

The Audience:

Any community or civic organization that may be interested in learning more about mental illnesses and recovery.
Health care providers who desire strengthened communication with their clients and improved outcomes.
Law enforcement officials to increase awareness of and sensitivity to behaviors triggered by mental illness.
Faith communities to increase responsiveness to people with mental illnesses who may first turn to their spiritual community for guidance.
Students of various age levels, who wish to expand their knowledge of living with mental illness.
Consumers in day programs, inpatient settings, support groups, and other community settings who can share, learn, and find hope for successful living.
Family and friends who may need further reassurance of the possibility of recovery for their loved ones.

Program Goals:

To meet the need for consumer-run education initiatives
To set a standard for quality education about mental illness from those who have been there
To offer genuine work opportunities for consumers
To encourage self-confidence and self-esteem in presenters
To focus on recovery and the message of hope

Presenter Training:

Presenters are people who have overcome great obstacles against great odds, and are now living successful lives, achieving their goals. They've chosen to help spread the word that people with severe mental illness get well and stay well. They give people information about recovery, and also inspiration and hope.

During the training, presenters will practice telling their personal stories, develop facilitation skills, develop story points that will be relevant and meaningful to specific audiences, and develop a professional presentation that they could take to their communities.

When?

Saturday and Sunday, August 29^th and 30^th, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Where?

We will train and stay at the:

Best Western Laurel Park Suites

16999 South Laurel Park Drive

Livonia, MI 48154

Who is sponsoring this Training Event?

NAMI Michigan is the Sponsoring agency.

Whom do I contact for more information if I want to be trained to be a Presenter?

Larry Ackerman

[(800) 331-4264 or (517) 485-4049, ext. 0]