NAMI Consumer Council Representative
National Qualifications and Duties
Qualifications Consumer Council Representatives should:
o
Demonstrate strong
interest in NAMIÕs mission: to give support and nurturing to individuals
afflicted with a mental illness, to fight against the stigma of mental illness,
to support research into the causes and treatments, and to advocate for
services and support systems.
o
Subscribe to the overall
philosophy of the organization: that mental illnesses are no-fault treatable
biological brain disorders: that medication is the cornerstone of treatment in
combination with psychotherapy, self-help and other supportive services.
o
Have equal respect for
consumers (both well and ill) and family members, recognizing that all have
been through painful experiences and that all are working together on behalf of
people with mental illnesses.
o
Have the ability to
reach out to consumers with understanding and compassion.
o
NAMI Consumer Council
Representatives should strive toward positive working relationships with family
members and be able to step outside their own frame work and see the global
picture.
o
Have reached a level of
stability in their own recovery, yet always remembering that they are just as vulnerable as any other
consumer, well managed or not. Be willing to share their story publicly
o
Have worked successfully
with a local NAMI affiliate for at least one year. Be able to devote time to
the task of representing and supporting fellow consumers within and outside the
state NAMI organization.
o
Be a Member of NAMI
o
All CC members including
officers agree to be familiar with and abide by the NAMI code of Ethics while
servicing in official capacity.
Primary Duties:
o
Participate as an active
member of the NAMI Consumer Council, attending the Annual meeting at the annual
NAMI convention; participate in committee activities and respond to national
correspondence.
o
Serve as a liaison
between NAMI CC, your state NAMI board of Directors and state consumer members.
As time and circumstances allow:
o
Serve on the NAMI state
board of directors as determined by the state organization (i.e., election or
appointment), participating on committees and being responsible for
communicating consumer views to the state board.
o
Promote NAMIÕs consumer
programs:
o
In our own Voice: Living
with Mental Illness, NAMI-CARE, Peer to Peer, Hearts and Minds. These
consumer-led programs are tools for reaching out to consumers with information
and support and building a larger consumer membership in NAMI.
o
Educate themselves on
the newest research on mental illnesses and the issues affecting consumers and
their families (such as parity, access to quality treatment and the latest
medications.)
o
Building strong
relationships with the NAMI state president, executive director, and local
affiliate leaders.
o
Promote consumer
involvement in all state education and advocacy activities while working with
local and state NAMI groups.
o
Speak to the media and
state legislature with the unique voice of a consumerÕs experience when asked by
the state or national NAMI office.
o
Provide consumer input
in planning the state annual conference.
o
Encourage consumer
activities in local affiliates.
o
Contribute articles on
consumer activities, programs and perspective to state and affiliate newsletters.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MICHIGAN-Consumer Council Representative and
co-alternates:
o
Be open and public that
you have had a mental illness.
o
Provide address, phone,
and e-mail publicly in the NAMI MI Newsletter, to the national and state
office.
o
Respond to considerable
communications by phone, e-mail, etc
o
Attend Michigan NAMI
Board Meetings, either in person or by teleconference.
o
Work with the other
co-alternates and/or with the consumer representative to keep up to date and
involved.
o
Attend numerous
teleconferences at the national and state level.
o
Participate in the
Michigan Consumer Council as it develops.
o
Be prepared to take over
the CC Rep position if necessary.