Reaching Out to Congregations and Faith Communities Part IV Looking Ahead and Following Up Understanding the Interfaith Approach
One Other Person is Enough
Forming A Local NAMI FaithNet Advisory Group
Work with Your Local NAMI Affiliate
Keeping a Contact Form Faith Community ____________________ Address __________________Phone ____ Primary Leader ____________________ Key Leaders ________________________ NAMI Resources requested __ Affiliate brochures __Website links __ NAMI FaithNet Resources, __IOOV, __Other Follow Up __ MIAW, __ Mental Health Month
Different Views
Other Views about Mental Illness They are a result of sin, lack of faith, God’s judgment …. Psychiatrists are atheistic, so we shouldn’t use them Mental illnesses are shameful What else???
No one wants to listen ?
Manage Personal Encounters with Stigma
Hang in there!
HELPFUL RESPONSES Simply state what you experienced and how you were supported in the recovery process Encourage faith leaders to talk with other clergy who have experience with mental illness, NAMI and recovery Invite clergy and congregations to participate in educational events and activities with individuals, families and providers
Overcoming Barriers Remember your primary goal is to inform – Tell your story – Leave a fact sheet, brochures and referral information Be a Johnny Appleseed
Multiple Outreach Approaches
Support National Awareness Opportunities Mental Illness Awareness Week—First week of October Mental Health Month—May National Minority Mental Health Month— July
Share On-line Resources
Share On-line Resources – National Alliance on Mental Illness – National Institute of Mental Health
Connect with NAMI FaithNet Subscribe to the NAMI FaithNet E-newsletter Complete a feedback survey for each unit of Reaching out to Faith Communities Join NAMI FaithNet’s on-line discussion groups
How Many Caring Congregations Can we Create?
Envisioning the Future
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