1. Engaging More Communities with More Ease or, How to get younger and more diverse communities to join you

2. Darcy Gruttadaro, Director NAMI Child & Adolescent Action Center

3. The Importance of Engaging Younger and More Diverse Communities This session is designed for us to share ideas about what works and to learn from each other about how to effectively engage a younger and more diverse demographic.

4. Why is Engagement so Important? So many feel isolated and disconnected … NAMI can help to create connection!

5. Now is the Time … National Attention is Focused on Youth and Young Adults  The nation responds to the Newtown tragedy by calling for the creation of MH systems that work.  Focus is greatest on youth and young adults ages 16 to 25 and the need for innovative approaches to outreach and engagement.  President Obama calls for a national dialogue on mental health and innovative approaches to supporting youth and young adults ages 16 to 25 who live with mental illness.

6. Engaging Younger and More Diverse Communities  Young adults, including those living with and impacted by MI, are active in social causes.  Understanding their interests and needs is key.  They will join us if they see themselves in what we do and/ or if we have something important to offer them.

7. Majose Carrasco, Director NAMI Multicultural Action Center

14. Steps for Successful Cultural Adaptation Form an advisory committee Assess from cultural lens Identify potential needed adaptations Touch base with program developer Pilot and evaluate

15. Promoting Your Program African American NAMI members and partners Does the way we publicize F2F work? Where to go to promote Language: MH “conditions” Personal connections Word of mouth Ideas of what has worked Outreach materials How many people attend the class?

16. Teri Brister, Director of Content Integrity NAMI Education, Training & Peer Support Center

17. Fidelity vs. Flexibility

18. Young Adults:  Lots of attention is being paid to Millennials (born 1982/HS Class of 2000+) estimated at 75 million.  Reports and articles provide important insight.  One key is to be open minded about how they work and to learn from them. Learn About Your Targeted Group and Meet them Where They Are

19. Diverse Communities: Learn About Your Targeted Group and Meet them Where They Are

20. Learning to “meet them where they are” in developing Strengthofus.org 1st go around ~ series of conference calls for input from YA advisory group. 2 nd go around … Skype IM.

21. Innovative Approaches to Outreach and Engagement Just a few things to keep in mind:  This is not business as usual.  YA have a VERY close relationship with technology.  Instant gratification is expected (Twitter and the Wire).  YA are generally optimistic and have high expectations.  In order to be involved, they want to know that you have something for them.  Communication is key and language matters.

22. Innovative Ways to Reach and Engage Young Adults  Online surveys: survey monkey is a tool to use to learn about the needs and interests of YAs. College and social networking surveys.  College and YA interns – get their ideas on how best to reach and engage other young adults and on how to make your organization more YA friendly.  NAMI Bikes and Walks.

23. Innovative Ways to Reach and Engage Young Adults  Create a blog series written by young adults, ask them to contribute to your newsletter and website.  Include topics and themes that are specific to YA from multicultural communities.  Partner with NAMI on Campus Clubs on program and activities.

24. Innovative Ways to Reach and Engage Young Adults  Be tech savvy and get young adults to work with you on Twitter, FB and the latest social networking sites.

25. Innovative Ways to Reach and Engage Young Adults  Learn about what motivates young adults to give, volunteer and lead in the Annual Millennial Impact Report ( visit www.themillennialimpact.com ).www.themillennialimpact.com  Offer leadership opportunities for young adults on advisory groups, on the BOD and in related positions.

26. Now let’s hear from you … Please share innovative ways your organization has reached and engaged young adults from diverse communities.

27. Engaging individuals and communities that are younger and more diverse

28. Summary & Conclusions

29. Don’t Forget Tell us about your successes on a Post It note Let us know what you need from us on a Post It note Follow up conference call on your Take It Home activities on Wednesday, August 14 at 3:00 ET