1. Weekly Family Discussion Group
A Novel Follow-up after Family to Family
George Kaufmann President, NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County
Tom Franklin Family to Family Teacher, NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County
Marian McKenzie Family to Family Teacher, NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County

2. Family to Family Graduate “Wants”
Chance to have dialogue
Convert class learning into practical skills
Keep knowledge “fresh”
Stay connected with other class members
Affiliate “Wants”
Increase NAMI membership
Keep Family to Family graduates actively engaged

3. Planning Determine specific topics of interest to family members
Focus on skills and information which meet practical needs
Combine reference material and group discussion
Use already trained Family to Family teachers to facilitate

4. Reference Material
Family to Family manual “Additional Resources” tab at end of each class section
NAMI.org website
NAMI California and NAMI National convention presentations
Internet search by topic

5. Current Topics Recognize signs of relapse in ill relative
Plan for the time when you’re no longer there
Special topic: Synopsis of 2017 NAMI convention presentations/sessions
Understand public and private mental health systems
Be aware of impact of illness on well siblings
Know about and encourage employment for ill relative

6. The Implementation Set meeting time
Promotion plan: Affiliate newsletter, announcements at NAMI meetings,
Build it and they will come
Find and use engaged Family to Family teachers to facilitate

7. The Results Currently in third annual cycle of 50 topics
Four Family to Family teachers share facilitations with others in reserve
Attendance ranges from 10-20, averaging 15
Attendees: mix of regulars, semi-regulars and occasionals
Affiliate membership is up by more than 20% from 2015