IOOV logo

In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a powerful presentation that aims to change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. Two trained presenters with lived experience of a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences and how they have found pathways to hope and healing. Audience members have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about mental health, and challenge misconceptions.

The presentation is offered free of charge and is appropriate for diverse audiences, including family members, friends, mental health professionals, and people diagnosed with mental health conditions. IOOV presentations are available for businesses, hospitals, high schools, colleges and universities, communities of faith, community organizations, and more.

Download an In Our Own Voice Brochure

Upcoming NAMI In Our Own Voice Presentations

There are currently no IOOV presentations scheduled. Check back here for updates.

IOOV Speaker Trainings

We are looking for volunteer speakers for our In Our Own Voice presentation program! We are looking for individuals with lived experience of a mental health condition that would like to share their story in order to help others.

IOOV presentation speakers receive:

 

  • Volunteer stipends
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Public speaking skills

 

  • A community of speakers who share a background in mental health
  • Free training (with food)!

The IOOV Training Process:

 

  • 1-hour interview with NAMI Mass staff on Zoom: Potential speakers will be asked to briefly share their mental health journey with staff. Staff will discuss logistics and expectations related to the program and answer any questions applicants might have.
  • 2-hour pre-training session on Zoom: Trainees will watch an IOOV presentation delivered by current IOOV speakers and participate in a conversation about the speakers’ experiences in the program.
  • Self-paced, at-home writing: A training guide is provided to support trainees in writing a rough draft of their IOOV story script. This must be completed before full-day training.
  • Full-day training: Trainees will receive feedback on their scripts, practice presenting their stories, learn how to answer audience questions, and more.

We especially encourage you to apply if:

 

  • You have had police encounters related to your mental health journey
  • You are a veteran of the armed forces
  • You identify as BIPOC
  • You speak Spanish, or another language
  • You identify as LGBTQ+
  • You have a diverse life experience: persons with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, formally incarcerated individuals, etc.
  • You can commit to volunteering for one year
  • You can present at least once per month
  • Willing to present in-person
  • Available during 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Want to schedule an IOOV presentation?

Most IOOV presentations are privately hosted by individual businesses, schools and universities, organizations, and other groups. We are offer in-person and virtual In Our Own Voice presentations! To schedule a presentation for your group, business, or organization:

Please note that we schedule IOOV presentations on a monthly basis, and requests must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to your intended presentation date. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Courtney Campbell at ccampbell@namimass.org.

Become a Trained Speaker for NAMI In Our Own Voice

NAMI Massachusetts is looking for individuals willing to share their personal story of living with a mental health condition with audiences such as hospitals, police departments, schools, universities, workplaces, faith communities and more! We host several trainings for new speakers each year and dates will be publicized as they are scheduled. If you are interested in becoming a trained volunteer speaker for NAMI In Our Own Voice, please:

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Courtney Campbell at ccampbell@namimass.org.

Support for this program is provided in part by:

Contact us for more information about NAMI In Our Own Voice:

Courtney Campbell
Program Manager, Community Education & Outreach
617-286-7613
ccampbell@namimass.org