"In Our Own Voice" Program

In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique education program through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It offers insight into the recovery that is now possible for people with severe mental illness. Currently, NAMI Alabama is looking for four consumers from four affiliates (for a total of 16) to participate in this program so as to get it launched statewide. Target audiences include:

 

 

As of 2008, the program is active in over 48 states and over 150,000 audience members have been reached since its inception in 1996. 2,000 individuals have been trained nationwide since the inception of this fabulous and highly educational program.

 

Started by a grant from Eli Lily and Co, the goals of IOOV are to meet the need for consumer-run initiatives, to set a standard for quality education about mental illness from those who have been there, to offer genuine work opportunities, to encourage self confidence and self esteem in presenters, and to focus on recovery and the message of hope. 

It is natural for people living with serious mental illness to speak about their personal journeys to recovery. Thus, IOOV presentations consist of compelling and personal testimonials, a short video, and time for audience questions and discussion. Target audiences include consumers, mental health service providers, families, students, law enforcement personnel, professionals, faith members, and all people wanting to learn about mental illness.

   
WHO ARE THE PRESENTERS?

Two trained presenters give personal testimony about their own journeys with mental illness. IOOV is dedicated to the support, education, and growth of presenters. The program dispels many myths surrounding mental illnesses and helps reduce stigma as we openly talk about it. 

 

Studies now show that contact between people who have mental illnesses and the general public is the most effective way to reduce the discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses (Corrigan & Penn, 1999). An article published in the peer-reviewed Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal concludes that “there is strong evidence that NAMI’s ‘In Our Own Voice’ consumer education presentation is effective as a strategy for increasing audience knowledge about mental illness and improving attitudes towards those who experience psychiatric disorders.” (Wood and Wahl, 2006)
 

The presentation MUST be a minimum of one hour to be considered an official “In Our Own Voice” presentation. Length of the presentation may range from 60 to 90 minutes. For those that are audience shy, that does not mean that you will be telling your story for the entire 60 to 90 minutes! 

 

Two trained presenters go as a pair and tell their stories for three minutes each alternated with a video that to be shown. This is a very interactive program and after each section we encourage the audience to share their thoughts and ask questions. As presenters, we just want to share a little bit of our story to get the audience thinking and talking. The five sections of the IOOV are:

 

Introduce yourself, followed by:

 

The number one phobia is public speaking so do not think you are alone if you are scared to get in front of an audience and talk! You will not be expected to come up with a three minute story by yourself. As a trained state coordinator and presenter, I will be here to guide you and help you through the training process. It is formatted in a way so as to learn how to tell your story. The training is both FUN and helpful!

  

Yes. The beauty of this program is that the stipend for presenting will not affect any government benefits. Through a grant from the Alabama DMH/MR Planning Council, hotel and meals for the two day training process are covered with no cost to the consumer. Through this grant as well, mileage to and from the training site also is reimbursed.

 

Presenter: “Participating in the IOOV program is the single most effective thing I am doing to maintain my mental health.”

 

Psychology Professor: “They were able to communicate to the students what dozens of hours of lectures on psychopathology could never do. This is something that can’t be learned by memorizing a list of signs and symptoms.”

 

Law Enforcement Official: “The consumers who spoke really educated me. I have been employed in hospitals for a decade prior to becoming a police officer. I never had a chance to hear the consumer’s thoughts, lifestyle, their stories -even though I have spent ¼ of my life working with people who suffer from mental illness.”

 

The presenter application can be mailed or faxed provided the information below. Please make sure that you retain a copy of the application for your records in the event that an error occurs and it needs to be sent again. 

 

If you have any questions regarding the application process please call the number below. 

 

Thank you so much for your interest in this fabulous program and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions, comments, or concerns that you might have!