Request a Presentation

Our Speakers Bureau is pleased to offer several educational programs to bring hope to families and individuals who suffer with biological brain disorders (mental illness). Through education we can reduce stigma, provide resources and inform the public that treatment works!

Schedule your program for civic groups, faith-based groups, schools, PTA's, colleges, and professional organizations. Please allow 4 weeks advance notice if possible.

NAMI DuPage Presentations Available

1. NAMI Overview
(30 minute presentation)
An overview of the services offered at NAMI DuPage including support, advocacy and education. A brief testimony of living with mental illness from either the consumer or family member perspective is included.

2. "In Our Own Voice"
(60 to 90 minute presentation)
A brief, yet comprehensive interactive presentation about mental illness—including video, personal testimony, and discussion—enriches the audience’s understanding of how people with these serious disorders cope with the reality of their illnesses while recovering and reclaiming productive lives. Topics include:

• Dark Days
• Acceptance
• Treatment
• Coping Strategies
• Successes, Hopes and Dreams

This presentation can be adapted to fit your time schedule.

3. “Hear Us”…Family Perspective
(15 minutes to 45 minute presentation)
What do families experience when a loved one is suffering from mental illness? Come and hear family members present their stories and learn the predictable stages of emotional reactions. Help learn how the public can respond to these families in crisis. Perspectives available from the spouse, parent and child’s viewpoint.

4. History Of Mental Illness
(15 minute power point presentation)
How was mental illness treated in the 1700’s? How far have we come since de-institutionalization in the 1960’s?  Come and learn the impact of stigma.

5. Parents And Teachers As Allies
(2 Hour Teacher In Service)
NAMI created “Parents and Teachers as Allies” to help families and school professionals identify the key warning signs of early-onset mental illnesses in children and adolescents in our schools. It focuses on the specific, age-related symptoms of mental illness in youngsters. The program is intended to provide an educational tool for advancing mutual understanding and communication between families and school professionals. This program is designed for teacher in services; parent PTA sponsored evenings, and mental health professional classes.

6. Ending The Silence
(50 minute classroom presentation)
High school health class students learn about brain disorders (mental illness) through power point, video, and personal testimony. This generation will eradicate stigma through education and advocacy. Post cards are mailed home to their families informing them of the services of NAMI DuPage. NAMI affiliates may purchase this program at www.endingthesilence.org

7. Schizophrenia Re-Enactment
(30 minutes to 45 minutes)
What is it like to hear voices? Join us in this interactive presentation and learn first hand what it is like to have schizophrenia. If available, someone who has schizophrenia will share their story and answer questions.

8. Design Your Own Presentation
(Design a mental health seminar 1 hour to full day)

Let us know how we can help. What would you like to know more about?

• Major Mental Illness Overview (1 hour power point presentation)
• CNN video on Self Injury (6 minute video)
• “Secrets of the Teenage Brain: Schizophrenia” (30 minutes)
• Advocacy (housing, legislation, mental health courts) (15 minutes)
• Consumer/Family Member Panels (you determine)
• How the Faith-Based Groups can Respond! (30 minutes)
• Hearing Voices: A re-enactment w/testimony (60 minutes)
• “The Truth About Suicide” Video  w/personal testimony (45 minutes)

Please call the office at 630-752-0066 for further information or to schedule a presentation.