Adopted 1/8/2017
Mission (Statement of Purpose)
NAMI Northeast Iowa exists to provide support, education, and advocacy for all people affected by mental illness in our member counties. We work collaboratively with our state and national affiliates and with other stakeholders to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
Beliefs
We believe:
- individuals, families and communities are served by increased awareness and understanding of mental illness
- people living with mental illness are valuable members of our communities
- family and friends are important to recovery
- adults and children living with mental illnesses are resilient and can live in recovery
- individuals are people first and are not defined by their diagnoses
- all people deserve to be treated with dignity, empathy, and respect
- individuals are better served in supportive communities
- sharing lived experiences facilitates individual and family recovery
- mental illnesses are physical illnesses that may have environmental triggers
Vision
We envision that our organization will:
- support people in reaching their full potential, living in their communities free from discrimination and stigma.
- increase public and professional understanding of mental illnesses
- overcome barriers by providing access to information, support, and resources
- provide hope and strengthen resiliency through shared experiences
Ends
In service of the mission, beliefs, and vision we commit to the following Ends:
- Provide classes and support groups in all member counties for adults, families, and children living with mental illnesses
- Secure resources to support and expand services
- Utilize existing needs assessment documents for our member counties
- Create a community that is educated and understands mental illness
- Work in collaboration with stakeholders
- Develop strong and effective governance
Goals
- Offer flagship classes (Basics, Peer to Peer, Family to Family) one time per year within our region, additional classes (Hope for Recovery, In Our Own Voice) annually in each of our member counties, ongoing support groups (Family Support Group, Circle of Support/Connections) in each member county and NAMI Smarts as indicated by regional/county need
- Identify and pursue funding sources
- Identify education, advocacy and support needs in our member counties
- Develop strong governance and oversight policies
- Develop an outreach plan for visibility and community awareness
Strategies
Education and Support
- Identify and schedule classes and groups
- Class/group materials/supplies management
- State reporting of attendees
- Maintain list of/communicate with interested attendees
Volunteer Engagement
- Identify and connect volunteers with appropriate trainings
- Recruit and coordinate screening of potential volunteers
- Volunteer engagement
Finances and Funding
- Identify and pursue grants and donations
- Coordinate fundraising efforts
Outreach and Marketing
- Develop membership program
- Develop newsletter/social media program
- Develop professional network throughout our 5 counties
- Publicize offerings and events (newspaper, social media, newsletter, website, email lists, etc.)
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, Standards of Excellence, IRS, NAMI Iowa, NAMI National, and insurance
- Develop and implement Monthly Bd meeting self-evaluation program
- Develop and implement annual self-evaluation program for committees and officers