Be a Part of the Conversation!

About Our Volunteers

At NAMI Vermont, our vibrant community thrives on the invaluable contributions of dedicated volunteers. We’re a small grassroots organization relying on the commitment of individuals like you to power support groups, educational classes, events, and community outreach. Volunteers are the driving force behind our programs, actively participating in fundraising efforts to offer these resources at no charge.

Discover a wealth of volunteer opportunities within NAMI Vermont! Our committees and Board of Directors are composed of passionate volunteers who generously contribute their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. By actively participating in these opportunities, you can play a pivotal role in fulfilling our mission of supporting, educating, and advocating for all communities, families, and individuals affected by mental health challenges. Join us in building better lives for everyone in our community through diverse and rewarding volunteer opportunities.

From our volunteer appreciation cruise! 😉

Ways to Volunteer:

Join a Committee – help us advocate, plan events, and more by giving your time and joining a NAMI Vermont committee.
Help with Outreach/Promote our Programs – Spread the word about NAMI Vermont’s programs and events by helping at an exhibit table, walking in a parade, or distributing NAMI materials into the hands of those who need them.
Share Your Story – Our lived experience stories provide a unique connection with others, a reminder that they are not alone. Your story can help someone, and we want to help you share it through advocacy efforts, presentations, and more.
Be a Part of NAMIWalks Vermont – This is our annual fundraising and awareness event. Help with the planning of this fun event, form a team, encourage friends and family to donate and walk with you, and participate on the day of the walk. This energizing and inspiring day is an amazing experience for everyone!
Set Up a Local Fundraiser – You can support NAMI Vermont by raising money so that we can continue to provide free programming to all Vermonters. Set up a Facebook Fundraiser for your birthday, host a yard sale for NAMI Vermont, or collect in-kind donations off of our wish list for NAMI Vermont.
Become a Program Teacher, Presenter, or Facilitator – All of our programs are run by trained volunteers who give selflessly of their time to provide needed services all across the state. NAMI Vermont offers trainings throughout the year.

Volunteer with NAMI Vermont

How would you like to get involved? Click the button to fill out a volunteer request form.

Become a Volunteer

Making A Difference with Peer Support

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) Peer Support Facilitator Glen Townsend presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dan Barlow, Executive Director of the People’s Health & Wellness Clinic, and staff for their unconditional support on behalf of NAMI Vermont. In June 2023, NAMI Vermont and People’s Health & Wellness joined forces to help bring a hybrid in-person and Zoom peer support group every Thursday evening from 6:00–7:30 p.m. to the People’s Health & Wellness Clinic at 51 Church Street in downtown Barre.

Glen Townsend comments, “Back in late May of 2023 when I approached Dan with the idea of starting a group, he said how can I help? I asked about holding the support group at the clinic. He said let’s work out the details with the director of NAMI Vermont. We did, and the group started on July 5th at 6:00 p.m. The first group did not have any attendees. However, nine months later, I found myself with a maxed-out group and talking about adding a second group to Central Vermont. It’s amazing how what started out with an idea has grown into something so wonderful and getting bigger as the weeks go by. I am so thankful for Dan and the staff, who have not only opened their door to a wonderful group but continue to ask how they can help.

People’s Health & Wellness is a non-profit clinic that helps uninsured and underinsured individuals. They have routine primary and preventive care, case management of acute and chronic illnesses, medication and prescription, referral to specialists, access to lab and diagnostic testing, vision screening and referrals, STI testing, smoking cessation, breast and cervical screening, cardiovascular health, mental health support, oral health and hygiene education, emergency evaluations, onsite routine dental prophylaxis, digital bitewing panoramic x-rays, full mouth deep clean, cavity stabilization, sealants, topical fluoride application, massage therapy, enrollment assistance in Vermont Health Connect, and patient financial enrollment with hospitals. For a small group, they do so much to help everyone they can on a daily basis to get the services needed to achieve a healthier tomorrow. They are all amazing and dedicated to what they do and the way they provide it.” said Townsend.
The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group meetings follow a structured, peer-led model intended for individuals living with mental health challenges. Participants have an opportunity to be heard and receive support. NAMI Vermont facilitators are uniquely qualified to lead support groups because they have gone through their own recovery process and have lived experience with their own mental health condition(s). They empathize with and encourage those who are seeking nonjudgement support in their mental health journey. In addition to the Connection support groups, NAMI Vermont offers support groups for family members and close friends of individuals with mental health conditions.

Jodi Girouard’s Poems

We invite more volunteers like Jodi to lend their voices and contribute to our collective healing. Your story matters, and together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health. To share your story, reach out to Jodi at [email protected] or call her at 802-876-7949 ext 105. We’d love to feature it in our e-news!