Community Members & Groups
In Our Own Voice
In-person or virtual
- Flexible times and dates during or outside of normal business hours
- Hosted at your company or organization
None
Varies
40, 60 or 90 minutes
Breaking stereotypes through story
In Our Own Voice presentations feature people with mental health conditions sharing their personal stories in no-cost 40-, 60- or 90-minute presentations. The goal is to change attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes by describing the reality of living with a mental health condition — to add a critical perspective to the popular understanding of what people with mental illness are like.
In Our Own Voice humanizes a misunderstood topic by demonstrating that it’s possible — common, actually — to live well with a mental health condition. Audiences gain powerful insights that challenge assumptions and transform understanding.
Interested in hosting a presentation?
Ready to bring In Our Own Voice to your group or organization? Contact our peer & LGBTQIA2+ programs manager, Kat Lilley, by email or at 719.473.8477.
Who can benefit from a presentation?
- Healthcare providers and staff
- Community organizations
- Schools and universities
- Business and professional teams
- Mental health support organizations
- Anyone seeking to better understand mental health through lived experience
What the presentation covers:
- The reality of living with mental health conditions
- Different paths to treatment and coping strategies
- How recovery and support make a difference
- The impact of stigma and how to challenge it
- Open Q&A with presenters
What to expect during a presentation
- Personal stories – Two trained presenters share their unique journeys with mental health conditions - the challenges, the breakthroughs, and everything in between.
- Real dialogue – This isn't a lecture - it's a conversation. Attendees can ask questions and engage with presenters in a safe, welcoming space.
- New perspectives – By hearing firsthand accounts, audiences gain deeper understanding of mental health and see how recovery is possible.
Want to share your story to help others?
If you’ve living in recovery with a mental health condition and you’re passionate about breaking down stigma, we’d love to train you to become an In Our Own Voice presenter. You’ll join a supportive community of speakers who are making a real difference.
Want to find out more? Contact peer and LGBTQIA2+ programs manager Kat Lilley via email or at 719.473.8477.
Here's what you can expect:
- Share your unique journey through mental health challenges in a way that inspires and educates others
- Get comprehensive training and ongoing support from experienced NAMI presenters
- Help change attitudes and assumptions about mental health conditions by telling your story
- Empower others by showing that recovery is possible and sharing how you pursue your goals