Storyteller
About The Position
NAMI Chicago is seeking passionate and courageous Storytellers to help transform the way our communities understand mental health. This is not a full-time or part-time position. Storytellers generally serve as independent contractors, on an as-needed basis, however some may serve in a volunteer-basis, in response to specific program requests. Storytellers may be compensated in the form of an honorarium to recognize their time spent. All selected Storytellers are required to complete mandatory training before being activated for engagements. The nature and schedule of that training will be communicated upon selection. Four Storytelling Tracks Applicants must indicate which of the following opportunities they are applying for: Track 1 — Ending the Silence: Storytellers deliver presentations to youth, school staff, and/or families in school settings across Cook County. This track focuses on reducing stigma, sharing lived experience with mental health challenges, and uplifting hope and resilience for younger audiences and the adults who support them. Storytellers on this track have an opportunity to receive an honorarium for their time. Track 2 - Bridges of Hope: Storytellers deliver presentations to faith communities, congregations, ministry leaders, and faith-based organizations across Cook County. This track focuses on educating faith communities about mental illness, reducing stigma within spiritual spaces, and sharing lived experiences that foster compassion, understanding, hope, and healing. Track 3 - Training, Conference and Advocacy: Storytellers share personal experiences with mental health and systems of care during a variety of wellness-centered training, conference and advocacy sessions to raise mental health awareness and educate the broader public about current gaps in systems of care, to lead to pivotal changes within the current mental health landscape. This track requires comfortability speaking in front of diverse audiences and varying audience sizes (e.g., anywhere between 20-100 individuals). Storytellers on this track may have an opportunity to receive an honorarium for their time. Track 4 - Crisis Intervention Training: Storytellers share their personal or family experience with mental health crises — including interactions with law enforcement — during Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) delivered to police officers and recruits at the Chicago Police Academy. This track requires comfort working within a law enforcement environment and traveling to the Academy. Storytellers on this track have an opportunity to receive an honorarium for their time.
Requirements
- Lived experience navigating mental health challenges, either personally or through a loved one, and are willing to share their stories in a way that educates and inspires.
- Demonstrate authenticity, cultural awareness, strong boundaries, and a commitment to community-centered storytelling.
Nice To Haves
- Prior public speaking experience is helpful but not required.
Responsibilities
- Share your personal mental health story during NAMI Chicago trainings, panels, or community events aligned with your selected track
- Tailor your storytelling to fit your audience, whether speaking to youth, families, or law enforcement
- Collaborate with NAMI Chicago staff to prepare for each engagement and align with program objectives
- Complete all required mandatory training prior to your first engagement
- Maintain healthy boundaries and self-care practices when sharing personal or emotional experiences
- Reflect NAMI Chicago's commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered storytelling in every engagement
Benefits
- Honorarium for their time spent (for some tracks)
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Education Level
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