Strengthening the NAMI Alliance: Building a Unified Movement

This track, designed specifically for local NAMI staff, executive directors, and state associations, will focus on fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and working more effectively as an interdependent network to advance local, state, and national goals. Attendees will learn how to leverage national and state organizations to enhance local efforts, strengthen their own organizational infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. Sessions will cover topics such as:

• Leadership development
• Board governance
• Community and volunteer engagement
• Resource development
• Financial management
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Effective program management

Advocacy in Action: Amplifying Voices for Mental Health Care for Access

This track is dedicated to advancing mental health advocacy through public policy reform and awareness campaigns that inspire action. It will explore innovative ways to influence mental health legislation, mobilize grassroots activism, and drive change at local, state, and national levels. Policy and advocacy topics to be addressed include but are not limited to expanding access to quality, affordable mental healthcare; criminal justice reform; peer recovery; meeting the needs of servicemembers and veterans; and eliminating mental health stigma.

Building Inclusive Mental Health Awareness and Support Networks

This track centers on creating inclusive, diverse communities that prioritize mental health awareness and support, with a focus on groups such as:

• People living with mental illness, their families, and caregivers;
• Youth and young adults;
• Servicemembers, veterans, and their families;
• The faith community; and
• Historically underserved and marginalized communities.

Attendees will learn how to build sustainable mental health networks, create inclusive outreach initiatives, and engage a diverse range of community stakeholders. Sessions will highlight effective ways to promote open dialogue about mental health in schools, workplaces, and community organizations to create meaningful connections and lasting impact.

Innovating to Meet Tomorrow’s Mental Health Needs

As the nation becomes increasingly diverse, and the ways in which people access information, support, and care evolve, it is critical that the mental health community develop new, innovative approaches to mental health support. This track addresses the need for innovation and research to meet the evolving demands of mental health care. Attendees will learn about new approaches to creating adaptive, inclusive programs that meet the evolving needs of communities, leverage new technologies, and address equity gaps in mental health care access.