By NAMI Southwest Washington
At NAMI Southwest Washington, our mission is built on hope, compassion, and connection. Every day, we work to create a world where individuals and families affected by mental illness feel seen, heard, and supported. But we can’t do this work alone. During National Volunteer Week (April 20-25, 2025), we pause to recognize the incredible people who make our mission possible—and to invite you to be part of something meaningful.
Why Volunteering at NAMI SW WA Matters
Volunteering with NAMI isn’t just about giving back—it’s about becoming part of a movement that brings real, lasting change to individuals and communities affected by mental illness. It’s about standing up for dignity, compassion, and inclusion. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey, walking alongside a loved one, or committed to improving mental wellness in your community, your voice, your story, and your time are powerful tools for change. At NAMI Southwest Washington, we believe that healing begins when people come together—and when you volunteer with us, you help make that healing possible.
By volunteering, you:
- Reduce stress and boost your own well-being through purpose and connection.
- Learn valuable skills in leadership, facilitation, and public speaking.
- Make a lasting impact by offering empathy, understanding, and support to others.
- Use your lived experience to change lives and fight stigma.
Ways You Can Volunteer
We welcome volunteers ages 18 and older (17 with approval). Whether you’re looking to engage your passion, grow your skills, or simply connect with like-minded people, there’s a place for you at NAMI SW WA.
Support Group Leader Facilitate a group for peers with shared experiences. Help create a safe space where people can connect, heal, and grow together.
- Connection Recovery Groups: Substance Use, Women’s, and Co-ed.
- Family Support Groups: Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons.
- Social and Art Groups: Adult Autism, Creative Writing, and In-Person Art Group.
Educational Course Teacher Share practical tools and insights to empower others. Use your story to offer guidance, hope, and life-saving education.
- STRive: for individuals in recovery.
- Family to Family: for adults supporting a loved one with mental illness.
- Basics: for caregivers of children under 18 with mental or behavioral challenges.
Presentation Speaker Change hearts and minds through storytelling. Speak at schools, companies, churches, or community organizations.
- Ending the Silence: for students, parents, and staff.
- SEE ME/In Our Own Voice: for first responders.
- StigmaFree Company & Campus: for businesses and colleges.
- FaithNet: for faith-based communities.
Office Assistant/Reception Be a welcoming face for people reaching out for help. Provide resources, encouragement, and connection to those walking through our doors.
Together, We Heal
Volunteers are the heart of NAMI Southwest Washington. Your time, voice, and energy can help us build a stronger, more compassionate community—one that understands mental illness and stands together in support.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more or apply today on our volunteer page, call us at (360) 695-2823, or email [email protected].
This National Volunteer Week, be part of something bigger. Be part of healing
