What is NAMI-WM?
NAMI-WM is a local affiliate of NAMI, the nation's leading non-profit grassroots advocacy organization dedicated solely to improving the lives of children and adults with serious mental illness. NAMI-WM, with over 500 members, is a powerful voice throughout Western Massachusetts for fair treatment and better services.

ERASE Stigma
Erase Stigma
NAMI-WM seeks to erase the pervasive stigma confronting persons with
mental illnesses and their families.

Facts About Mental Illness

• One in five families will be affected by severe mental illness.
  
• In any given year, about 5 million American adults suffer from an acute episode of one of the five most serious brain disorders.
  
• Symptoms of brain disorders usually strike during late adolescence or early adulthood, although they can begin in early childhood or late adulthood.
  
• Serious mental illnesses occur in all groups of people, regardless of race, gender, age, country of origin, ethnic or religious background, economic class, education level or intelligence.
  
• Mental illnesses are not the same as mental retardation, although a person with mental retardation may also suffer with a mental illness.
  
• Currently mental illnesses cannot be prevented or cured. But early diagnosis and treatment can often remediate symptoms and lessen further debilitation.
  
• Recent advances in technology have enabled researchers to explore the brain for causes of particular symptoms.
  
• New medications are being developed to target specific symptoms and to reduce negative side effects.
  
• With appropriate treatment, persons with serious mental illnesses may live fulfilling and productive lives. There is HELP and HOPE.
  

The larger our membership, the louder we are heard by the public, in our communities, therefore affecting policy and legislation in our states and nation.

Membership Rights
With your paid membership you are invited to vote at our Annual Business Meeting for new Board Members and any other pertinent issues that require a vote from you as a member of NAMI-WM

Annual membership dues are $35.00.
Open Door Membership dues, for individuals with limited incomes, are $3.00.

Please send your tax deductible contribution to:
NAMI-WM
717 1/2 Main Street
Agawam MA 01001

Volunteer
NAMI-WM Volunteer Program
As a grassroots organization, NAMI-WM relies on volunteers at all levels of our organization.

What is a volunteer?
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world; indeed in it is the only thing that ever has."-  Margaret Mead

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."- Albert Pine

"The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons."
-Aristotle

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief responsibility to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."- Helen Keller

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."- Mother Teresa

Are you a student?--Need credits? If you are looking for a rewarding independent study or a college research paper, NAMI-WM may fulfill your college requirements in:

• Office Administration
  
• NAMI-WM Messenger ( newsletter )
  
• Resource Maintenance & Updates
  
• Resource library ( DVD's, Books, Video Tapes )
  
• Speakers Bureau
  
• Fundraising