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Reaching out to Faith Communities

Part IIISharing Your Story

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You Can Help the

Faith Community

Stories can open hearts and mindsStories prompt a readiness to learnStories can encourage the listener

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 In the Kingdom of God

there is neither Jew

nor Greek,

people with schizophrenia

nor dementia —

only people loved equally by God and called to live humanly.”        

John Swinton        

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To make your story most effective...• Keep it brief (about 1 page)

• Focus on essential elements

• Mention positive concepts

• Make a clear “ask”

Your Story is a First Step

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• Read aloud or listen to the sample story

• Notice your reactions as you listen

Demonstration of an Effective Story

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Analyze an Effective Story

• Use “Seven Steps to Sharing Your Story”

• What parts in the sample story correspond to the seven steps?

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Writing Your Story for Faith Communities

• Use your Story Practice Sheet• Refer to Seven Steps to Sharing Your

Story

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Seven Steps:

1. Introduce yourself

2. Let your audience know how you are affected

3. Let them know you will share your story

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4. Tell your story1. What happened? 2. What helped? 3. How are you different today?

5. Make your point

6. Make your “ask”

7. Say thank you

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Practice Your Story

• Partner with one or two others• Take turns sharing your story• After each turn, allow constructive

feedback

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• People may wish to tell you their story

• Be prepared to stay and talk

• Leave NAMI flyers

• Follow up with leadership

After you establish a connection …

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Information Packet

• Local NAMI Affiliate brochure• NAMI FaithNet brochure• Brief Referral List• Fact Sheet• Multi-faith Mental Health Ministry list

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A Sample Contact Report

• Name and contact information for the Faith Group

• Name and contact information for the Conversation Partner(s):

• Interests Observed:

• Follow up:

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Resourceswww.nami.org/namifaithnet

www.nami.org

NAMI HelpLine (800) 950-NAMI

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One Person is Enough

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Questions or Comments?

Take the three minute survey and register your feedback

www.surveymonkey.com/s/NAMIreachingout

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