1. 1 Reaching out to Faith Communities Part III Sharing Your Story

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3. You Can Help the Faith Community Stories can open hearts and minds Stories prompt a readiness to learn Stories can encourage the listener 3

4. 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 4

5. 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 5

6. Read aloud or listen to the sample story Notice your reactions as you listen Demonstration of an Effective Story 6

7. Analyze an Effective Story Use “Seven Steps to Sharing Your Story” What parts in the sample story correspond to the seven steps? 7

8. Writing Your Story for Faith Communities Use your Story Practice Sheet Refer to Seven Steps to Sharing Your Story 8

9. Seven Steps: 1.Introduce yourself 2.Let your audience know how you are affected 3.Let them know you will share your story 9

10. 4. Tell your story 1.What happened? 2.What helped? 3.How are you different today? 5. Make your point 6. Make your “ask” 7. Say thank you 10

11. Practice Your Story Partner with one or two others Take turns sharing your story After each turn, allow constructive feedback 11

12. 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 … 12

13. Information Packet Local NAMI Affiliate brochure NAMI FaithNet brochure Brief Referral List Fact Sheet Multi-faith Mental Health Ministry list 13

14. 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: 14

15. Resources www.nami.org/namifaithnet www.nami.org NAMI HelpLine (800) 950-NAMI 15

16. One Person is Enough 16

17. Questions or Comments? Take the three minute survey and register your feedback www.surveymonkey.com/s/NAMIreachingout 17