The programs and services of NAMI San Francisco are provided by volunteers. We have all been affected by mental illness — as family members, as friends, or as individuals living with severe mental illnesses. NAMI volunteers around the country donate an estimated $135 million worth of time each year to education, support, and advocacy.
NAMI SF also offers internship positions to select students so they might gain experience in non-profit work. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see open opportunities.
Become a Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please read the opportunity descriptions listed below and sign up to attend one of our mandatory volunteer orientations!
Volunteer Opportunities
ETS is a presentation for middle and high school students. There are two roles within the program.
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Lead Presenter - This volunteer presents the educational slides of the presentation. They direct and lead the presentation and help answer student questions.
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Young Adult Presenter - This volunteer is someone between 18 and 30 years old who lives well in recovery with a mental health condition. They share a brief personal story with the students.
This is an ongoing opportunity that includes an online portion and an in-person portion.
IOOV is a unique public education presentation that offers insight into the hope and recovery possible for people living with mental illness. Volunteers live in recovery from mental illness and must complete training.
This is an ongoing opportunity that includes an online portion and an in-person portion training.
Offered on a consistent basis, support groups provide a safe space for individuals to share concerns about their loved ones living with a mental illness. To become a teacher, you ideally have visited a group and must complete a training. We are in need of English, Spanish, and Cantonese-speaking facilitators.
Family-to-Family is a 12-week course for families and friends of individuals with mental illness. To become a teacher, it is preferred that you graduate from this class before completing a training. We are in need of English, Spanish, and Cantonese-speaking teachers.
Basics
Basics is a 6-week course for families and caregivers of children with mental illness. To become a teacher, it is preferred that you graduate from this class before completing a training. We are in need of English and Spanish-speaking teachers.
Peer-to-Peer is an 8-week recovery education course open to any person with a mental illness. To become a teacher, it is preferred that you graduate from this class before completing a training.
Help Line & Outreach
The Help Line is an informational warm line that operates 24/7. Volunteers answer questions and provide referrals to calls and emails. Each volunteer is provided with materials updated annually. We are also in need of support people to help NAMI SF build and maintain relationships with community agencies and to create a greater community awareness of mental illness and mental health. This may include tabling at community events.
Adventure Leader
In the spring, summer, and fall, we host hikes around the city that encourage our community to continue to build strong bonds with each other and connect with nature. We need volunteer leaders interested in taking charge of a group.
Office Help
Occasionally, we have administrative projects (like mailings and program material organization) that we could use some help with.
Internship Opportunities
Summer Internships
Please check back to see our summer internship opportunities, providing experience for professional development, non-profit management, and mental health advocacy.