May 2020

Message from CEO Jessica Cruz As we do every May, we are joining NAMI and other organizations in celebrating Mental Health Month, and we hope you will raise your voices with us to end stigma, with your stories and insights (more on that below). Your voices will also be a big part of our new website, which I'm excited to announce is launching later this week with a new design, more resources, and more ways for you to share your stories and make a difference. May is also Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, and we encourage members from Asian and Pacific Islander communities to take our diversity survey so that we can work to improve mental health care and services for all.

I hope you are staying well and safe as we continue to live through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our resource guide is being updated regularly to help you and your families cope and thrive. We have heard from many of you about the challenges you're facing, from balancing working at home with family responsibilities, to experiencing the impacts of stress. I know first-hand how challenging it can be and my latest video for members discusses stress and how we can all take steps to care of ourselves.

Events

Rescheduled Annual Conference New dates for our NAMI California annual conference: October 12 and 13 in Sacramento. Application for Exhibitors Early-Bird Conference Registration

Community Engagement and Outreach

Raise Your Voice for Mental Health Month

For 2020’s Mental Health Month, we want to elevate the voices of those in our NAMI California community — that’s YOU! — to help inform and inspire others to get the mental health support they need for themselves, their families, and our communities. Here are 5 ways you can raise your voice:

Take our annual mental health survey Answer our Community Voices questions Tell us your personal story Share how you are finding comfort at home during the pandemic Tag us (@namicalifornia) in social media posts about NAMI, your efforts to improve mental health, or how you are helping to end stigma using #TeamNAMICa

News and Resources

NAMI California Bylaws Thank you to members who voted on our new bylaws , which were approved!

Updates from Local Affiliates We are thrilled to report that many of our local affiliates are offering virtual support with online support groups, classes, and events. Contact your local NAMI California affiliate to find out about ways we are still able to support one another.

NAMI San Mateo is seeking an Executive Director.

Online Tips and Advice Get advice on woking at home during the COVID-19 pandemic ; practicing self-care ; managing stress ; getting good sleep; preventing suicide ; and more.

Support for NAMI California

Thank you to those who made donations for #GivingTuesdayNow last week. During these difficult times, support from our community is more appreciated than ever . Renewing your membership or getting a membership for a loved one, or making a donation goes a long way. As a nonprofit organization, every dollar donated to us funds our vital work to help our communities! In addition to becoming a member, did you know you can support NAMI California by shopping on Amazon or checking a box when you file your taxes ? Find out about all the ways you can give to NAMI California. Thank you!

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