Volunteers are essential to NAMI-NYC’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. If you bring lived experience, empathy, and a desire to create meaningful change, we invite you to explore our current openings.
Each volunteer role includes its own application link. The best way to get started is to review the roles below and apply directly to the one that matches your background and interests.
Before completing any application below, please ensure the requirements on this page apply to you.
Most volunteer roles require lived experience. You must either:
These roles are not designed for individuals seeking academic credit or general professional experience.
Because every role involves staff-led training and ongoing supervision, most positions require a one-year commitment.
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.
If you become a volunteer, you will be asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and volunteer contract outlining NAMI-NYC policies and procedures.
NAMI-NYC receives a high volume of applications, and open volunteer opportunities are limited. Unfortunately, not all applicants can be accepted. Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis, and it may take a few weeks to hear back.
Volunteer for the historic 20th Annual NAMIWalks NYC + Mental Health Street Fest on Sunday, May 17!
NAMIWalks NYC + Mental Health Street Fest is the nation’s largest mental health event, and since 2007, the event has convened thousands of supporters, including individuals, families, companies, and community organizations.
Click here to sign up to volunteer to assist in Walk Day program operations.
Represent NAMI-NYC at outreach tabling events throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
Community Outreach volunteers share information and answer questions about NAMI-NYC’s free programs for individuals and family members affected by mental illness.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
If this role sounds like a fit for you, please fill out this application here.
Support Someone Who’s Walking a Path You’ve Already Traveled
As a Family Match Mentor, you’ll be matched with a family member who is now navigating experiences similar to ones you’ve previously lived through. Because you’ve been in their position — supporting a loved one with a mental health condition — you’re uniquely able to offer understanding, steady guidance, and hope.
Your own journey makes you the right person to help someone who is where you once were.
What You’ll Do
Who This Role Is For
✨ Bilingual Volunteers Welcome
We welcome fluent Spanish speakers for this role. Many families in our community benefit greatly from support in Spanish, and bilingual mentors help us make the program more accessible.
If this role sounds like a fit for you, please fill out this application here.
NAMI-NYC Support Groups are led by trained peer facilitators who use their lived experience to guide supportive, nonjudgemental conversations.
We are currently in need of facilitators who meet all the following criteria:
Facilitator training is a multistep process that begins with attending support groups as a participant and volunteering behind the scenes as a Host Volunteer.
To find support groups to join as a participant, check out our calendar here.
To apply as a Host volunteer, please fill out this application here.
Co-lead safe, supportive spaces for teens to share their experiences with mental health. Facilitators are trained in group dynamics and peer support. Must have lived experience with a mental health condition
Qualifications:
If this role sounds like a fit for you, please fill out this application here.
Are you 18-24 with lived experience with mental health challenges? Or are you a parent, caregiver, or professional supporting teens struggling with their mental health?
Members of the group will participate in virtual meetings to:
Whether you’re a young person looking to lead, a caregiver supporting your child’s growth, or a professional guiding young people, we’d love to hear from you.
If this role sounds like a fit for you, please fill out this application here.
For questions about requirements or currently open roles, contact:
Juen Romanoff – volunteers@naminyc.org
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