Overview
NAMI On Campus Clubs are student-led clubs that tackle mental health issues at high schools (within California) and on college campuses by raising mental health awareness, educating the community, supporting students, promoting services, and advocating for more support. These clubs are open to all students, whether they live with a mental health condition, are a family member or friend, or have a general interest in mental health. NAMI on Campus clubs aim to address the mental health needs of all students so they have positive, successful and fun college experiences.
- Open to all students within California high schools
- Collaborate with NAMI California and local NAMI affiliate to bring NAMI programs to high school and campuses
Why NAMI On Campus?
Nearly three-quarters of mental health conditions emerge by age 24, so we need to make sure students are educated about mental health. Many students facing mental health concerns for the first time and may not know where to go for support, and their peers may not know the warning signs or how to help.
NAMI knows that some of the best support a student can receive is from peers. When students connect with one another, they can share common experiences and support each other through the transitions. NAMI on Campus helps make those connections happen.
NAMI on Campus clubs work to end the stigma that makes it hard for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. Clubs hold creative meetings, hold innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs through partnerships with NAMI California and affiliates.
NAMI On Campus - High School
NAMI On Campus High School (NCHS) Clubs are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campus through peer-led activities and education. Student Leaders will be empowered with toolkits, materials, templates, and resources to make running the club a fun and educational process. The Club is open to all students – those with mental health conditions, those with family members with a condition, or students who are interested in the field or in advocacy. It is not a support or therapy group.
The purpose of NCHS Clubs is to:
- Be supportive of students who are living with mental illness
- Provide information on school and community resources
- Encourage people to recognize early signs of mental illness
- Encourage students who are having mental health issues to get help
- Work to end the stigma that surrounds mental illness
- Create an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment
- Let students know there is help available if they need it
If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 916-567-0163 or email us at nchs@namica.org
NAMI on Campus - College
College is an exciting time. From being away from home and finding independence to meeting new people and trying new things, every day brings new experiences. There is also a new level of academic responsibility. Classes are harder and there is always a due date on the horizon. Balancing all of the changes that happen in college can be stressful and challenging.
Those challenges are even more difficult for the 1 in 5 students who also face a mental health condition. Nearly three-quarters of mental health conditions emerge by age 24, so many college students are facing mental health concerns for the first time, and may not know where to go for support.
NAMI on Campus clubs are student-led, student-run mental health organizations on college campuses. NAMI on Campus clubs:
- Raise mental health awareness with fairs, walks and candlelit vigils.
- Educate the campus with presentations, guest speakers and student panels.
- Advocate for improved mental health services and policies on campus.
- Support peers with signature NAMI programs and training from NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates.
As a member of a NAMI on Campus club, you will belong to the largest grassroots mental health organization in America. Club leaders have access to the staff, resources, opportunities and support that comes with being part of this national movement, including opportunities beyond your college years.
Have questions or want to learn more? Contact NAMI National at namioncampus@nami.org
Download the flierHow to Start a Club
Click here to find out more about starting a NAMI On Campus Club.
Questions? Please feel free to give us a call at 916-567-0163 or email us at nchs@namica.org
NAMI CA Conference Session on NCHS
NAMI California’s 2020 Conference included a session on our NAMI on Campus High School (NCHS) program.
Youth Symposium 2021 NCHS and ETS Workshop
NAMI California’s Youth Symposium in April 2021 included a special section on NCHS where they highlighted the perspective of a student member of a NCHS Club.