Thursday, November 13, 2014

The 2015 Spring National Walk Manager Training was a Success!

This past weekend (Nov. 7th - Nov. 9th) the National NAMIWalks Team hosted the 2015 Spring Walk Manager Training (WMT) for all the spring Walk Managers around the country. The Training, held in Las Vegas, was a wonderful event! We had three full days of sessions on how to successfully manage a NAMIWalk -- from raising funds to promoting the event to engaging participants! After completing the intense training, the Walk Managers were excited and ready to go home and start working on their upcoming events! We heard from many of our veteran Walk Managers that it was the best WMT they have ever attended!

Spring Walk Managers dressed in shirts that represented the location of their NAMIWalks.
We were very fortunate to have Hakeem Rahim as our keynote speaker. Mr. Rahim, became an advocate for issues around mental illness in 2012. Since then he has testified in front of Congress, been featured in USA Today and has shared his journey with over 7,000 students. He is a certified NAMI In Our Own Voice speaker and NAMI Queens/Nassau Let's Talk Mental Illness presenter. In addition, he is also a member of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's National Board.

Mr. Rahim spoke of his experiences and the importance of engaging the community to get involved with NAMIWalks, NAMI and mental health advocacy. His remarks inspired everyone in attendance!

Hakeem Rahim addressing the Walk Managers.
Hakeem Rahim showing his support of NAMIWalks!