This section of the website is intended to provide information about public speaking initiatives and speakers' bureaus, including peer-led programs in Michigan and across the country. This page also includes information about how to organize a speakers' bureau in your community.
Read The Power of Story for Mental Health Recovery by Jenifer Strauss.
A note about self-disclosure:
The decision to share information about your recovery (self-disclosure) is your's alone. If you are thinking about getting involved in public speaking, you should consider this choice carefully. The following report provides a number of suggestions and references that may be useful in helping you to make your decision.
Self-Disclosure and Its Impact on Individuals Who Receive Mental Health Services
Michigan Public Speaking Programs
Active Minds - Michigan Chapters
Active Minds is a student-run mental health awareness, education, and advocacy group working on college campuses throughout North America.
Community Mental Health of Muskegon
This group of mental heatlh consumers is challenging the stigma of disability by sharing stories of hope and recovery.
"In Our Own Voice" from the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Michigan
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery.
National Public Speaking Programs
Active Minds - National
Active Minds is a student-run mental health awareness, education, and advocacy group working on college campuses throughout North America.
The American Program Bureau
The American Program Bureau includes high profile celebrities and nationally recognized experts who can address mental health from both the consumer and provider perspective.
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery.
The speakers' bureau of the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign,
The Heard, was acquired by Active Minds on December 31, 2009. See the link above to Active Minds for additional information.
Organizing and Operating a Speakers' Bureau
This resource is provided by The Clearing House from the Center for Mental Health Services.
Please let us know about mental health public speaking programs initiatives in your community by contacting us at info@mirecovery.org or (734) 785-7700.