As an organization, we are making new investments and commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through our work, we will:

• Model diversity and inclusion for the NAMI Alliance

• Establish processes, procedures and policies that enable diversity, equity and inclusion

• Create and maintain a positive work environment that reflects our commitment to equity and supports full inclusion and participation by all staff and members so that all voices are heard and valued.

• Live up to our stated and aspirational organizational values

• Leverage DEI to achieve our mission

We will lead with inclusion and will help set goals and expectations that deeply influence workplace interactions, everyday practice and long-term outcomes for the National Office and the entire Alliance.

We are dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Our Alliance includes more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. The Zugu Project is proud to take part in the support of the mental illness awareness throughout the United States. Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness. It’s important to measure how common it is, so we can understand its impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. 

Your contribution can change the world starting with your community.

NAMI relies on supporters nationwide to help advance our mission. While not everyone can give, anyone can inspire others to care about mental health. Are you all in? - as involved, inspired, individual, innovative, and industrious. NAMI “Do It Your way” let’s you do what you love to fundraise for NAMI. Plan an event, celebrate a milestone remember a loved one’s legacy, undertake a physical challenge, livestream your favorite activity, or create a brand new type of fundraiser activity, or create a brand new fundraiser that is right for you!

At NAMI, we believe a diverse, inclusive and equitable organization (or Alliance) is one where all employees, volunteers and members — regardless of gender, race, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, disability, veteran status or other dimension of diversity — feel valued and respected.

We are committed to providing informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity and modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire NAMI alliance. We shall:

• See diversity, inclusion and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our staff and the NAMI Alliance we serve.

• Identify and dismantle inequities within our policies, systems, programs and services and continually update and report the organization’s progress.

• Explore potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness.

• Advocate for and support board-level thinking about how systemic inequities impact our organization’s work and how to address them in a way that is consistent with our mission.

• Practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions.

• Lead with respect and tolerance.

We expect all leaders and employees to embrace this notion and to express it in workplace interactions and through everyday practice.

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and to providing equal opportunity for employment, participation, and advancement in all programs and worksite

Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

NAMI Chief Executive Officer