Storyteller

Description

Type: Independent Contractor 

Reports to: Storytellers will report to designated staff based on the nature of their storytelling role. 

Office Location: Storytellers will be on-site at a variety of locations, including but not limited to schools, faith-based institutions, the Chicago Police Academy, or government offices. NAMI Chicago’s office is located at 224 W Hill Street, Suite 410, Chicago, IL 60610.  

Background: 

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey.  

Who We Are Looking For:  

NAMI Chicago is seeking passionate and courageous Storytellers to help transform the way our communities understand mental health. We are looking for individuals with lived experience navigating mental health challenges—either personally or through a loved one—who are willing to share their stories in a way that uplifts, educates, and inspires others. Ideal candidates will bring authenticity, vulnerability, and cultural awareness to their storytelling, ensuring that their message resonates with the diverse communities we serve. 

We are especially interested in individuals who are eager to engage with youth and faith-based institutions across Cook County, participate in conversations and trainings with law enforcement, or share their personal stories to support NAMI Chicago’s policy and advocacy efforts. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:  

• Share personal experiences with mental health, resilience, and recovery during NAMI Chicago trainings, panels, and community events. 
• Tailor storytelling to fit the audience, ensuring stories are appropriate, impactful, and accessible — whether speaking to youth, law enforcement, community leaders, or the general public. 
• Represent your community authentically, incorporating the cultural strengths, challenges, and realities that shape mental health experiences. 
• Collaborate with NAMI Chicago staff to prepare for presentations, ensuring alignment with the training objectives and organizational messaging. 
• Uplift hope and resilience, emphasizing the value of community support, access to resources, and personal growth in the face of challenges. 
• Maintain boundaries and self-care practices to protect personal well-being while sharing difficult or emotional experiences. 
• Be available on an as-needed basis to participate in both in-person and virtual storytelling engagements. 
• Reflect NAMI Chicago’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered storytelling in every engagement. 
• Engage in NAMI Chicago training to organize and plan sharing your story in alignment with the values and mission of NAMI Chicago.

Requirements

 Essential Skills & Abilities:  

• Strong communication skills — ability to speak clearly, confidently, and authentically to diverse audiences. 
• Cultural competency and deep understanding of the strengths and challenges facing the communities being served. 
• Experience speaking to public audiences (youth, community groups, law enforcement, or policymakers) preferred but not required. 
• Strong sense of self-awareness and healthy personal boundaries when sharing personal experiences. 
• Dependability and flexibility — ability to attend trainings, events, and community engagements on an as-needed basis. 
• Comfort with both in-person and virtual presentations (familiarity with platforms like Zoom a plus). 

Independent contractors will be compensated at a rate of $50 per event. Payment will be issued following the successful completion of each event, in accordance with the terms outlined in the contractor agreement.  

Salary : $50