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January National Call�January 7, 2026

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Housekeeping

The meeting is being recorded! The slide deck and recording will be added to the

Walk Manager Resource Center within a week.

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Put your questions in the chat throughout the presentation! We will answer them in the chat or live at the end.

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The content of this presentation is for licensed NAMIWalks events only, but can be shared with board members, volunteers, and other local NAMI Staff.

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Agenda

  • Morgan’s Monthly Memo
  • January Planning Timeline
  • So You Have a Sponsor…Now What?
  • All About Rallies
    • Fireside Chat
  • Next Meeting
  • Q&A

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

A New Section

  • From the mind of the NAMIWalks Lead
  • Will feature a variety of topics each month
  • January:
    • DonorDrive Email Communications

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Email Communications

  • Will be uploaded for you in DonorDrive
    • No action is needed or you can review and make local changes to certain emails
    • You will not be able to edit the following emails locally:
      • All emails containing information about the Fundraise4NAMI App
      • Three emails regarding the National NAMIWalks Launch
      • Four retention emails to 2025 lapsed participants
      • Five coaching emails to current participants, segmented by audience (Team Captains, Team Members, and Individual Participants)

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Email Communications

  • Will be uploading more emails this season based on your feedback:
    • Event Day Check-In
    • Team Captain Promotion Communications
    • Coaching to Milestones
    • And more…
  • Will release full schedule when complete
    • We are currently uploading messages now, so this should be done in the next week.

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January Planning Timeline

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January Planning Timeline

Planning Timeline

A comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap that outlines key tasks, milestones, and suggested due dates for NAMIWalks event planning. It provides a clear sequence of activities, organized by category, to guide Walk Managers through the entire planning cycle. The Planning Timeline helps Walk Managers stay on track, prioritize effectively, and complete essential tasks at the right time. It also supports strong recruitment, sponsorship success, and a smooth event day.

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January Planning Timeline

Planning Timeline

  • Available on the Walk Manager Resource Center
  • Includes tasks with suggested due dates tailored to your Walk date
  • Organized as a “Master Agenda” with tabbed sections by planning category

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  • Features progress-tracking columns to help monitor completion
  • Offered in two versions: one for established events and �one for first-year events
  • Aligned to the Spring United Day of Hope (May 16)

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January Planning Timeline

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January Planning Timeline

What Are Ongoing Tasks?

  • No set due date — completed throughout the Walk season
  • May be completed multiple times throughout your season

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Why are they Important?

  • Although these tasks may be small, the more you do them the bigger impact your event will have

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So You Have a Sponsor…

Now What?

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So You Have a Sponsor…Now What?

What to do when your Sponsor says “Yes!”

  • Ensure their commitment form is signed
  • Add funds, logo/name to DonorDrive
  • Begin to fulfill benefits and steward

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Why is this Important?

  • Will keep you organized for the season
  • Ensures that all of your sponsors benefits will be fulfilled throughout the season
  • An ongoing update of where you are at for the season

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So You Have a Sponsor…Now What?

Ensure Sponsorship Commitment Form is Signed

“Contract” between you and your sponsor contact to ensure their participation as a NAMIWalks Sponsor

  • Includes Sponsor information (level, contact and payment information)
  • Also includes interest on how they would like to be involved with NAMIWalks
  • Do NOT add funds to DonorDrive unless this is signed

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So You Have a Sponsor…Now What?

How to Add a Sponsor to Your Walk Website

Step-by-Step Guide to adding Sponsors to your NAMIWalks Website

  • Includes how to add a donation and sponsor name/logo to your Walk Website
  • This should be one of the first benefits you fulfill for your sponsors. It is also a great touchpoint to show them your website!
  • Can be found on the DonorDrive Quick Guide

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So You Have a Sponsor…Now What?

Ensure Sponsor Benefits are Fulfilled �All benefits for your Sponsors can be found in your Sponsorship Brochure. If you have additional questions refer to the Sponsorship FAQ.

  • Let Sponsor know each benefit has been fulfilled!
  • Save in a folder for future Proof of Performance meetings at the end of your Walk Season.

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So You Have a Sponsor…Now What?

Stewarding your Sponsors�You can also use this opportunity to steward your sponsors by using the Monthly Touchpoint Calendar:

  • Multiple graphics and templates can be used for holidays, call to actions, milestone fulfillments and more!
  • Can be found in the Walk Manager Resource Center

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All About Rallies

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All About Rallies

What is a Rally?�An event that focuses on registering returning and new teams and participants.

How It Works

  • Typically smaller cultivation events, and can also be a little more casual and informal
  • It is ideal to host multiple throughout your NAMIWalks Season

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All About Rallies

Why are Rallies Important?

  • Ensures new and returning Team Captains and Participants are informed about your local NAMI and NAMIWalks
  • Encourages early registration
  • Inspires your community to get involved with your event�

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All About Rallies

Rally Formats

  • Combine with a Kickoff or a separate NAMI Event: Have a separate registration table or become a guest speaker at a local NAMI event.
  • Host a Rally for a Segmented Group: Walk Stars, Past Team Captains, New Prospects, Sponsors, etc.
  • Office Hours: Work at a coffee shop for a short period of time and and answer questions or host a virtual session where you share your screen and help people register in real time!

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All About Rallies

Rally Planning Guide and Toolkit

A practical guide to planning and hosting a Rally

  • Overview of how to structure and host your Rally
  • Features scalable format options and ways to segment your invitation lists
  • Will be added to the WMRC soon

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All About Rallies: A Fireside Chat

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Angela �NAMI Tarrant County

Jenna

NAMI St. Louis

Gigi�NAMI GLAC

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Next Meeting

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Next Meeting

Office to Start Line:

Engaging Workplaces in Walk

January 14, 2026�1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT/11 a.m. MT/10 a.m. PT/9 a.m. AKDT

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