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Lunch & Learns

Opening doors to corporate and community partnerships�

September 1, 2026

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NAMIWalks Team Introductions

What are NAMIWalks 10 Minute Trainings?

Agenda

What is a Lunch & Learn?

A short educational conversation that gives a company value

before asking it to do something for us.

Think relationship building first. The sponsorship or Walk ask can come later.

Why Lunch & Learns Matter

They create a lower pressure entry point and connect mental health to something employees already care about.

Lead with Value: You are offering education and resources before making an ask.�
Reach More People: One contact can bring NAMI in front of employees, ERGs, leaders, or volunteer groups.�
Make NAMI Tangible: Local stories and impact help a company see what partnership can mean in its own community.�
Create Multiple Paths: A conversation can lead to a Walk team, volunteers, promotion, sponsorship, or another engagement.

When and How to Offer One

Use a Lunch & Learn when education can help you start, deepen, �or re-energize a relationship.

New Door: A new company or community contact is interested in mental health, but you do not yet have a strong relationship.�
Current Partner: A sponsor or Walk team wants more meaningful employee engagement beyond a logo or event day.�
Warm Intro: A board member, volunteer, donor, ERG member, or employee can introduce you inside an organization.�
Natural Moment: A company is planning a wellbeing initiative, employee event, volunteer opportunity, or mental health focused conversation.

When and How to Offer One

Keep the invitation simple, useful, and low pressure.

“Would it be helpful if we hosted a short Lunch & Learn for your

employees about mental health, local NAMI resources, and ways to get

involved? We have a ready to use presentation and can tailor it to your team.”�

Avoid making the invitation sound like a hidden fundraising meeting.

The value should be clear even if the company takes no next step that day.

Using the NAMIWalks Lunch & Learn Resource

Turning the Conversation Into Next Steps

Start with Intention: Know what you hope the Lunch & Learn could lead to: whether that is a team, volunteers, sponsorship, or a broader relationship.
Pay Attention to Interest: Listen for what resonates most with the company and its employees.
Make the Next Step Easy: Offer a specific way to stay involved, such as joining NAMIWalks, volunteering, sharing internally, or continuing the conversation.
Follow Up with Purpose: Reference what interested them and suggest a clear next action.

The goal: Turn interest into continued engagement.