November National Call�November 5, 2025

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.

NAMIWalks �Team Introductions

Agenda

• Morgan’s Monthly Memo
• Previously in October
• November Planning Timeline
• All About Honorary Chairs

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• Kickoff 101
• Kickoff Fireside Chat
• Next Meeting
• Q&A

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Morgan’s Monthly Memo

A New Section

• From the mind of the NAMIWalks Lead
• Will feature a variety of topics each month
• November:
• National Fundraising Recognition Program

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

National Fundraising Recognition Program

• Will continue to be an opt-in program through NAMI National
• You will be tasked with promoting the program and ensuring participants have correct email addresses in DonorDrive
• Certificates are emailed directly to any participant who individually raises $250 or more by 30 days post-event

Morgan’s Monthly Memo

National Fundraising Recognition Program

• Certificate earners are able to select one gift from their fundraising level or lower
• Your event only pays for certificates that are redeemed
• Cost estimator is available on the Walk Manager Resource Center
• Will be adding triggered notifications and the flyer to websites of events that have opted in shortly and the sample store will open in 2026

Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Site Agreement for the National Fundraising Recognition Program

• Due by Friday, March 6, if you’d like to join for 2026
• namiwalks.org/siteagreement
• Danica will email all Primary Walk Managers the week of the deadline to confirm you have or have not opted in
• Any agreements received after the deadline are subject to approval by the vendor and will incur a $150 late fee

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$250 Level

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Long Sleeve Shirt or Golf Cap

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$500 Level

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Half-Zip Sweatshirt or Igloo Lunch Bag

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$1,000 Level

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Brumate or Travelers Companion Set

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$1,500 Level

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3-in-1 Charger or Puffer Vest

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$2,000 Level

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Smart Bird Feeder or Pickle Ball Set

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$3,500 Level

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Nike Swoosh Jacket or Hydroflask Insulated Tote

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$5,000 Level

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Wonderboom Speaker or �Portable Car Jump Starter

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

$7,500 Level

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Cuisinart Pizza Oven or �Ray-Ban Polarized Sunglasses*

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*Case color can vary

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Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Resources for the National Fundraising Recognition Program

• Available today:
• Site Agreement
• FAQ Document
• Swag Graphics
• Individual Images of the Items
• Cost Estimator

Morgan’s Monthly Memo

Resources for the National Fundraising Recognition Program

• Coming Soon:
• Group Images
• Program Flyer (PDF and JPG)
• Almost Recognition Level Email Template
• Captions for the Swag Graphics

Previously in October

Previously in October

New Year, New Format

• Monthly calls follow the Planning Timeline
• Cover key tasks, suggested deadlines, and resources each month
• Field experts share how they apply best practices in their NAMIWalks events

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• Suggested dates are based on the Spring United Day of Hope: �May 16, 2026

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Previously in October

Sponsorship Focus- Proof of Performance Meetings

• Schedule before you ask for support in 2026
• Recap 2025 season results
• Show that sponsor benefits were fulfilled

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• Share 2026 event date and ask them to save the date
• Option to meet in-person or virtually - whatever works for �your sponsor
• Best Practice: include photos & screenshots for impact

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Previously in October

Order Your

Sponsorship Brochure

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Previously in October

Ordering Your Sponsorship Brochure

• Order form can be found on the Marketing Materials page on the Walk Manager Resource Center
• You will receive a digital and print version of the Sponsorship Brochure

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• Marketing materials may take up to 5-10 business days to complete.
• Available in English and Spanish

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Previously in October

Tracking, Prospecting, and Getting Organized

• Spreadsheets that are able to document information over time
• Typically these trackers are able to help you keep track of your goals and to remember information that may be needed for your future NAMIWalks events

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Available Trackers on the WMRC

• Sponsorship Tracker
• Coaching and Retention Tracker
• Priority and Action Planning

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November Planning Timeline

November Planning Timeline

Planning Timeline

• Available on the Walk Manager Resource Center
• Tasks with suggested due dates tied to your Walk date
• “Master Agenda” with tabbed sections by category

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• Progress columns to track completion
• Two versions: One for Established Events &�One For First-Year Events

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November Planning Timeline

All About �Honorary Chairs

All About Honorary Chairs

What is an Honorary Chair?

• A prominent local member in your community that can help your event achieve success.
• Assists in elevating awareness, increasing participation and enhancing impact

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Skills and Traits include:

• Well connected in the community
• Passionate about NAMI and NAMIWalks

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All About Honorary Chairs

Honorary Chair Invitation Toolkit

The first step to your NAMIWalks experience

• A guide for inviting prominent community leaders to serve as your Honorary Chair
• Adaptable letter, email and phone script templates
• Designed to make your outreach intentional and effective for your community

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All About Honorary Chairs

Honorary Chair Job Description

Description on what is needed for a NAMIWalks Honorary Chair

• A detailed description for a prospective NAMIWalks Honorary Chair
• Includes tasks that are needed as well as skills and traits

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All About Honorary Chairs

Honorary Chair Social Media Announcement

Social Media post that can be used on multiple platforms

• A detailed Social Media post announcing your NAMIWalks Honorary Chair
• Plug in a photo, add a brief description, and

share the exciting news with your participants

• Multiple templates to choose from

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All About Honorary Chairs

Honorary Chair Press Release

Formal announcement to local media outlets about your Honorary Chair.

• A detailed announcement about your Honorary Chair for local media outlets
• Contains a quote and information on their background, as well as, information about your event

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Kickoff 101

Kickoff 101

Two options for NAMIWalks:

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Kickoff 101

What is a Kickoff?

• Largest pre-walk planning event
• Held 10-14 weeks before your Walk
• Engages past teams, volunteers, sponsors, and new prospects�

Purpose of a Kickoff

The purpose is to provide a fun, party atmosphere to kickstart your NAMIWalks season to energize your current supporters and to find new ones!

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Kickoff 101

Keys Areas of Importance

• Your invite list and the importance of “who” is attending
• Your method of inviting people
• Your program
• Your follow up plan for attendees and non-attendees

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Kickoff 101

You Get What You Put Into Your Kickoff

• This can be something you can checkoff your list OR an investment in your events growth and awareness
• Your prospecting list for your Kickoff is one of the most important elements of the event
• You want to ensure that those who should be part of your event are at your Kickoff to be introduced to your organization and the Walks program

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Kickoff 101

Make it Scalable to Your Community

• Traditional: A sit-down meeting-style event that has a structured program and lasts between 45-60 minutes. Elements of fun and inspiration should be worked into the program agenda and a speaker or two should also be included.
• Open House: An informational get-together where participants are invited to drop in at any point during a scheduled time frame to gather information at their own pace.
• Virtual: If you have less capacity or budget, you can use social media platforms to broadcast live to participants, or you can also host via Zoom.

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Kickoff 101

What is a Corporate Kickoff?

• Hosted 10-14 weeks before your event
• Teaches companies who we are, what we do, and how to get involved with NAMIWalks
• Engages current, past, and prospective companies
• This should reflect the mission of NAMI and NAMIWalks

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Kickoff 101

Make it Scalable to Your Community

• Traditional: Could be a breakfast, luncheon, or business after hours event. Can be an open-house or more structured, both options should include a mission speaker or call to action.
• Pre-Recorded Presentation: Should include a speaker from current company Team Captain. They should be able to share why their company is involved and why they support NAMIWalks.
• Virtual: Can offer greater flexibility for scheduling.

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Kickoff Fireside Chat

Kickoff Fireside Chat

Freddy Morello�NAMI �Central Florida

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Jana Moore

NAMI �Dane County

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Rose Seach

NAMI �Acadiana

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Next Meeting

Next Meeting

December Spring

NAMIWalks National Call

December 3, 2025�1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT/11 a.m. MT/10 a.m. PT/9 a.m. AKDT

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