NAMI Affiliate HandbookPathways to Re-affiliation with NAMI

Version 3 April 2016

INTRODUCTION

ii NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the new NAMI Affiliate Handbook: Pathways to Re-affiliation with NAMI. We are pleased to offer you this handbook as a companion to the NAMI Standards of Excellence, which is designed to assist you—a dedicated NAMI Affiliate leader—in understanding, applying and achieving the standards in your own organization. As a NAMI Affiliate leader, you are now taking the first step on your path to achieving the NAMI Standards of Excellence.

Pathways to Re-affiliation with NAMI

This handbook contains preliminary information you will need on the required Standards of Excellence and associated documentation for re-affiliation with NAMI. Assessment tools, resources and a step-by-step re-affiliation process will help both beginning and seasoned leaders reflect on the current structure of their NAMI Affiliate and begin setting goals for future organizational development. Additional tools and resources relating to the re-affiliation process will be added to this handbook as they are developed.

The NAMI Standards of Excellence, a nationwide collaborative effort to enhance the strength and effectiveness of NAMI, consist of two areas for your participation.

The first area is the chartering and affiliation agreements that NAMI will sign with each NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate. These agreements spell out the mutual accountability expected of us all and serve as the foundation for what it means to be NAMI, a NAMI State Organization or a NAMI Affiliate–what will make us better together.

The chartering process for NAMI Organizations began in March of 2011. Once a NAMI State Organization is chartered, NAMI Affiliates in that state may begin the formal re-affiliation process with NAMI.

The second area is the collection of practices that describe how NAMI, NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates should act to strengthen their organizations and to be legal, ethical and accountable in the areas of Diversity, Inclusion and Nondiscrimination; Communication; Membership; Dues; Programs and Fundraising. Many of these practices and aspirations will be achieved over time.

We have created this handbook to assist you in gaining a better understanding of the NAMI Standards of Excellence, and help you move forward on a path to re-affiliation at a comfortable pace.

INTRODUCTION

www.nami.org/excellence iii

How to Use This Handbook

Pathways to Re-affiliation with NAMI is a web-based resource, linked to information and tools throughout the NAMI website and other resources on the Internet. The handbook is posted online as an Adobe PDF document to allow NAMI to update the content and enrich the information and resources based on your need and suggestions. Besides being easily accessible online, the electronic format will offer you additional benefits, including:

• The newest tools and information as they becomeavailable from NAMI

• Hypertext that helps you move quickly within thehandbook itself (i.e., from the Table of Contents to aspecific chapter or page you may want to reach)

• Worksheets and tools in a Microsoft Word format to makethem easier to use.

• Pages can be printed directly from your computer to giveto volunteers and committee chairs to help them in theirleadership roles.

Additionally, each section of the handbook is organized to offer you helpful information, through tools and resources. Be sure to use the hyperlinks throughout this volume to lead you to those valuable items to assist on your path to re-affiliation with NAMI.

Taking the First Step

So what do you need to get started?

READ. Begin by familiarizing yourself with this handbook and the steps necessary to complete the re-affiliation process.

COORDINATE. Meet with your NAMI Affiliate leaders and decide who will comprise the NAMI Standards of Excellence “team” in your organization and lead the process for achieving the re-affiliation requirements. The handbook will help you break down the steps into manageable pieces that can be delegated to members of your NAMI Affiliate.

COMMUNICATE. Finally, engage with your NAMI State Organization to learn where they are in the chartering process, and how they can provide support and guidance tailored to your affiliate’s individual situation, resources and needs.

Questions?

Our goal is your success. As you embark on the path to excellence, we urge you to work directly with your NAMI State Organization. If you have questions, suggestions or need help, contact the NAMI Standards of Excellence team at standards@nami.org.

Table of Contents

Section One: An Introduction to Re-affiliation .................................................................................................................................................................6Welcome to the NAMI Standards of Excellence and the NAMI Re-affiliation Process ..........................................................................................6

Typical Steps to Re-affiliation with NAMI .....................................................................................................................................................................................8 Understanding Re-affiliation with NAMI .......................................................................................................................................................................................9 Requirements for Re-affiliation .........................................................................................................................................................................................................9

Section Two: Getting Started ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................12What Is a NAMI Affiliate? ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................12Step One ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13

WORKSHEET: NAMI Affiliate Assessment ......................................................................................................................................................14Step Two ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18

CHART: NAMI Affiliate Organizational Structure .......................................................................................................................................19Resources and Tools at a Glance ..................................................................................................................................................................................................21Frequently Asked Questions on NAMI Affiliate Organizational Structure.................................................................................................................21

Section Three: Learn More About Preparing for Re-affiliation .......................................................................................................................25How Does my NAMI Affiliate Begin the Re-affiliation Process? ....................................................................................................................................25Checklist of Required Documents ................................................................................................................................................................................................26The NAMI Profile Center ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................28How Does my NAMI Affiliate Finish the Re-affiliation Process?....................................................................................................................................29

Key Terms for the NAMI Standards of Excellence and Re-affiliation ........................................................................................................31

Section One:An Introduction to Re-affiliation

SECTION I AN INTRODUCTION TO AFFILIATION

6 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Return to Table of Contents

Welcome to the NAMI Standards of Excellence and the NAMI Re-affiliation Process

Excellence sounds like a wonderful goal for NAMI—but where and how do we get started? Begin at the beginning!

This 20-minute recording introduces the NAMI Standards of Excellence and explains the initial steps toward the Affiliation Agreement.

Find the recording here.

What you will learn

• Who asked for, shaped and will act upon NAMI Standards of Excellence?

• What kinds of things are contained in “Standards”?• When will NAMI Affiliates and State Organizations be

able to engage in the process?• Where can I find more information?• Why are Standards so valuable to us as an organization?

How you can use this recording

• Begin to familiarize yourself with Standards – you might want to listen more than once, just to let things sink in.

• Share this with others–suggest that other board members listen as well, or sponsor a gathering where you all listen together and can then discuss what you have heard.

• Use the associated handout to get started thinking about your re-affiliation process.

NAMI Standards of Excellence are designed to promote the NAMI name by protecting it and to help NAMI Affiliates, NAMI State Organizations and NAMI achieve our goals. As a big NAMI family, our pathways to success are intertwined. We are accountable for our success as individual organizations as well as for the success of NAMI collectively. The charter and re-affiliation process allows our independent organizations to strengthen and grow, while at the same time giving our organizations the opportunity to blaze a trail to the end goal in different and unique ways.

Building on the premise that we are better together, it is valuable to understand the roles that each part of NAMI plays in the pathway to re-affiliation. Here are our roles as they relate to the re-affiliation process:

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION I

www.nami.org/excellence 7

Return to Table of Contents

NAMINAMI is responsible for communicating the expectations of the NAMI Standards of Excellence to Affiliates and State Organizations and providing the tools and resources necessary to enable them to meet those expectations. When done successfully, this will allow NAMI to enter into Charter and Affiliation Agreements with all the organizations that meet the requirements.

State OrganizationNAMI State Organizations are responsible for pursuing and attaining a Charter agreement with NAMI. Affiliates in a given state will not have the opportunity to formalize re-affiliation with NAMI until there is a state Charter in place. Once the Charter Agreement is completed, NAMI State Organizations must submit an Endorsement Plan to NAMI, indicating which Affiliate model(s) they can effectively support in their state (Model A, Model B or Model C). NAMI State Organizations must then encourage the efforts of Affiliates in their Endorsement Plan to pursue re-affiliation by communicating expectations and offering support. Once an Affiliate receives the endorsement of their State Organization, that Affiliate will be Considered for an Affiliation Agreement with NAMI.

AffiliateNAMI Affiliates must work with their NAMI State Organization and NAMI to meet the requirements of re-affiliation as outlined in this handbook. The NAMI State Organization has the role of making the endorsement for a NAMI Affiliate to be re-affiliated with NAMI. By making the endorsement, the NAMI State Organization is saying that all the required documentation has been submitted, reviewed and meets the expectations set forth in the NAMI Standards of Excellence for Affiliates. Once an Affiliate receives endorsement from their NAMI State Organization, it is able to move to the signing of an Affiliation Agreement with NAMI.

SECTION I AN INTRODUCTION TO AFFILIATION

8 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Return to Table of Contents

Typical Steps to Re-affiliation with NAMI

As we all know, one of the best things about NAMI is that it is unique in every community that is fortunate enough to have a NAMI Affiliate. Throughout this handbook there are opportunities for your Affiliate to make decisions that will determine your unique pathway to re-affiliation. One tool that simplifies the re-affiliation process can be found here.

The steps outlined below offer a high-level overview of the key steps that must be accomplished to allow any NAMI Affiliate to complete the re-affiliation process.

The NAMI State Organization in your state satisfactorily completes all the requirements outlined in the NAMI Standards of Excellence and signs a Charter Agreement with NAMI.

Your NAMI Affiliate communicates with the NAMI State Organization and NAMI to get the support you need to satisfactorily complete the NAMI Standards of Excellence requirements for re-affiliation.

Your NAMI State Organization endorses your NAMI Affiliate to be re-affiliated with NAMI.

NAMI reviews your NAMI Affiliate and determines that all requirements for re-affiliation have been met according to the NAMI Standards of Excellence. NAMI and your NAMI Affiliate sign the Affiliation Agreement.

NAMI, your NAMI State Organization and your NAMI Affiliate continue to improve and expand NAMI according to the practices beyond re-affiliation outlined in the NAMI Standards of Excellence.

1

2

3

4

5

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION I

www.nami.org/excellence 9

Return to Table of Contents

Understanding Re-affiliation with NAMI

The first step for NAMI Affiliates in achieving the Standards of Excellence is to understand which Affiliate model(s) their NAMI State Organization is supporting in its Endorsement Plan:

• Model A - Incorporated, operating independently

• Model B - Unincorporated, operating as a program/division of the NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate

• Model C - Incorporated, operating independently but under IRS Group Exemption held by the NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate

Before beginning the re-affiliation process, it is important to talk with your NAMI State Organization first about which model options they can support and will endorse going forward. Once you have communicated with your NAMI State Organization please review the NAMI Affiliate Organizational Structures and the associated tools. You can use the tools in this handbook to examine and, if needed, improve your governance processes, organize the required documentation and set a timeline for submitting your NAMI Affiliate to the NAMI State Organization for endorsement.

In granting re-affiliation, NAMI recognizes that a NAMI Affiliate is equipped to accomplish our common mission and is entitled to use the NAMI name.

Meeting the requirements of re-affiliation means that a NAMI Affiliate is positioned to serve the community at large and to strengthen and grow in its service to others.

The NAMI Board of Directors goal is for all Affiliates to be engaged on the pathway to re-affiliation.

Associated Resources

Click here for more information on how the NAMI Standards of Excellence were created.

Click here to review the explanatory letter sent to Affiliates.

Click here to review the Affiliation Agreement.

Requirements for Re-affiliation NAMI may grant affiliate status to groups that will then fulfill the important support, education and advocacy roles in their communities. These practices reflect the requirements for re-affiliation and are supported by principles of good governance and ethical practice that are elaborated upon in the NAMI Standards of Excellence.

Affiliate Practice 1: All NAMIs shall adhere to the NAMI Mission, Values, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, State Organization and Affiliate Handbooks, NAMI Board of Directors Operating Policies and Procedures, NAMI Standards of Excellence, and other written guidance promulgated by NAMI, as they may be amended from time to time in NAMI’s sole discretion.

Affiliate Practice 2: A group of individuals seeking re-affiliation with NAMI shall collaborate with the NAMI State Organization and NAMI.

SECTION I AN INTRODUCTION TO AFFILIATION

10 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Return to Table of Contents

Affiliate Practice 3: NAMI Affiliates shall seek and acquire prior endorsement by the NAMI State Organization before requesting affiliation with NAMI.

Affiliate Practice 4: In order to establish and retain affiliation and as stated in the Affiliation Agreement, a NAMI Affiliate:

1. shall embrace and conduct its business in accord with theNAMI Mission, Values, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, StateOrganization and Affiliate Operations Handbooks, NAMIBoard of Directors Operating Policies and Procedures, NAMIStandards of Excellence, and other written guidancepromulgated by NAMI, as they may be amended fromtime to time in NAMI’s sole discretion; shall ensure thatmembers joining through the NAMI Affiliate are members ofNAMI, the NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate;

2. shall ensure its members pay the standardized NAMI dues;

3. shall be incorporated and have current IRS determination asa nonprofit [501(c)(3)] corporation, or may operate as partof and subject to the control of either the NAMI StateOrganization or another incorporated NAMI Affiliate.

4. shall abide by its own bylaws and governing documents, aswell as those of NAMI, including Code of Ethics, Conflict ofInterest, Whistleblower, Document Retention andCompensation policies; Diversity, Inclusion & Non-Discrimination Policy

5. shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local lawsand regulations;

6. shall maintain records and make information available aboutits operations, governance, finances, programs and activitieswidely available to NAMI;

7. shall sponsor and conduct programs that further thepurposes and objectives of NAMI and are consistent withNAMI’s mission and values;

8. shall form public positions on any federal, state or locallegislative policy issues consistent with NAMI’s public policyplatform;

9. shall adhere to NAMI Policy regarding diversity and inclusion;

10. shall maintain policies of comprehensive general liabilityand director and officer liability insurance, if incorporated;shall recognize NAMI’s ownership of the NAMI name andlogo and adhere to NAMI’s identity guidelines regardingintellectual property and protecting and building the NAMIbrand.

Affiliate Practice 5: Any NAMI Affiliate may be considered a “center of excellence,” provided that, in the estimation of their peers and state organization, they exemplify the highest achievement in that level and are willing and able to share their expertise with others.

Affiliate Practice 6: All NAMI Affiliates shall attempt to grow and expand NAMI’s presence in their communities.

Section Two:Getting Started

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

12 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

What Is a NAMI Affiliate?

Traditionally, NAMI Affiliates are created by groups of individuals who embrace the mission of NAMI—to advocate for access to services, treatment, support and research and as an organization is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all of those in need. NAMI Affiliates and the grassroots volunteers who lead them are the heart of NAMI.

Volunteer leaders come to NAMI with a passion to dedicate their time and resources to facilitate support groups, teach NAMI signature programs, advocate for mental health systems change and foster peer relationships that empower and strengthen new leadership. Very few volunteer leaders come to NAMI with a goal of running and growing a small business. Yet, that’s exactly what NAMI Affiliates are—entities of varying sizes and capacity offering NAMI programs and services in the community. All NAMI Affiliates can grow and build capacity, depending on available local resources and the capabilities and desires of the grassroots leadership.

The NAMI Bylaws suggest various roles and responsibilities for NAMI Affiliates, including the importance of organizing support groups, providing local information and referral services, conducting community education, and engaging in grassroots advocacy on local, state and federal issues. The NAMI Bylaws also touch on the relationship between NAMI, NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates. Over the years, however, many grassroots leaders have continued to ask important questions about affiliate operations and responsibilities that needed specific answers.

The Standards of Excellence relating to NAMI Affiliates were created to provide those answers, with clear policies and required practices for operating legal and ethical organizations.

The NAMI Affiliate Today

As we go forward with standards, it is expected that a NAMI Affiliate will need to have the organizational capacity to implement a minimum level of NAMI activities in community, while operating under a clearly defined organizational structure as offered in the Standards of Excellence.

This section of the handbook will guide NAMI Affiliate leaders through the first two steps all affiliates must take on their path to re-affiliation with NAMI:

Step 1. To assess your NAMI Affiliate’s current stage of organizational growth and development, and

Step 2. To build an appropriate organizational structure based on: a) confirmation from your NAMI State Organization what organizational structure(s) they will support in the re-affiliation process, and b) your NAMI Affiliate’s current level of operation and organizational development.

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 2

www.nami.org/excellence 13

First Steps

Step 1. Assessing NAMI Affiliate Organizational Growth and Development

All organizations, including NAMI Affiliates, develop in a patterned way, with recognizable benchmarks and activities along the path. A typical NAMI Affiliate begins with a group of individuals interested in starting a support group or joining a local advocacy effort. As the membership grows, volunteer teachers may implement the first Family-to-Family course, then add on additional NAMI signature programs over time. Community and donor support, or success with a NAMIWalk, may give an affiliate the financial resources to hire administrative support staff. Although the process is not necessarily linear, as affiliates grow and mature, there are identifiable milestones along the path that are necessary to move every organization forward in its journey. To help you identify the developmental stage and resource needs of your NAMI Affiliate, NAMI has included an Affiliate Chart in the Standards of Excellence that illustrates the spectrum of possible forms that a NAMI Affiliate may take. Not all affiliates will exactly mirror the stages of growth presented in this chart, but as NAMI Affiliates grow, it offers a view of what is possible in terms of people, resources and administrative oversight and provides benchmarks against which NAMI Affiliates can measure themselves.

“So, Who Are We?”

Ready to get a clearer picture of your NAMI Affiliate and determine if you meet the requirements for re-affiliation?

To get you started, NAMI developed the Affiliate Assessment Tool, a worksheet adapted from the Affiliate Chart in the Standards of Excellence. Completing this tool will help you find your NAMI Affiliate on the spectrum and identify areas you will need to work on to move forward. Just follow these easy steps: • Identify who will comprise the Standards of Excellence

“team” in your NAMI Affiliate (board members, volunteers, staff) who will lead the re-affiliation process.

• Distribute the Affiliate Assessment Tool to your team, preferably in a group session, so everyone can discuss the results. You can, however, copy the tool and distribute it to your team through the mail or by email, with the results collated and discussed at a later date. (The assessment tool is an Adobe PDF file which may be printed out or emailed. Click here for an interactive format in Microsoft Word.)

• As you fill out the worksheet by checking the boxes that pertain to your NAMI Affiliate, note that there are hyperlinks to tools and resources that may be of help to you.

• Talk about the results by using the questions that follow the worksheet to guide your discussion. The results should provide a useful framework to help you think about what milestones your NAMI Affiliate has already achieved on the path to excellence—and what may lie ahead.

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

14 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

NAMI Affiliate

Membership

Oversight

Operations

Small/Emerging

o Minimum five members

o A designated leader

o Steering/stakeholder committee

o One-year action plan

o Bank account (or formal financial arrangement with the NAMI State Organization)

o Permanent address or post office box

Community/Support

o Minimum 10 members

o Steering/stakeholder committee or board of directors—officers and other leaders as needed

o One-year action plan

o Annual budget

o Bank account

o Post office box

Developing

o Minimum 25 members, plus growing membership

o Steering group/stakeholder committee or board of directors—officers and other leaders as needed

o Functioning board committees

o Annual process for board self-assessment and effectiveness measurement

o One-or-two year strategic plan with annual work plan.

o Annual budget

o Bank account(s)

o Office or post office

o Financial management policies/Third Party Financial Review

Full service

o Minimum 100 members, plus growing membership

o Board of Directors—president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and other leaders as needed

o Conduct annual board orientation regarding goals and objectives of the organization

o Annual process for board self-assessment and effectiveness measurement

o Two-to-three year strategic plan with annual work plan

o Annual budget

o Bank account(s)

o Office or post office

o Financial management policies/Third Party Financial Review

NAMI Affiliate Assessment Worksheet: Where is your organization on this spectrum?Check the boxes and find out!

PLEASE NOTE: These are NOT the requirements you must meet for re-affiliation.The following chart is a means for identifying the developmental stage and needs of your NAMI Affiliate, and is provided as a map for the spectrum of possible forms that a NAMI Affiliate may take on the path to excellence. NAMI Affiliates can identify which description best suits them at any stage of their growth and development. As NAMI Affiliates grow, this chart offers a view of what is possible in terms of people, resources and administrative oversight. Where is your organization on this spectrum?

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 2

www.nami.org/excellence 15

NAMI Affiliate

Personnel

Support

Education

Small/Emerging

o Contact person

o All volunteer

o Support group facilitator

o Support group meeting(s)

Community/Support

o Contact person for organization inquiries

o Helpline/resource referral person

o Support group facilitator(s)

o Designated person responsible for coordinating support activities

o Support group meeting(s)

o Phone, online support

o Designated person responsible for education activities

o Communication to membership (newsletter, e-news, etc.) Two per year

Developing

o Contact person for organization inquiries

o Helpline/resource referral person

o Volunteer

o May have some paid staffSupport group facilitator(s)

o Designated person responsible for coordinating support activities

o Support group meeting(s)

o Phone, online support

o Designated person responsible for education activities

o Provision of community education programs—Four per year (including any NAMI signature programs)/Data Collection

o Provision of NAMI signature programs. Minimum: two presentations/classes per year

o Communication to member—with calendar (newsletter, e-news, etc.) Six per year

o NAMI Web presence/NAMI Easysites

Full Service

o Contact person for organization inquiries

o Helpline/resource referral person

o May have paid staff supplemented with cadre of volunteers

o Support group facilitator(s)

o Designated person responsible for coordinating support activities

o Support group meeting(s)

o Phone, online support

o Provision of community education programs—Six per year (including any signature programs)

o Provision of NAMI signature programs. Minimum: four presentations/classes per year/Data Collection

o Communication to membership with calendar (newsletter, e-news, etc.) Monthly

o NAMI Web presence/NAMI Easysites

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

16 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

NAMI Affiliate

Diversity and Inclusion

Advocacy

Small/Emerging Community/Support

o Tracks demographic data on gender, race, age, ethnicity and sexual orientation to notice trends of participation

o Identifies need to reach diverse communities

o Designated person responsible for advocacy activities

o Participation in advocacy for systems change

Developing

o Actively working to attract a diverse membership

o Diversity and inclusion (Multicultural) Committee at the Board of Directors or leaders levels

o Establishing partnerships with community-specific organizations (e.g. African American; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; Latino, etc.)

o Designated person responsible for advocacy activities

o Participation in advocacy for systems change

Full Service

o Annual diversity and inclusion plan or related goals are embedded into overall operations plan

o Diverse Board of Directors, staff and leaders

o Diversity or cultural competence training for staff and leadership

o Policies and procedures to foster cultural competence

o Programs/projects for specific diverse communities

o Established partnerships with community-specific organizations

o Designated person responsible for advocacy activities

o Participation in advocacy for systems change

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 2

www.nami.org/excellence 17

NAMI Affiliate

Research

Current Organizational Structure

Small/Emerging

o Operates under the NAMI State Organization or another incorporated NAMI Affiliate

Community/Support

o Support members’ and NAMI Affiliate’s participation in and/or support of scientific mental health treatment and systems research (provide information about participating in research protocols; support data collection; lobby for funding, etc.)

o Operates under the NAMI State Organization or another incorporated NAMI Affiliate

o Incorporated with current IRS determination as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation

Developing

o Support members’ and NAMI Affiliate’s participation in and/or support of scientific mental health treatment and systems research (provide information about participating in research protocols; support data collection; lobby for funding, etc.)

o Collect data for all signature programs offered by affiliate

o Transmit signature program data to NAMl and the State Organization

o Incorporate data analysis in further program delivery

o Operates under the NAMI State Organization or another incorporated NAMI Affiliate

o Incorporated with current IRS determination as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation

Full Service

o Support members’ and NAMI Affiliate’s participation in and/or support of scientific mental health treatment and systems research (provide information about participating in research protocols; support data collection; lobby for funding, etc.)

o Collect data for all signature programs offered by affiliate

o Transmit signature program data to NAMl and the State Organization

o Incorporate data analysis in further program delivery

o Incorporated with current IRS determination as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

18 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Discussion Questions for Your Affiliate Standards of Excellence Team:

1. By reviewing the boxes checked, can we identify our NAMI Affiliate in the spectrum provided in the assessment tool? What type of NAMI Affiliate are we—Small/Emerging, Community/Support, Developing or Full Service? Do we agree with the results of this assessment?

2. Are we comfortable with our progress in organizational development, or do we want to grow our NAMI Affiliate? Where are the areas we need to grow? What strengths do we have to move forward?

3. Does our NAMI Affiliate meet the requirements to move ahead with the endorsement and re-affiliation processes? What do we need to do?

4. What tools and resources are available from NAMI to assist us?

Step 1 took you through a tool and discussion questions intended to help identify where your NAMI Affiliate is now, and where it is headed in the future. After completing Step 1 you should have a clear understanding of your NAMI Affiliate’s operational capacity, activities and stage of development. That information will help in Step 2, where you will build your organization to align with the NAMI Affiliate model confirmed by your NAMI State Organization.

NAMI Affiliates have several options—they may be wholly independent, or they may operate under the legal and tax umbrella of a NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate. While the corporate status of a NAMI State Organization or a NAMI Affiliate is separate and independent from other NAMI Affiliates, it can share its tax status and

insurance coverage with a NAMI Affiliate. Some NAMI State Organizations extend this opportunity to NAMI Affiliates, depending on their ability to maintain satisfactory oversight and technical assistance.

Some NAMI Affiliates have also expressed a desire to operate as an education program of another NAMI Affiliate or the NAMI State Organization, or even merge with nearby NAMI Affiliate to increase outreach efforts over a larger area. Whatever structure seems appropriate for your organization should be discussed and planned with your NAMI State Organization to see what level of technical assistance is necessary and available.

Since NAMI receives many questions regarding the legal and tax aspects of operating a nonprofit organization, we have included a list of Frequently Asked Questions and resources at the end of this section. However, given that state and local laws are so diverse, these complex issues often require the professional opinion of an attorney and/or accountant.

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 2

www.nami.org/excellence 19

Pathway to Re-affiliation for my NAMI Affiliate

Step 1 Complete.Understand the operational

capacity, activities and stage of

development of my NAMI A�liate

DecisionReached

Step 2:

Model AIncorporated, operating

independently

Model BUnincorporated, operating as

a program/division of theNAMI State Organization or

another NAMI A�liate

Model CIncorporated, operating

independently but under IRSGroup Exemption held by theNAMI State Organization or

another NAMI A�liate

In conjuction with your NAMI State Organization,

determine

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

20 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Operating Models for NAMI Affiliates – New for Standards

Model Responsibilities

Corporate Responsibility Tax Status Risk Management Financial Management

MODEL A:

Incorporated, operating independently

Independently incorporated in the state in which operating; all required state reporting is up to date and verifiable as in good standing; maintain own bylaws and Board of Directors and conduct associated functions

Hold tax exempt status with the IRS independently; all required reporting is up to date and verifiable as in good standing

Hold insurance policies covering the corporate entity for both Directors & Officers, and General Liability; the policies are maintained in perpetuity; coverage is verifiable

Responsible for annual financial review at the level appropriate to annual budget; must be up to date on the filing of taxes; must share financial review and tax filings with NAMI

MODEL B:

Unincorporated, operating as a program/division of the NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate

Not incorporated as a separate legal entity; fall under the corporate entity of the NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate; do not have bylaws or Board of Directors – governed by bylaws of umbrella group

Do not hold independent tax relationship with the IRS; bound by the tax status of the umbrella group

NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate serving as umbrella group responsible for providing both Directors & Officers and General Liability Insurance that covers unincorporated Affiliate; cost sharing arrangements are permissible; coverage is verifiable

NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate serving as umbrella group responsible for establishing clear financial expectations and requirements for unincorporated entity, and, including the finances of unincorporated entity in its financial review processes and tax filings

MODEL C:

Incorporated, operating independently but under IRS Group Exemption held by the NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate

Incorporated in the state in which operating; all required state reporting is up to date and verifiable as in good standing; maintain own bylaws and Board of Directors and conduct associated functions

NAMI State Organization acquires and maintains a Group Exemption Number on which the Affiliate is listed as part, annually; the Affiliate shall secure its own Employee Identification Number (EIN); the Affiliate responsible for operating in good standing with the requirements set by the IRS and umbrella group

Must have both Directors & Officers and General Liability Insurance that covers the Affiliate. General Liability may be obtained either independently or through listing as additional insured on State Organization policies; cost sharing arrangements are permissible; coverage is verifiable.

Responsible for annual financial review at the level appropriate to annual budget; tax filing may be part of State Organization group return; alternatively, the Affiliate may make tax filings separately and report activity regularly to the umbrella group

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 2

www.nami.org/excellence 21

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the benefits and challenges of the Affiliate Model we are pursuing?

2. What resources are available from NAMI and our NAMI State Organization to reach our goals?

Associated Resources

IRS Publication 557 (06/2008), Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization Provides additional details on the group exemption process

How to Establish a 501(c)(3)

Life Cycle of a Public CharityInteresting publication on stages and development of nonprofit organizations

FAQ on NAMI Affiliate Organizational Structure

To assist NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates the following common questions and answers have been prepared. The answers include resources for further information.

Please note that this information is intended to serve as a resource and should not replace a legal opinion or advice. Some matters require professional guidance. If you need help identifying a professional who can help your organization on a specific matter, please contact standards@nami.org and we will do our best to assist.

Q. Is my NAMI Affiliate covered under NAMI’s incorporation status, tax status and insurance coverage?

A. No. NAMI is a legal and separate entity from all NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates and its incorporation status, tax status and insurance coverage do not extend to any NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate.

Q. What does it mean for my NAMI Affiliate to be incorporated?

A. Any organization that is incorporated has the rights and responsibilities associated with conducting its business in cooperation with the law. For an organization like a NAMI Affiliate, incorporation is the first step in on a path that will allow for benefits that are afforded to other charities – such as the legal right to solicit and accept donations and apply for state and federal tax exempt status. A NAMI Affiliate may choose to become incorporated, thereby creating a legal entity composed of individual members for the purposes of organization, operations, liability, longevity, holding property, and so forth. Incorporating your NAMI Affiliate also shifts certain legal liabilities from individuals to the organization itself.

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

22 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Q. How can I incorporate my NAMI Affiliate?

A. Incorporation is a state process, and therefore the processand specific benefits may differ according to the state ofincorporation. To learn more about the value and process ofincorporating as a nonprofit organization, please seek legalcounsel and additional information from the Department ofState in your state.

An additional resource for NAMI Affiliates on this matter is your NAMI State Organization. They may have information about the current status of your NAMI Affiliate and can provide assistance/recommendations on incorporation and nonprofit tax status.

Q. What about state tax-exempt status?

A. NAMI Affiliates that are incorporated in their state ofoperation as a nonprofit corporation are eligible for nonprofittax-exempt status. Nonprofit is a state law concept andtherefore the status is determined under the laws of eachindividual state. A nonprofit status may provide certain statebenefits, such as exemptions from state sales, property andincome tax. Since the state tax-exempt status is determined byeach individual state, the state tax-exempt status applies onlyin the state or states in which the NAMI Affiliate has appliedfor and received tax-exempt status. For more information onstate tax exemption, contact the state agency in your statethat is responsible for revenue. For example, in California it isthe Franchise Tax Board and in Florida it is the Department ofRevenue.

Q. What about federal tax-exempt status?

A. Successfully operating as a nonprofit organization at the state level does not automatically grant the organization exemption from federal income tax. Only the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can grant nonprofit organizations an exemption from federal income tax. For more information on the topic of federal tax exemption, visit the IRS website or seek legal counsel. When a NAMI Affiliate operates under a NAMI State Organization or a NAMI Affiliate Group Exemption it shares the NAMI State Organization’s federal tax-exempt status.

Q. Does my NAMI Affiliate need insurance?

A. Yes. In order to protect the financial and legal interestsof your NAMI Affiliate, it is important to have appropriate insurance coverage. Even an all volunteer Affiliate can be held liable for medical expenses if someone slips and falls at a NAMI Family-to-Family class. Visit tools & resources for more information.

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 2

www.nami.org/excellence 23

The following are types of insurance coverage a NAMI Affiliate should obtain and maintain.

General Property and Liability CoverageProperty insurance protects the NAMI Affiliate’s physical assets, such as a building and its contents. Liability insurance protects from losses resulting from a real or alleged wrongful action on the part of the insured whether it be the directors, officers, staff, volunteers, or the organization itself. Property and liability coverage also may be extended to include off premises activities such as seminars, training, conferences, and so on. If a NAMI Affiliate is under a NAMI State Organization’s Group Exemption, General Property and Liability Coverage may be provided by the NAMI State Organization’s property and liability coverage.

Directors and Officers InsuranceSometimes referred to as Association Professional Liability coverage, this insurance serves to ensure designated officers and directors of an organization insurance coverage that protects the individual from personal liability as a result of decisions or situations that occurred during the officer’s term in office. If a NAMI Affiliate is under a NAMI State Organization’s Group Exemption, Directors and Officers Coverage will be provided by the NAMI State Organization’s policy.

Volunteer Protection Act The Volunteer Protection Act is intended to protect volunteers from liability for negligence that occurs within the scope of their work for the organization. It does have limitations and provides no protection for the organization itself. Because the insurance area is complex and the ramifications are great, seek a knowledgeable agent or broker to assist your NAMI Affiliate with adequate and appropriate coverage.

Section Three:Learn More About Preparing for Re-affiliation

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 3

www.nami.org/excellence 25

How does my NAMI Affiliate Begin the Re-affiliation Process?

We can probably all agree that the likelihood of getting to the end of our path is markedly improved when we have a good guide! Below is a suggested order of tasks and activities that can help your NAMI Affiliate organize the work necessary to complete the NAMI Standards of Excellence re-affiliation process.

AssignYour NAMI Affiliate Standards of Excellence team will play a critical role in successfully completing this

process. o Identify who will be part of your Affiliate Standards of Excellence team o Determine who will collect and organize the required documents for re-affiliation

BylawsThis is the most common area where organizations need a little housekeeping. Getting your NAMI Affiliate bylaws in order will pave the way for a smoother re-affiliation

process. o Review the NAMI Affiliate Bylaws Guidance o Review the NAMI Affiliate Sample Bylaws Language for major areas of the bylaws o Consult with NAMI as questions arise o Engage counsel to make sure things are in compliance with state law

CommunicateThen NAMI State Organization in your state and NAMI

are available to help you with this process. o Contact your NAMI State Organization early and often with questions and for information about where they are in the Charter process o Participate in training opportunities offered to help NAMI Affiliates succeed in this process o Let your members and other stakeholders know that you are working to strengthen your Affiliate

DocumentationThere are numerous important pieces of information that need to be collected and organized for re-affiliation. o Organize the required documents for re-affiliation o Identify any gaps your Affiliate has in the required information o Devise a plan for filling the gaps o Consult with your NAMI State Organization for any assistance you need

A

B

C

D

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 3 LEARN MORE ABOUT PREPARING FOR AFFILIATION

26 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Checklist of Required Documents

NAMI will need the documentation listed on the next page to complete the NAMI re-affiliation process. To help you in organizing and sharing this information with your State Organization, NAMI and your NAMI Affiliate, we have created the NAMI Profile Center, an online repository for the required documents, spreadsheets and data that is accessible through the Internet.

Please see the description in this handbook to prepare for using the Profile Center. This list of required documents for re-affiliation is organized to match what you will see when you begin to use the Profile Center. We recommend that as you begin collecting and organizing these documents that you name the files the same way they are named here to make the next step of the process simpler.

The documents required for re-affiliation will depend on the organizational structure your NAMI Affiliate is pursuing. In the first section of the checklist below, you will see the documents required by type of organizational structure. The second section lists documents that all Affiliates, regardless of structure type, must submit for review.

Please note that Affiliates cannot complete the re-affiliation process until the State Organization where they are located

has completed the charter process.

If your Affiliate will be operating under the

umbrella of another NAMI Affiliate, you cannot

complete the re-affiliation process until the umbrella

organization has completed their re-affiliation process.

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 3

www.nami.org/excellence 27

Documentation Required for Re-affiliation: by Organizational Structure

Model AAffiliates INCORPORATED with current IRS determination as a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization or Affiliates INCORPORATED and operating under the IRS General Exemption Number of a NAMI State Organization or another incorporated NAMI Affiliate

o Financial Audit, Review or Compilation o Board—Directors Contact List o Board—Minutes (Meeting Minutes for previous 12-month period)o Bylaws—most current o Bylaws—Legal Review Lettero Fund Raising—Proof of Registration as a State Public Charityo Incorporation—Annual or Bi-annual filing (Certificate of Incorporation)o Incorporation—Articles of Incorporationo Insurance—Directors and Officers Policy Summary Page (proof of coverage)o Insurance—General Liability Insurance Policy Summary Page (proof of coverage)o IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter o IRS filings (Forms Filed for past 2 years)o Policies—Board Operating Policies and Procedureso Policies—Code of Ethics o Policies—Compensation Policy o Policies—Conflict of Interest o Policies—Document Retention Policyo Policies—Diversity, Inclusion & Nondiscrimination Policyo Policies—Whistleblower Policy

ALL Affiliates must submit:

o Endorsement- Letter from NAMI State Organization verifying relationship and rec-ommending affiliation with NAMI

o Logo—NAMI Affiliate Logo (as demonstrated on letterhead, newsletter, brochures and website)

o Membership—Application (print and electronic)

o NAMI Affiliate Mission Statement

o Staff Directory and Contact Information (paid and volunteer)

o Programs—NAMI Signature Programs (list)

o Programs—Other programs—materials, promotion (list)

o Policy - Designated Advocacy Contact Person

Model B

Affiliates UNINCORPORATED and operating as a pro-gram under a NAMI State Organization or another incor-porated NAMI Affiliate

o Endorsement—Letter from NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate verifying relationship and insurance coverage.

Model C

Affiliates operating under another incorporated NAMI Affiliate

o All Model A required documentso Endorsement—Letter from NAMI Affiliate verifying relationship and insurance coverage

Return to Table of Contents

SECTION 3 LEARN MORE ABOUT PREPARING FOR AFFILIATION

The NAMI Profile Center

The NAMI Profile Center is an important tool in the re-affiliation and chartering processes. The system serves as an online document storage system for important data and documentation NAMI Affiliates and NAMI State Organizations need to share with NAMI to confirm they are operating as legal corporate entities. In addition to providing the information required to meet the Standards of Excellence for re-affiliation and chartering, the system will then be used to maintain regularly updated documentation like ongoing minutes of Board of Directors and updated proof of insurance coverage. Affiliates will be trained by a point of contact in the State Organization as they begin the re-affiliation process, and will be provided their user credentials once trained by the state.

Once the NAMI Profile Center is open to you it will be accessed specifically by your NAMI Affiliate using the Profile Center’s link and your organization’s private password, which should not be shared with others. The password will be sent to the NAMI Affiliate president and executive director, if applicable, and to the Profile Center contact designated by the NAMI Affiliate president.

Questions regarding the NAMI Profile Center should be directed to: profilecenter@nami.org.

28 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK SECTION 3

www.nami.org/excellence 29

How does my NAMI Affiliate Finish the Re-affiliation Process?

Below is a suggested order of tasks and activities that can help your NAMI Affiliate organize the work necessary to complete the NAMI Standards of Excellence re-affiliation process.

AssessThe State Organization has a clear understanding of the organizational capacity of the NAMI Affiliate.

o Identify organizational strengths to provide in endorsement letter o Identify areas for continued attention to provide in endorsement letter

BylawsModel A and Model C Affiliates must ensure the bylaws not only comply with state law but also meet NAMI requirements

o Is membership described as being part of the affiliate, the state and the national organization? o Do the bylaws state that the NAMI Board of Directors sets dues? o Are the bylaws accurate that a NAMI Affiliate has a minimum of 5 members? o Do the bylaws acknowledge NAMI’s rights to the name and logo? o Do the bylaws contain a non-discrimination clause? o Are there opportunities for the membership to be involved in the affiliate’s governance? o There should not be a clause that allows the affiliate of the NAMI State Organization to terminate membership

Checklist The NAMI State Organization has reviewed the re-

affiliation documents uploaded to the Profile Center and finds them to be acceptable.

o Use the Affiliation Documentation Review sheet o Contact your NAMI State Organization early and often with questions. You may also contact NAMI at standards@nami.org

Diligence Congratulations! The NAMI Affiliate has been conscientious and paid proper attention to completing

the re-affiliation tasks.

Endorsement The NAMI State Organization Board of Directors formally approves the endorsement of the NAMI

Affiliate o Use the State Endorsement template letter for Model A, Model B, Model C

o Upload Endorsement Letter and Minutes reflecting endorsement to the NAMI Profile Center folder 00-Re-Affiliation Endorsements.

Finish Line! o NAMI Reviews state endorsements o NAMI Governance Committee considers state

endorsement o NAMI Board approves NAMI Affiliate for re-affiliation o Sign Re-Affiliation Agreements

A

B

C

D

E

F

Glossary of Key Terms

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK KEY TERMS

www.nami.org/excellence 31

Key Terms for NAMI Standards of Excellence and Re-affiliation

Given that most NAMI leaders and members come to the organization out of commitment and compassion, the language of governance and Standards of Excellence may not feel familiar. Assembled here is a list of terms that you may read and hear throughout the re-affiliation process. Please refer to this list for the most up-to-date definitions of these key terms.

AdvocacyThe process of influencing public policy outcomes by NAMI, NAMI State Organizations or NAMI Affiliates.

Affiliation Affiliation defines the roles and expectations of an organization affiliated with NAMI and the relationship it has with its respective NAMI State Organization and NAMI.

Articles of IncorporationA legal document that is filed with the state to create a corporation. Nonprofit articles contain the organization’s basic information (name, registered agent, office address, etc.) and tax exemption information. The contents of Articles of Incorporation are set on a state by state basis. Most Secretary of State web sites will have templates and/or instructions for Articles of Incorporation in the area related to small business.

Best PracticeA technique or method proven to effectively achieve a particular outcome. This term is used throughout this handbook, and other tools related to the Standards of Excellence, to describe governance practices that have stood the test of time in NAMI and other similar organizations.

Board of Directors Policies required for NAMI Re-affiliationCode of Ethics Policy: The purpose for an ethics policy is to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in business practices.

Conflict of Interest Policy: This policy helps guide decisions made by a Board of Directors when one of the Directors could benefit personally from the outcome of the decision.

Document Retention Policy: Describes how an organization manages documents that are legally required for organizational health and transparency of operations. A good document management policy is designed to conform to the charitable laws of the state to ensure that records are kept in compliance with the law.

Whistleblower Policy: A whistleblower policy encourages the reporting of legal violations as well as protecting against retaliation directed at someone who reports legal misconduct.

Return to Table of Contents

KEY TERMS FOR THE NAMI STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AND AFFILIATION

32 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Compensation Policy: A written document that describes the detail of the compensation practices related to pay rates, employee evaluation and pay increases in the organization. This policy protects both the Board of Directors and employees from unfair practices and accusations regarding pay.

Diversity, Inclusion and Nondiscrimination Policy: A document that describes the commitment and practices that encourage diversity and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination in hiring practices, membership and participation.

BylawsA set of rules adopted by an organization in order to govern its own affairs and the behavior of its members. An organization must have bylaws if it is incorporated. Bylaws should be reviewed and updated on a routine basis so that they accurately reflect how an organization conducts itself. A periodic legal review of the bylaws is required by the Standards of Excellence to verify that they are in compliance with relevant state law.

Certificate of Incorporation A license to form a corporation issued by the state Secretary of State. An organization must keep its Certificate of Incorporation as part of the public record of their right to do business. Copies can usually be requested through the website of the state’s Secretary of State if the certificate has been damaged or misplaced.

CharteringChartering is a process by which an organization is authorized by the NAMI Board of Directors to organize, operate and brand itself as a NAMI State Organization.

Cultural Competence: Diversity encompasses understanding, respecting, embracing, preserving and celebrating experiences and perspectives that are different for our own.

Directors and Officers InsuranceThis insurance protects designated officers and directors of an organization from individual personal liability as a result of decisions or situations that occurred during the officer’s term in office. If a NAMI Affiliate is under a NAMI State Organization’s Group Exemption, Directors and Officers Coverage may be provided by the NAMI State Organization’s policy. Sometimes, this type of insurance is called “Association Professional Liability” coverage.

DiversityDiversity encompasses understanding, respecting, embracing, preserving and celebrating experiences and perspectives that are different from our own. Diversity refers to many demographic dimensions, including, but not limited to race/ethnicity, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, education, gender expression, religion/faith, geographic origin, socio-economic status, language, individual culture, lived experiences and national origin as they relate to the whole person.

EndorsementEndorsement is the final step in the process that NAMI State Organizations undertake to assist NAMI Affiliates in pursuit of re-affiliation with NAMI. A State Organization’s endorsement indicates, to NAMI and to the Affiliate, its confidence in the Affiliate’s ability to successfully carry out the NAMI mission as related to the Standards of Excellence.

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK KEY TERMS

www.nami.org/excellence 33

Financial AuditA financial audit is an independent analysis of an organization’s financial position that determines whether their financial statements are fairly presented and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Private accounting firms offer this service for a fee. The NAMI Standards of Excellence requires that NAMI State Organizationsand Affiliates have a financial audit if they are incorporated and hold 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

Financial ReportingA healthy organization has a systematic accounting system in place that allows for the timely and accurate tracking of cash flow – both into the organization as revenue and out of the organization as expenses. One role of the Board of Directors is to oversee the financial health of the organization via financial reports. Often, the Treasurer of the Board of Directors is closely involved with making reports to the Board of Directors at each meeting and flagging areas of concern that may need the attention of the Board.

Fundraising ActivitiesA set of organized activities designed to encourage donations to a nonprofit organization to support the mission.

HelpLineA telephone resource center operated by NAMI, NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate staff and volunteers that provides information on mental illness, support, education, advocacy and resource referrals.

IRS Form 990The annual reporting form required by the Internal Revenue Service and filed by public charities and other tax-exempt organizations: Form 990 and key information are available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Inclusion Meaningfully engaging diverse communities in an orgazaiton. An inclusive organization is a safe, trusting environment in which everyone feels they belong and have an equallyempowering and positive experience. Inclusion involves self-determination which means power sharing.

IndemnificationIndemnification is a statement included in an organization’s bylaws that limits the personal liability of board members. It is important to have insurance coverage that enables the organization to live up to the terms of its indemnification clause. For example, if there is an indemnification clause in place and there is a disagreement pertaining to the personal liability of a board member for something, insurance can help protect the board member and the organization from undue expenses while the disagreement is brought to resolution. More details on insurance types, and the protection they offer, are explored in the terms Directors and Officers Insurance and Liability Insurance in this section.

Return to Table of Contents

KEY TERMS FOR THE NAMI STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AND AFFILIATION

34 NAMI Standards of Excellence: Affiliate Handbook

Liability InsuranceFormally called General Property and Liability Coverage, this property insurance protects an organization’s physical assets, such as a building and its contents. Liability insurance protects from losses resulting from a real or alleged wrongful action on the part of the insured whether it be the directors, officers, staff, volunteers, or the organization itself. Property and liability coverage also may be extended to include off premises activities such as seminars, training, conferences and so on. If a NAMI Affiliate is under a NAMI State Organization’s Group Exemption, General Property and Liability Coverage may be provided by the NAMI State Organization’s property and liability coverage.

Meeting Minutes of the Board of DirectorsMeeting minutes are recorded by the Secretary of a Board of Directors and typically include the president’s report, a business and financial agenda, and discussion of new issues the board addressed. All decisions considered and made by the board are recorded in the meeting minutes. Governance best practices encourage that each time a Board of Directors meets, its first agenda item is the review and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes.

NAMI Identity GuidelinesFormalized guidelines that describe the images, colors and words that uniquely define NAMI’s organizational identity. They include logo, color, typography and language. NAMI’s identity guidelines are available on the NAMI website at www.nami.org/identity.

Open Door DuesA category of NAMI membership dues that allows for a reduced dues payment based on economic necessity. Open Door members have all the rights and privileges of members who pay full dues.

Organizational StructureStructure refers to the formal plan by which a NAMI Affiliate operates – either as an independent nonprofit organization, or under the umbrella of the NAMI State Organization or another NAMI Affiliate.

Policies Policies are guiding principles used to set direction in an organization.

ProceduresProcedures are organizationally specific ways of carrying out the policies and tasks of an organization.

Public CharityStates legally require charities which solicit or receive charitable contributions to file a registration with the Department of the Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section. The charitable solicitation license expires each year and it must be renewed. NAMI State Organization’s and NAMI Affiliates that solicit or receive charitable contributions are bound by this law.

Return to Table of Contents

THE NAMI AFFILIATE HANDBOOK KEY TERMS

www.nami.org/excellence 35

Signature ProgramsThe educational programs developed, administered and maintained by NAMI including NAMI Basics, NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Homefront, NAMI Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Provider Education, NAMI Ending the Silence, NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI Parents & Teachers as Allies, NAMI Connection, NAMI Family Support Group and NAMI Smarts for Advocacy.

StakeholdersA specific group of people who have an interest in guiding the outcome and growth of a project or activity.

Standardized Dues for MembershipThe NAMI Board of Directors set the standardized dues.

Standards of Excellence Practices Requirements for chartering and re-affiliation, supported by principles of good governance and ethical practice, that are elaborated upon in the NAMI Standards of Excellence.

Steering CommitteeA group of stakeholders (defined above) who are responsible for providing guidance on the overall strategic direction of a project or activity.

Re-affiliation ToolsThe tools, resources and technical assistance developed by NAMI to assist NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates to reach and maintain Standards of Excellence. Go to www.nami. org/excellence to find these resources.

501(c)(3) StatusAn organization that meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and is exempt from federal income tax as a charitable organization. Reference material may be found at www.irs.gov.

3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100Arlington, VA 22203

NAMI HelpLine: (800) 950-6264Twitter: NAMICommunicate

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialNAMIwww.nami.org

Find help. Find hope.