NAMI Colorado Board Meeting Notes - Comprehensive Summary

NAMI Colorado Board Meeting - Comprehensive Notes

  • Context and roles

    • Speaker attends a state president's council (SPC) meeting as a vice president; the SPC advises the national board and includes presidents from states that attend.

    • The team is currently seeking a new SPC president; the speaker has self–placed on the waitlist and offered to support a candidate if none is found, given they’re already in the secretary role.

    • Additional call planned to invite all state presidents, not just attendees, to participate.

    • The SPC experience is valued for keeping members up to date on bylaws, Medicaid policy, and national stances; e.g., NAMI National’s stance on Medicaid and funding dynamics are discussed here.

    • National funding changes: NAMI National lost funding amid administration changes; this is disclosed to states to maintain transparency.

  • Connections to national leadership and cross-councils

    • The SPC interacts with other councils (e.g., veterans council) to share best practices and learn from leaders across states.

    • Notable peers discussed: Mark (New Jersey) as second vice president who focused on finance and improving cash flow; liaison noted with Ray on financial improvements.

    • Babuchi is highlighted as a blessing in the national board liaison role.

    • The speaker sits on the Peer Leadership Council (PLC) as a state peer representative.

    • PLC structure:

    • Each state has a primary and an alternate representative; the alternates include Rabbi Cohen (timeline and participation dependent on personal scheduling).

    • PLC emphasizes education and peer support for members; panels include advocacy and educational work.

    • Aim to increase peer presence at NAMICon and to establish a robust nationwide peer voice on the national board (with a PLC chair and a peer elect).

  • PLC structure and future planning

    • The PLC’s goal is to ensure every affiliate has representation, potentially moving to a model with a primary per affiliate so there can be up to 14 slots.

    • There is ongoing planning to formalize a peer presence and leadership development across affiliates.

  • Governance and personnel notes

    • Veterans and service members council: ongoing discussion about identifying a representative (Ray seeking interested individuals; a formal board vote will be used to nominate).

    • The Veterans and Service Members Council and the FaithNet Advisory Council are among the newer national advisory structures; state representation is to be determined by formal board action.

    • The discussion also touches on the Affiliate Presidents’ Council and the Executive Director’s Council as advisory bodies to the national board.

    • There is ongoing outreach to expand the national peer voice and ensure cross-state representation across councils.

  • Meeting logistics and approvals

    • The meeting acknowledged quorum concerns: with Ed on leave of absence, 11 board members were present; quorum defined as at least 66 members (quorum = 6/116/11).

    • The body reviewed minutes from the May 12 meeting and then moved to approve the bimonthly financial statements for May and June.

    • Acknowledgement of Caitlin’s minutes as the most thorough in five years; the group approved the minutes via a motion and vote.

  • Financial snapshot and fundraising outlook

    • Cash balance has recovered from roughly 30,00030{,}000 to roughly 155,000155{,}000; receivables around 175,000175{,}000; total assets approx 5imes1055 imes 10^5 (about half a million dollars).

    • Revenue is ahead of budget; expenses are only about 1,0001{,}000 over budget at mid-year, indicating solid financial health so far.

    • Discussed potential impacts of federal policy changes on NAMI National and affiliates; most Colorado affiliates are not heavily dependent on federal funding, with notable exceptions (e.g., NAMI New Hampshire has state contracts tied to SAMHSA funding).

    • The Colorado Springs affiliate is in a strong financial position to absorb potential funding losses; other states may have greater sensitivity to federal funding reductions.

    • Community needs are rising (helpline calls and family support groups). Changes in policy can affect access to care and guardianship arrangements.

    • Mitigation and adaptation strategies include continuing to build endowments, maintaining a diversified funding mix (grants, sponsorships, community support), and leveraging partner networks.

    • MIT alumni foundation: A benefactor (Marilyn Robertson’s husband) secured a larger gift than requested; MIT alumni funded 25,00025{,}000 (the request was 5,0005{,}000). The organization plans to thank Marilyn and explore ongoing fundraising opportunities.

    • Grant activity and pipeline: Approximately 150,000150{,}000 in the fundraising pipeline; a 30,00030{,}000 advocacy grant was requested from the Community Foundation to support the Protect Medicaid, Protect Mental Health campaign (staff support and materials). If declined, the foundation will be contacted for feedback.

    • Sponsorships: A record year with 77,00077{,}000 in sponsorships; the goal remains to secure larger sponsors (e.g., 25,000–25{,}000–50{,}000) to reduce reliance on smaller sponsorships.

    • Pathways to Hope and other programs: Pathways to Hope registration announced for August 23; NAMI NextGen Colorado board has planned multiple sessions, including topics on isolation, resilience, and discrimination.

    • NAMI provider training is scheduled for July (Bonnie Bowman and Ray leading) and will be conducted via Zoom; flexibility for attendance is acknowledged (participants can join/leave as needed).

    • A provider outreach effort includes a training session for CSU Pueblo students (NAMI Smarts) and ongoing provider education through SelectQuote engagement.

  • Staffing and internal leadership updates

    • The executive director emphasizes a one-on-one leadership approach to ensure board members feel personally invested and supported.

    • Staffing changes: David’s passing; due to his illness, the organization will not refill his role. A memorial tribute for David will be held at the annual meeting. Sherry Bishop will receive a legacy tribute for decades of service; she is stepping back after a stroke.

    • Role reallocation: Sherry’s responsibilities are being divided among team members (family programs to Amber and Athena; peer programs to Amber and colleagues; collaboration with Colorado Springs for state-level training).

    • The annual meeting date is set for November 10; it will be virtual (5:00–6:30 PM) in addition to the regular board meeting; planning for a keynote speaker and potential advocacy-focused introductions (Caitlin may be recruited for advocacy speaking or keynote assistance).

    • Ongoing staffing discussions emphasize steady leadership and continuity across programs and state partners.

  • Policy, advocacy, and programmatic initiatives

    • Public policy subcommittee work focuses on guardianship reform and statutory language to allow guardians to make health care decisions for those with mental health needs; work involves collaboration with a judge and a state senator (Senator Mabile) who may draft language.

    • Guardianship legislation is being prepared for potential consideration; the process will involve hearings and testimony when ready.

    • The Behavioral Health Administration’s Lifes program (LIFTS) was launched to improve service access; the council will monitor care coordination and alert the commissioner if gaps arise.

    • The state’s Western Slope provider gap remains a concern; Mind Springs’ closure and Health Solutions West’s expansion to Montrose/Delta are key developments; workforce issues persist.

    • The organization stresses the importance of partnerships with groups like Together Colorado and healthier Colorado, LGBTQ groups, housing advocates, and other stakeholders to address mental health holistically.

    • CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) efforts with Anarly U. help ensure crisis responders connect to appropriate treatment rather than defaulting to jail or emergency care.

    • Local affiliates highlight strong activity: Larimer County (connections and family programs), Jeffco (family-to-family), Boulder County (bears program plus interns), Denver (provider training), Colorado Springs and Pueblo (provider training and capacity building).

    • The need for a robust pipeline of partners and advocates remains critical to deliver mental health services and support across diverse communities.

  • Ambassadors, outreach, and faith-based engagement

    • NAMI National runs an ambassadors program; ambassadors from all walks of life publicly support mental health awareness and NAMI initiatives (e.g., Master P, Taja the actress).

    • Colorado has identified animal and human ambassadors in outreach efforts; the first animal ambassador is Nala the cat, recognized for social media reach and Guinness World Records; NAMI collaborates with Nala to broaden mental health awareness.

    • There is ongoing interest in engaging with faith communities and FaithNet Advisory Council; faith-based entry points into mental health services are seen as critical, given many individuals first seek support from clergy or congregants.

    • Potential nominees include Jason for FaithNet state representation and Amy Peachtree Hill (Unitarian church advocate) to diversify representation; formal board approval will be required for nominations.

    • The group recognizes the value of cross-sector partnerships with faith leaders, religious organizations, and mental health professionals to reduce stigma and improve access to care.

  • Upcoming events and program launches

    • Pathways to Hope registration for August 23; NAMINextGen Colorado events include three sessions focused on isolation, resilience, and discrimination.

    • NAMI provider training scheduled for the weekend of July 26–27; led by Bonnie Bowman and Ray; training is conducted via Zoom with flexible attendance.

    • CSU Pueblo hosted a NAMI Smarts session for 30 social work students, expanding advocacy capacity; there is ongoing outreach to private sector partners (e.g., SelectQuote) for stigma-free programming and potential foundation gifts.

    • An ongoing objective is to identify speakers and advocates for future keynote events and to recruit volunteers for advocacy and outreach activities.

  • Operational notes and concluding items

    • Ed is on excused leave of absence; his absence is acknowledged and his role remains in abeyance until November.

    • The meeting adjourned at 05:49 PM; the group expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort and willingness to stay engaged.

  • Key questions and decisions highlighted

    • Motion to approve May–June financial statements passed unanimously; the liquidity and revenue performance were noted as strong for mid-year.

    • Discussion on whether the state should reconvene for a special session matters (e.g., Medicaid funding implications, TABOR-related issues); decisions depend on legislative activity and state leadership priorities.

    • The leadership committee will monitor grant opportunities (e.g., Community Foundation advocacy grant) and will pursue or contest grants based on alignment with Protect Medicaid, Protect Mental Health messaging.

    • Nomination and appointment processes for new council representatives (Veterans, FaithNet) require formal board votes; potential nominees will be vetted and discussed offline as needed.

  • Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications discussed

    • The organization emphasizes non-discrimination and inclusive access to mental health services across diverse communities, including immigrant and faith-based populations.

    • There is a strong emphasis on representing lived experience within decision-making structures, ensuring that families and individuals with mental health experiences have a voice in policy and practice.

    • Collaboration with government entities and the private sector is framed as essential to sustain mental health services in the context of shifting public funding and policy, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.

  • Connections to foundational principles and real-world relevance

    • The meeting exemplifies how a national–to–state–to-local network operates: national policy and funding constraints → state-level governance and programs → local community partnerships and service delivery.

    • The emphasis on guardianship reform, crisis response (CIT), and community-based care aligns with foundational mental health principles, including patient autonomy, safety, and least restrictive interventions.

    • The focus on fundraising, sponsorships, and grant diversification reflects standard nonprofit sustainability practices, especially for member-led organizations with fluctuating public funding.

  • Notable numerical references (for quick recall)

    • Quorum: 66 of 1111 board members

    • Cash balance: approx. 155,000155{,}000

    • Receivables: approx. 175,000175{,}000

    • Total assets: approx 5imes1055 imes 10^5 or 0.50.5 million

    • Mid-year revenue favorable to budget; expenses ~1,0001{,}000 over budget

    • Sponsorships secured: 77,00077{,}000 (record year so far)

    • Grant request: 30,00030{,}000 (Community Foundation) for advocacy campaign; if denied, follow-up requested

    • MIT alumni gift received: 25,00025{,}000 (requested 5,0005{,}000)

    • Annual meeting date: November10November 10, time 5:00ext–6:305:00 ext{–}6:30 PM, virtual

    • Provider training window: weekend of July26–27July 26–27 (dates approximate from transcript)

    • CSU Pueblo NAMI Smarts training: 30 students

    • Pathways to Hope: registration for August23August 23

  • Quick reference to upcoming actions ( Owners/contacts )

    • Caitlin: coordinate attendance and advocacy materials; assist with keynote introductions

    • Ray: continue to oversee fundraising pipeline and public policy liaison

    • Project leads: Bonnie Bowman and Raymond (provider training); Cody and Amber assisting with programs

    • Leadership at large: consider nominations for Veterans/FaithNet representatives; confirm with board vote

    • Parish Adler: potential interest in Veterans/Service Members Council; follow up for involvement

  • Fun, encouraging note from the meeting

    • The group highlighted a broader, nationwide effort to normalize mental health conversations across faith, workplaces, and communities; ambassadors (including animal ambassadors) help raise awareness and reduce stigma.

  • End of notes