Board & Governance

Board of Directors

NAMI NH is governed by a 15-25 member Board of Directors. Directors are elected by the voting membership and are required to have some connection with mental illness such as being a consumer, a family member of a consumer or otherwise qualified to similarly understand and represent the perspectives of all persons affected by mental illness or serious emotional disorders.

Committee Structure

The Committee structure addresses the needs of the organization at all levels and allows for meaningful roles for volunteer participation. Each committee chair is responsible for reporting on the work performed by its committee twice a year to the Executive Committee and is responsible for submitting a written quarterly report to the President about its work progress. The chart above lists the proposed Standing Committees and their general functions to be carried out. Below are Committee descriptions.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the Board of Directors for the Organization as well as the Executive Director of the Organization. The Executive Committee may also include non-voting members, such as ex-officio officers, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee may, with Board approval, annually elect at-large members from among the Directors to serve on the Committee. The Executive Committee may also use its discretion to have additional individuals join their meetings as needed. A majority of the voting Members may act, as needed, to address the routine management and affairs of the Organization. The Executive Committee shall also prepare the agenda for the Board of Directors’ meetings and the Annual Meeting. The Executive Committee has an obligation to carry out the mission of NAMI NH and abide by the NAMI NH Service Description as adopted by the Board of Directors.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall consist of a minimum of three current Directors and the current Treasurer of the Organization shall serve as the Chair of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall oversee the preparation of an annual budget to be approved by the Executive Committee and a majority of the Directors. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for monitoring the annual budget; developing and implementing the long range financial plans for the Organization; reporting the status of the Organization’s finances to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors; investing any funds of the Organization; filing all tax returns for the Organization; and arranging for the annual audit and reporting the results to the Board of Directors.

Public Policy Committee

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for advocacy and government relations – legislative and executive.
• Monitors NH mental health and health policy issues.
• Develops public policy information and position statements on mental health and related issues.
• Identifies opportunities for NAMI NH and its membership to participate in:
  • state mental health quality improvement activities;
  • state planning and evaluation processes;
  • public policy initiatives that affect both the private and public mental health services delivery system.
• Provides opportunities for volunteers to testify and advocate for policy changes affecting mental health treatment and finance and serves as the vehicle for NAMI NH responses to National public policy issues that directly affect mental health care.
• Drafts policy statement and testimony consistent with mission and goals of the organization.
• Responds to public events consistent with mission and value of the organization.

Programs Education, Training & Support Committee

Responsibilities include:

• Develops, oversees and promotes educational and support programs addressing specific age groups across the lifespan program for affiliate relations and volunteer and leadership cultivation.
• Works with the Advancement Committee to implement program’s marketing plans including identifying potential markets, their needs, how to meet those needs with products/services/programs and how to promote/sell the programs.
• Programs for membership growth and volunteer recruitment/retention and affiliate growth, development and meaningful work at the local level.
• Training and Public education events for professionals, para-professionals and health care providers.

Advancement Committee

Responsibilities include:

• Includes development, events, external relations, and membership.
• Oversees development and implementation of the Fundraising Plan.
• Identifies and solicits funds from external sources of support working with the Development Officer.
• Enhances the organization’s image, including communications with the press.
• Oversees the materials and content communicated through the website and printed materials.
• Assumes responsibility for communications including:
  • Oversees the messaging and marketing that represents the organization to the community and to referral sources.
  • Oversees all communication activities including newsletter, e-news, website and office resource center to be consistent with goals and objectives of the organization.
  • Develops media responses to major public issues that require op-ed, editorial or other media response based on input from the Public Policy Committee.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven members elected at the Annual Meeting from a slate made up of three current Directors, a representative from each of two local NAMI NH affiliates and/or support groups and two at-large persons with membership in good standing. The Nominating Committee shall present for election at the Annual Meeting a slate of nominees for Directors which shall be included with the notice of the Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee may also propose nominees to fill Officer vacancies or other vacancies of the Board of Directors between Annual Meetings as is needed.