Compelling Conversations
Participants in the Compelling Conversations program play an active role in small groups (3-6 individuals) led by a "communicator" whose life has been affected by a mental illness. Story telling has long been used as a tool for educating and learning and for increasing our understanding of another person, as well as building empathy and compassion.
What You Will Gain by Attending
Our mission at NAMI Mercer is to normalize conversations about mental health challenges.
Through our program, we present the power of personal stories to increase awareness and acceptance, build empathy, and fight stigma.
Participants have the opportunity for open dialogue in a small group (ideally 3-6 individuals) with a person called a communicator whose life has been affected by mental illness.
- Compelling conversations gives people the opportunity to meet others whom they might not otherwise meet.
- Personal communication in small groups which fosters comaraderie and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Stigma-free dialogue in a small group may encourage stigma-free dialogue in the larger community.
- Conversations inspire hope for participants, their friends, family, and guardians.
Our Audiences
NAMI Mercer founded Compelling Conversations in 2022. Our audiences have included:
• Participants in mental health treatment programs
• Professional staff at in-patient and out-patient mental health facilities
• Mental wellness self-help groups
• Attendees at social work and psychosocial rehabilitation conferences
• Clergy and religious congregations
• Public employees in social services, housing, law enforcement, child welfare, corrections, and air traffic control positions
• School classes and clubs
• School administrators and educators
• Personnel at private companies.