Help break the stigma.
Be a Volunteer Mental Health Educator.

Volunteer Mental Health Educators play a vital role in raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and connecting students to essential resources. These non-clinical volunteers educate youth using Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Building Blocks of Mental Health training series, providing critical information about common mental health challenges and strategies for building resilience.

With comprehensive training and ongoing support from the Foundation’s mental health education team, volunteer educators develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate conversations about mental health topics effectively. Equipped with these tools, they inspire hope, encourage seeking treatment, and empower youth to feel confident in reaching out for support when needed.

No professional mental health experience is required.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver presentations, workshops, and trainings on mental health topics, such as stress management, coping strategies, and emotional regulation.

  • Distribute mental health resources, such as brochures, flyers, and other information about mental health services, self-care practices, and support networks.

  • Follow ethical guidelines in all educational and support activities, including respecting cultural and individual differences.

  • Consult with staff regarding schools and community partners’ needs to ensure appropriate information and resources are being offered.

Goals for Each PRESENTATION

Through our presentations, students will gain a deeper understanding of mental health topics, learn how to engage in meaningful discussions with their peers, and feel empowered to seek help when needed. They will be encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being and develop the confidence to reach out for support. Additionally, students will experience a sense of hope and encouragement, reinforcing the importance of addressing mental health with openness and care.

Requirements

A Volunteer Mental Health Educator should have a personal experience with mental illness and recovery, defined as:

  • Having had a mental health condition and/or

  • Having had a relationship with someone who had a mental health condition and/or

  • Having been a student or professional in the mental health field

A Volunteer Mental Health Navigator must be:

  • At least 18 years of age

  • Currently living in North Texas

  • Computer proficient

  • Able to have age-appropriate conversation with youth

  • Comfortable speaking to youth in school and community settings

  • Able to discuss difficult, complex topics

  • Able to comply with confidentiality and legal requirements

  • Able to commute between 25-100 miles for presentations (mileage is reimbursed)

  • A quick learner and an active listener

  • Able to adapt to new challenges

  • Able to communicate with empathy

  • Willing to communicate empathically with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation, and age groups, including adults, youth, family members, professionals and community agencies

Training and Support

Total training commitment is approximately 17 hours:

  • Part I – Classroom Training: Four 3-hour sessions (in-person and virtual) – 12 hours

  • Part II – Shadowing: Three presentations – 3 hours
    Shadow three different presenters, allowing for exposure to various presentation styles and approaches.

  • Part III – Mock Presentation: 1 hour
    The team will provide constructive feedback. This may include a formal rubric outlining areas for improvement or a more informal conversation, depending on the volunteer’s progress.

  • Part IV – Observation: 1 hour
    The mental health education team will observe the volunteer’s first presentation, offering guidance and support as needed.  

Winter 2025 Training Dates:

  • Monday, February 3 • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (In Person) | Opening Session

  • Wednesday, February 5 • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Virtual)

  • Monday, February 10 • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Virtual)

  • Wednesday, February 12 • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (In Person) | Closing Session

Resumes and applications are due by January 13, 2025.

Time Commitment

Once training is complete and educators have shadowed three sessions with a full-time staff member, volunteer mental health educators can begin scheduling trainings that fit their availability.

To stay active, we ask that volunteer educators facilitate at least two trainings per month.

Presentations are typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during normal school hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), with some weekend sessions offered as needed.

 
 
 
 
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