Virtual Classes, Registration and Teleclass Etiquette

Do you, or a group you work or volunteer with, want to be stronger advocates for mental health funding and services?  If so, contact Alicia to bring NAMI Smarts for Advocacy to your group, or schedule a virtual training and attend from your home or with a group of people gathered together. As long as you have a phone and a quiet place to work you can join us. A computer with internet is a plus but not a requirement.  Please fill out this simple form and Alicia will get back with you to make arrangements.  http://aliciasmith.com/engage

Class Materials for NAMI Smarts for Advocacy & Teleclass Etiquette

Telling Your Story – Module 1

Teleclass Etiquette

* Please read before registering or attending any Teleclass *

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Teleclass Etiquette

For larger view of flyer click on image

Teleclasss are most successful when everyone follows some basic steps.  Check out the Class Materials Section for handouts and call in instructions.

1. Print out class handouts before the call starts.  We will jump right in and the handouts are essential.  Grab a pen or two or have your computer ready to type.
2. Verify the correct starting time of the class for your time zone. Class times are indicated in the MOUNTAIN Time Zone. Go to World Time Server to find your own corresponding time.
3. Call in a couple of minutes before the call time.  We will do our best to start on time.
4. Use a wired land phone line for the best phone reception for you and for others.  When possible do not use a cell phones, VOIP internet phones or speaker phones.
5. If we hear an echo be prepared to either mute your phone or hang up and call back on a different line.
6. Use the mute feature on your phone, if you have one. Or, use the mute feature built into the bridge line, as instructed.
7. Some “hold” features play music or commercials.  If that’s true for you business phone please hang up and call back when you are ready to rejoin the call. Teaching a class over music or commercials is very difficult.
8. Announce yourself by first name and city when asking questions. Please keep your questions or observations short and to the point.
9. Please hold questions/comments until you’ve been prompted to ask a question or make a comment by the teleclass leader. Please keep your comments/questions concise.

Teleclass Participation – Teleclasses are a great way to learn, but for the class to be of value for everyone, there must be an agreed upon structure. Please use the following guidelines:

1. Wait for the instructor to ask if there are questions or comments. At that  the discussion is “open,” you can ask your question or share your thoughts on the topic.
2. Always start by giving your name before you make a comment. For instance, you might say, “Hi, this is John, I have a question,” then wait for the instructor to say, “Go ahead, John.”
3. The instructor will control the flow of “traffic” so that people don’t talk over each other.
4. Interaction is encouraged, but please call out your name, then let the instructor indicate when it’s okay to go ahead. This is much like raising your hand in a classroom!
5. We want to hear from you; but don’t dominate the conversation. Speak in 30-45 second sound bites. Make your point quickly, and phrase your questions and comment clearly and simply. This way, everyone can participate equally.
6. You’re welcome to ask a follow-up question or make additional comments throughout the class, but we ask that you be aware of the other students and give everyone a chance to participate.
7. You may disagree with other people’s opinion, but avoid arguing. Respect that different people see things in different ways. Avoid attempting to change someone else’s point of view. Do not put down other students.
8. Be comfortable in asking questions. If you don’t understand something, it’s likely that others are confused as well. The only “dumb question” is the one you don’t ask.

Montana Legislative Resources

We are pleased to provide a website with information about supplemental treatment’s for mental illness. However, please remember that the internet is a dynamic resource and that we cannot guarantee that all of the outside links provided will work or that the content will not have changed over time. As a result, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability regarding these resources. It is important that you do your own research to seek out further information and to consult with your professional provider for your unique circumstances. If you, a family member or friend is suffering from mental illness and/or in crisis please seek appropriate professional help.