Conference Description:

It is oft said that chaos creates a pathway to opportunity, a chance to do something different, to change and grow and reach out to others and move ourselves and our communities (however they are defined) along existing and new pathways to brighter futures. Starting from wherever we are right now, we can look behind us and acknowledge all the elements that in recent years have beaten us down and lifted us up. We can grieve those whom we have lost and be simultaneously thankful for all the big and little lessons learned through global challenges and intensely personal experiences. No matter where we are – geographically, behaviorally, medically, financially and personally – we can embrace the potential for change and the possibilities of the future. After two difficult years, it is time to once again look forward.

Confucius is attributed as the first person to articulate the popular saying “No matter where you go, there you are.”

And where, then, is NAMI Washington? Right there with you, every step of the way, wherever you are!

We have your back:

• As you seek information about mental illness or a new diagnosis.

• When you reach out for help for yourself or a loved one the first time or the hundredth time.

• As you offer knowledge and support and comfort to another person.

• When you are feeling confused or lost or alone.

• As you learn to manage your own mental challenges with self-respect and dignity.

• When your teen is demonstrating signs of potentially suicidal thinking.

• On your computer, in your home, workplace, neighborhood, military base, school, church, library or community center.

• In 19 affiliates across Washington State and on the internet.

• As you advocate with your elected officials locally and statewide for increased resources, improved programs and better access to mental health services for everyone!

• Whether you attend the conference in person in Olympia or join via the internet from your couch.

For this year’s conference, we are seeking and hope to present information about where we are in our understanding and treatment of mental illness, recent gains and setbacks, and compelling stories of resilience, courage, and strength. Wherever we are together, we can use the chaos that we witness across the globe and in our own communities to strengthen our pathways and to step onto new ones.
 

FAQs
What does registration cover?
The price of registration covers access to the conference, vendors, art show, and all meals on Saturday which includes breakfast, AM break snacks, lunch, PM break snacks before you leave.

Are there any hotels NAMI WA has a Conference Rate with? What is that rate information?
Our Conference Host Hotel is the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, located at 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502  . Conference Guests should call  (800) 206-9339  and reference the NAMI WA Conference in order to get the discounted Conference Rate. The rate is $126.57 (includes taxes and fees) per night. (more info below)

Can I buy meals for in-person?
Yes! You can purchase guest meal passes at the following rates:

• Guest Full Meal Package:  Includes Saturday Breakfast, AM Snack, Lunch & PM Snack:  $85.00Guest – Saturday AM Snack Only: $15.00Guest – Saturday PM Snack Only: $20.00

• Guest – Saturday AM & PM SNACKS Only: $35.00

• Guest – Saturday Lunch Only: $35.00

• Guest – Saturday Breakfast Only: $30.00

How do I register my art for the art show?
Art show participants are able to enter three (3) pieces of art into the art show. The form is available HERE.

Can guests attend the conference workshops?
No, only registered conference attendees can come to the workshops. Guests may eat meals with us if you purchase meal tickets for them.

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Are there scholarships available to cover registration costs?
Yes! One is the John Freeburg NAMI Washington Conference Scholarship. You're eligible to apply if you're a NAMI member in good standing. Click HERE to apply.

NAMI Seattle offers scholarships for King County residents only (this is different from the NAMI Washington scholarship). Click HERE to visit the NAMI Seattle website for more information. (http://namiseattle.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/NAMI-Seattle-Scholarship-Application-2019-editable.pdf) 

*Note*: People who work for a mental health organization are not eligible UNLESS they or a close family member receives health coverage through the King County Mental Health Plan.
Have more questions about scholarships for King County residents? Email scholarship@namiseattle.org. 

Can I apply to both scholarships?
Yes!

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Will Continuing Education Units/Hours be offered for any plenary sessions or workshops?
Central Washington University has approved every workshop and plenary session for Continuing Education Clock Hours (CEH), and has approved the entire conference for 1.0 Continuing Education Unit. A Continuing Education Tracking Form is available at the NAMI Washington registration table, and on the WHOVA website closer to the date of the conference. This form is intended for use by individuals who need to accrue Continuing Education Clock Hours/Units for the purposes of maintaining professional licensure. Those seeking CEH or CEU are responsible for paying for them separately from all other conference fees. The only form of payment accepted for CEH or CEU is check. NAMI Washington will take responsibility for returning the sign-in sheets and evaluations, along with the payments to Central Washington University

What if I need a refund?
A full refund is available up to 30 days before the event. Only partial refunds will be available less than 30 days prior to the event. A 50% partial refund will be issued until September 1st. From September 1st to September 9thth a 25% refund will be issued, and no refunds will be issued after September 9th. Please direct all refund requests to mdavis@namiwa.org.

***Hotel - Individuals must make their own hotel reservations***
Conference registration DOES NOT include hotel. 
The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake has reserved rooms at a conference rate of $126.57/per night (includes tax and fees). To make a reservation, call 1-800-206-9339 or go to NAMI 2022 Annual Conference Booking Link and tell them you are part of the NAMI Washington Conference block. These special rates are only good for reservations made by SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2022. If you try to make hotel reservations after 9/1/2022, you will be charged the regular hotel room rate.