Speak for those whose voices are often not heard.
Cause Advocacy
Advocacy may be thought of as cause advocacy or case advocacy. To advocate for a cause, for systems change, or to raise public awareness you should consider some of the following avenues:
Download a helpful article on advocacy from the Micah Challenge
Participate in Mental Health Day at the Capitol with Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. Visit the website Find the GMHCN newsletter here
· Object in writing and by speaking when media or groups stigmatize those with mental illness, write to local newspapers, television stations, and radio stations.
· Object in writing and by speaking when the rights of those with behavioral disorders to treatment and services are threatened. Contact your representatives, local, state and national, as well as media. At VoteSmart enter your street address and find contact information for national, local, and state elected officials as well as members of other branches of the government.
· Invite a speaker to your congregation from Central Outreach and Advocacy Center. Contact them at (404) 659-7119 or visit the website http://www.centraloutreachandadvocacy.org/
Georgia Parent Support Network is dedicated to providing advocacy in individual cases and in policy matters for children and their families with mental illness, emotional disturbances, and behavioral differences. Find information on local chapters and the state office here.
· Participate in NAMI walks or Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. Information here
· Contact your elected officials to let them know you care about services for people who have a mental illness. Use VoteSmart to find contact information.
· Encourage a designated small group of concerned people to stay abreast of pending legislation and update the congregation. NAMI has information on how our state serves those with a mental illness and a legislative platform. Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and Supportive Housing Association are good sources as well. Support for canidates working on mental health issues is important.
· Join the Coalition for Homeless People with a Mental Illness. Contact Alan Harris alanharris@juno.com
· Become familiar with and support the advocacy work of the Supportive Housing Association; supportive housing is essential for people living with a mental illness as they transition to independent living. Website The association has a legislative agenda and is hard at work before and during the legislative session. They would welcome a chance to speak and some volunteers in their work.
That We May Speak: Our Ministry of Action is a step-by-step guide from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to help congregations choose an issue and begin a ministry of advocacy Complete guide available here.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Field Advocate Program Public Policy office in Washington DC will keep you updated on mental health and suicide prevention legislation so that you can contact your legislators as informed constituents. Visit http://www.afsp.org/advocacy-public-policy/become-an-advocate and find out about this and other suicide prevention advocacy opportunities. Individuals can sign up to become a part of the AFSP Advocacy network educating legislators, communities, and the public.
Grounded in Faith: Resources on Mental Health and Gun Violence newly created by the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition, a program of the American Association of People with Disabilities, has advocacy suggestions Grounded in Faith
Cause Advocacy
Advocacy may be thought of as cause advocacy or case advocacy. To advocate for a cause, for systems change, or to raise public awareness you should consider some of the following avenues:
Download a helpful article on advocacy from the Micah Challenge
Participate in Mental Health Day at the Capitol with Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. Visit the website Find the GMHCN newsletter here
· Object in writing and by speaking when media or groups stigmatize those with mental illness, write to local newspapers, television stations, and radio stations.
· Object in writing and by speaking when the rights of those with behavioral disorders to treatment and services are threatened. Contact your representatives, local, state and national, as well as media. At VoteSmart enter your street address and find contact information for national, local, and state elected officials as well as members of other branches of the government.
· Invite a speaker to your congregation from Central Outreach and Advocacy Center. Contact them at (404) 659-7119 or visit the website http://www.centraloutreachandadvocacy.org/
Georgia Parent Support Network is dedicated to providing advocacy in individual cases and in policy matters for children and their families with mental illness, emotional disturbances, and behavioral differences. Find information on local chapters and the state office here.
· Participate in NAMI walks or Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. Information here
· Contact your elected officials to let them know you care about services for people who have a mental illness. Use VoteSmart to find contact information.
· Encourage a designated small group of concerned people to stay abreast of pending legislation and update the congregation. NAMI has information on how our state serves those with a mental illness and a legislative platform. Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and Supportive Housing Association are good sources as well. Support for canidates working on mental health issues is important.
· Join the Coalition for Homeless People with a Mental Illness. Contact Alan Harris alanharris@juno.com
· Become familiar with and support the advocacy work of the Supportive Housing Association; supportive housing is essential for people living with a mental illness as they transition to independent living. Website The association has a legislative agenda and is hard at work before and during the legislative session. They would welcome a chance to speak and some volunteers in their work.
That We May Speak: Our Ministry of Action is a step-by-step guide from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to help congregations choose an issue and begin a ministry of advocacy Complete guide available here.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Field Advocate Program Public Policy office in Washington DC will keep you updated on mental health and suicide prevention legislation so that you can contact your legislators as informed constituents. Visit http://www.afsp.org/advocacy-public-policy/become-an-advocate and find out about this and other suicide prevention advocacy opportunities. Individuals can sign up to become a part of the AFSP Advocacy network educating legislators, communities, and the public.
Grounded in Faith: Resources on Mental Health and Gun Violence newly created by the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition, a program of the American Association of People with Disabilities, has advocacy suggestions Grounded in Faith
