1. Introduce yourself. Describe who you are and why you are speaking or writing. Knowing your name and where you live helps legislators remember you and feel connected. Complete the following sentence or write your own: I’m (name) and I’m from (county or city). 2. Let your legislator or committee members know what you are advocating for. If possible, name a specific bill. Complete the following sentence or write your own: I’m (writing or here today) to ask for your support to build our mental health system. 3. Let your legislator or committee members know how you are impacted by mental illnesses. This gives a real face to mental illnesses and recovery. Complete the following sentence or write your own: I (live with or am a parent of a child or have a relative/friend with) a mental illness. 4. Tell your story. To tell your story effectively, answer the following questions in a few sentences:
Complete the following sentence or write your own: Before I/we got the help I/we needed, I/we went through some challenging times such as...
Complete the following sentence or write your own: The support I get from my (name of service or type of professional) has helped me manage my (main diagnosis or mental health condition).
Complete one of the following sentences or write your own. Today, I am (a peer-support specialist; working part time; living on my own; doing much better; hopeful, staying out of jail/hospital, etc.). 5. Make your point. Help others by giving a brief positive message about mental health services and recovery. Complete one of the following sentences or write your own: Mental health services are an investment in recovery. I'm living proof. Mental illnesses are common and recovery is possible. Many people have mental illnesses like mine. With mental health services, people can experience recovery. Author: NAMI MinnesotaYou can sign up for NAMI Minnesota's Legislative updates here. |
Archives
July 2021
Categories
All
|