Only You Can

Make Your Voice HeardNAMI Mass 2012

ConferenceOctober 20th, 2012

INTRODUCTION TO THE PRESENTERS

State Representative Jim O’Day (D)West Boylston and Worcester

Joe Giannino Government Relations Group, LLC

Andrew SperlingNAMI Director of Legislative Affairs

Decriminalize Mental Illness

Crisis Intervention Training &Jail Diversion Programs

Adequate Funding for Mental Health Services

Parity in Long Term Disability Insurance Coverage

NAMI Mass Public Advocacy Priorities

Adequate statewide funding for mental health services is both cost-effective for the state as well as consistent with the core principles of a humane, civilized society. It is the responsibility of the

Commonwealth of MA to provide access to a broad array of services to those

who are most in need.

People living with

mental illness can and do

recover and live successfully in the community.

They deserve access to a strong network of community

based services to help them find the

opportunities tothrive.

Achieving this goal requires a

commitment from the state house and YOURtime, assistance and

personal involvement!

A comprehensive and universally available system of supports must:

Strengthen consumer choice

Be client-centered, family-focused, results driven

Develop and leverage an extensive peer workforce

Focus on recovery

Enhance ability to move throughout the community and inpatient systems

of care

In simple terms, your

personal involvement and advocacy produces the

greatest benefitsfor you

and your family!

Why Advocate?

Introduces you to your elected representatives

Guarantees your voice is heard

Familiarizes you with your legislator & staff

Ensures that your message is delivered

Makes you a part of the process

Leaves a lasting and positive impression of you

Your Personal Advocacy:

It’s All

About You

BecauseYou

Matter!

The MA LegislatureThe Legislature is

comprised of two branches

Senate

House of Representatives

The Massachusetts Senate consists of 40 members with each Senator

representing a district consisting of approximately 159,000 people.

The Senate

The House of Representatives

The Massachusetts House of Representatives includes 160 members each representing a

district of approximately 40,000 people.

Understand that your single voice matters (most people do not voice their opinion)

Pay attention to the news & political agenda

Understand NAMI’s priorities and position

Communicate with your legislators

Legislative staff are important

How Can You Make Your Voice Heard?

Some Do’s and Don’tsPositive Comments HELP!

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“I fully support your position on…”

“I read a great article about you in our local paper.”

“I appreciate your help.”

Negative Comments DON’T!

“I won’t vote for you unless you...”

“I pay your salary.”

“You work for me! “

“Do your job!”

“I don’t trust politicians.”

Staples of Lobbying Advice

The office visit is important

Be concise

Be positive

Say ‘thank you’

Have polite conversation

It’s important for you to tell your

personal story when you

talk to legislators!

It’s fine if you don’t talk directly to your legislator.

Staff is the ‘repository of knowledge’ for all elected

officials.

They are the gatekeepers too!

The Bottom Line

Only you can tell your story. And your legislators want to hear from you.

If you don’t tell them, they don’t know and can’t help.

It’s impossible for policy makers to address problems if they are unaware

of them!