walk a mile 2013 information kit

7/28/2019 Walk a Mile 2013 Information Kit

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Walk a Mile

in My ShoesInformation Packet

Walk$Mile in My Shoes Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:30 - 3:00 pm


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MACMHB Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes Rally Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes

Promotion Packet Check List

Event Day Time Line provides an overview of the days events

Driving DirectionsWhy We Walk Talking Points

Info to share & enlighten participants

Capitol Block Layout

Layout of the Capitol Block showing where to check-in, nd your legislator,

and where CMH designees should pick up their county ag and county representative button.

Downtown Map - Street level

Downtown Restaurant Suggestions

Confdentiality Notice a statement to share with consumers about condentiality as it

relates to this event (this is not meant to replace an agency Release form).

Things To Do in Lansing Handy list if you arrive early or plan to stay after the rally.

Parking Locations

Downtown Meter Map a map showing locations of all meters near the Capitol that

are available for reservation prior to the rally.

Media Advisory template *

Press Release template *

Things to Know Helpful tips about the Rally overall for anyone who attends

Rally Preparation Planning Tips

How to Interact with your legislator

Event Flyer *

* For a customizable version of this document email [email protected]

Promotion Packet Contents


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Walk-a-Mile in My ShoesDriving Directions


Event Day Timeline

MACMHB Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes Rally Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

9:00 a.m. Noon

Table and organizational set up

(MACMHB and LE&A staff).

Early attendees can meet with

legislators in their ofces, or visit at-

tractions around town.

10:00 a.m.: NOTESenate begins session.

11:30 Noon

Volunteer Organizational

Meeting Check-In Tent (large tent

on SE lawn.) Early attendees can

meet with legislators in their ofces,

visit the Traveling Art display, ordesign a quilt square.

Noon

Advocate Walk, around the state

Capitol block, begins, starting at

the corner of Allegan & Capitol

(bus drop-off location). Groups

and walkers can join at any time.

12:30 1:30 p.m.

Rally attendees arrive.

Check In Tent opens: pick up

goody bag and water.

Information Tent opens:CMH

Designee check-in to receive county

ag, statement and buttons.

Legislator Tent: meet your

legislator, learn about stategovernment and advocacy

activities, and map signing.

Advocacy walk continues.

1:10 p.m.

MC, musicians and guest singer

report to front steps.

1:15 p.m.

County Representatives, ag

carriers and assistants report to

stations along Capitol Ave. (Flags will

be distributed at Information Tent)

Music starts on front steps (songs

and music played for 15 minutes).

Advocacy walk wraps up.

1:30 p.m.

Rally starts.

National Anthem.

Opening remarks on front stairs.

NOTE

House of Representatives

begins session.

1:45 p.m.

Marching begins up middle

sidewalk, followed by statements

from each county representative.

2:45 p.m.

Statements conclude.

Group picture taken on front steps.

Flags returned to volunteers

wearing hot pink shirts.

Wrap up/closing remarks.County Representatives return

ags to MACMHB staff/volunteers

in hot pink shirts (boxes set up by

Capitol steps.)

Rally attendees can meet with

legislators in lobby outside of the

House of Representatives and

Senate chambers, or in their ofces

if session is over.

Pre-arranged Capitol tours have

been scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

Email dbradley@lambert-edwards

to reserve your spot.

Clean up (MACMHB and

LE&A staff).

Line-by-Line of events for the Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally

2:45 3:00 p.m.

3:00 4:00 p.m.


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CaPitol Block Layout

WALNUT STREET

CAPITOL AVENUE

OTTAWASTREETA

LLEGANSTREET

Legislator Tent

Information Tent

Check-in Tent

Advocate

Walk Joining Area

DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

Legislator Tent Advocacy Activities:

* Autograph Map

* Meeting Legislators

* Learning about State Government

Check In Tent Pick up gift bag containing snack items

Information Tent CMH Designee to pick up button for County Representative & County Flag,

Questions or Directions, Lost & Found and First Aid

Cent

Unite

Metho

Chur

Art Sh


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Why We Walk Talking Points

The Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes Rally is a walk for

mental health and developmental disability

advocates from around Michigan to gather at our

state Capitol and educate the public and legislators

about mental health.

We want legislators to know:

We all need to work together to stop negative

feelings about people with mental illness and

developmental disabilities. People with mental

illnesses and developmental disabilities have been

dealing with others who dont understand them for

a long time. Bad feelings are what keep people from

getting the help and support they need. It can limitopportunities, stand in the way of getting a job, and

make people feel lonely.

These bad feelings can be stopped, if others help

out, by:

n Using respectful language n Focusing on abilities, not limitations n Always allow everyone to participateand feel included.

The services that local community mental

health boards provide are important to

our state.

Legislators need to support parity

legislation and state funding:

n Parity health insurance companies and

employers need to treat mental health coverage th

same as physical health. Michigan is one of only sev

states without some manner of parity law.

Mental illnesses are very treatable, with success

rates better than many other medical conditions.

When mental illness is not treated, the cost

implications for businesses and society are

staggering, involving multiple billions of dollars.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE SUPPORT OF PARITY

LEGISLATION.

n State funding While Medicaid provides

over 80 percent of services to mental health consum

statewide, the additional general fund dollars for

mental health services are crucial to support

un-insured and under-insured individuals. The

stresses that come with our struggling economy

require that we not cut funding for these crucial

supports. PLEASE ENCOURAGE SUPPORT OF

ALL STATE FUNDING AND OPPOSE ANY

BUDGET REDUCTIONS.

Why we walk


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MACMHB Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally Tuesday, May 12, 20:30 pm - 2:30 pm


Driving Directions

From the North:Take 127 South to Lansing and merge onto 496 West.

Exit at #7A/Grand Ave/Washington Ave, and veer

right onto Grand Avenue.

Take Grand Avenue .5 miles to Michigan Avenue

Turn left (trafc circle) onto Michigan Ave. and go

two blocks until you reach the Capitol

(straight ahead.)

From the East:Take 96 West to Lansing.

Just past Okemos, get on 127 North to Lansing.

Exit on the left to 496 West (exit 106B)

to Downtown Lansing.

Take exit #7A/Grand Ave/Washington Ave.

and turn right onto Grand Avenue.

Take Grand Ave .5 miles to Michigan Ave.

Turn left (trafc circle) onto Michigan Ave and go


(straight ahead.)

From the West:Take 96 East to Lansing.

Take 496/Downtown Lansing.

Exit at #6/Pine/Walnut Streets and go .2 miles to

W. Main St.

Stay straight to go onto W. Main St. for .4 milesuntil you reach S. Washington Ave.

Turn left onto S. Washington Ave and go .5 miles

until you reach Michigan Ave.

Turn left (trafc circle) onto Michigan Ave and go one

block until you reach the Capitol (straight ahead.)

From the South:From Coldwater:

Take 69 North to Lansing and exit at

496 East /Downtown Lansing.

Take exit #6/Pine/Walnut Streets and go .2 miles to

W. Main St.

Stay straight to go onto W. Main St. for .4 miles

until you reach S. Washington Ave.Turn left onto S. Washington Ave and go .5 miles

until you reach Michigan Ave.

Turn left (trafc circle) onto Michigan Ave and

go one block until you reach the Capitol (straight

ahead).

From Jackson:

Take 127 North to Lansing.

Exit on the left to 496 West (exit 106B) to

Downtown Lansing.

Take exit #7A/Grand Ave/Washington Ave.

and turn right on Grand Ave.

Take Grand Ave .5 miles to Michigan Ave.

Turn left (trafc circle) onto Michigan Ave and go


(straight ahead.)

NOTE: All directions lead directly to the front of

the Capitol lawn where the rally is taking place.

A separate document with suggested parking

ramps and lots is also available.



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MACMHB Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes Rally Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:30- 3:00 pm


Capitol Loop Meter Locations

4280

4279

4278

4277

4276

4275

4274

4273

4272

4271

4281

4282

4283

4284

4285

4286

4287

4288

4289

4290

4291

4259

4258

4257

4256

4255

4254

4253

4252

4251

4250

424A

4249

H = Handicapped Access

Metered parking spaces around the Capitol are available for reservation prior

to the Walk-A-Mile rally. To reserve spaces call 517-483-4240.


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MACMHB :DON$0LOH in My Shoes Rally Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:30 - 3:00 pm


Downtown Lansing Street Level Map

Public Parking Structures

Public Parking Lots

Shopping District

Landmarks

City of Lansing Transportation & Parking Office

PARKING STRUCTURES

A North Capitol Parking Structure

B South Grand Parking Structure

C South Capitol Parking Structure

D Townsend Parking Structure

PARKING LOTS

E Lot #2

F Lot #44

G Lot #55

H Lot #15 & 15AI Lot #49

J Lot #52


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MACMHB Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes Rally Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:30- 3:00 pm


Capitol Loop Meter Locations

4280

4279

4278

4277

4276

4275

4274

4273

4272

4271

4281

4282

4283

4284

4285

4286

4287

4288

4289

4290

4291

4259

4258

4257

4256

4255

4254

4253

4252

4251

4250

424A

4249

H = Handicapped Access

Metered parking spaces around the Capitol are available for reservation prior

to the Walk-A-Mile rally. To reserve spaces call 517-483-4240.


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Parking Locations

A - North Capitol Parking Structure

Located on Capitol Avenue between Shiawassee Street and Ionia Street.

%- South Grand Parking Structure

Located on Grand Avenue just south of Michigan Avenue.

&- South Capitol Parking Structure

Located at the northwest corner of Capitol Avenue and Kalamazoo Street.

' - Townsend Parking Structure

Located at the corner of Washtenaw Street and Townsend Street.

* = Parking structures located closest to the Capitol Building.

For Buses and Passenger Vans:

1) Bag Meters- $7.50 - $10 per meter (depending on location). Contact the Lansing ParkingOffice to reserve metered spaces at (517) 483-4240

2) Make arrangements with a lot (Lansing Center is the closest lot)

OR, Parking Garage Dimensions

A - North Capitol Parking Structure: 68

%- South Grand Parking Structure: 66

&- South Capitol Parking Structure: 66

'- Townsend Parking Structure: Over 7 (they recommend this structure for larger vehicles).


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Lansing Capitol-Area Restaurants

$$ Spotted Dog Cafe

www.thespotteddogcafe.com

221 S Washington sq

Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 485-7574

Description: Fresh, made-to-order

deli sandwiches, salads and soups

$$ Kewpees

118 S. Washington SquareLansing, 48933

(517) 482-8049

Description: Sit-down casual.

Sandwiches, hamburgers and soups

$$ Kellys Downtown

www.kellysdowntown.com

220 S. Washington Square

Lansing, 48933

(517) 708-2007

Description: Sit-down casual. Sand-

wiches, hamburgers, salads.

$ Subway

331 South Washington Square

Lansing, MI 48933

$$ Sultans Express

305 South Washington Square

Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 484-2580

Description: Middle Eastern Cuisine

$$$ Tavern on the Square

www.tavernonthesq.com

206 S Washington sq

Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 374-5555

Description: New York classy-casual

dining. Salads, soups and sandwiches

$$ Edmunds

101S Washington sq

Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 471-8100

Description: Sit-down casual. Burgers,

hotdogs, french fries

$$ Cottage Inn Pizza

303 S Washington Square

Lansing, 48933

(517) 267-9000

Description: Gourmet pizza, bread-

sticks, salads

$ Backyard BBQ


Lansing, MI 48933

(517)-853-2777

Description: BBQ and wrapsandwiches

$ Jimmy Johns

www.jimmyjohns.com


Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 316-3827

Description: wrap sandwiches

$ Jalapenos


Lansing, MI 48933(517) 482-2326

Description: Mexican cuisine

$ The New Daily Bagel


Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 487-8201

Description: Bagels, made-to-order

sandwiches and wraps

Lansing,Capitol-areaRestaurantsKey

$=$5 or less

$$=$5-$10

$$$=$10 or more


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CONFIDENTIALITY (photos, video, statements)

Please be aware that media from around the state have been invited to the Rally. Pictures/videos will

be taken and may be broadly used. By signing this release form, I understand that I may be identied

as a mental health consumer and I am willing to have my image/words/attendance used as necessary to

promote, publicize, or report on this event. I also understand it will not be possible to remove pictures or

retract statements after the fact.

Viewing pictures: After the event, pictures and commentary may be viewed at the MACMHB website, www.macmhb.org.

I hereby give my permission to use my photo/statement as described above.

Mental Health Anti-Stigma Rally

Note: This is not meant to replace an agency Release form.


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-

Visit Impression 5 Science CenterDescription: This hands-on museum is designed so children

of all ages can experience the physical and natural sciences

rsthand. An excellent selection of interactive science related

toys is offered by the museum. The museum is housed in a

100-year-old building on the banks of the Grand River across

from the Lansing Center.

Location: 200 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48933

Phone Number: (517) 485-8116

Cost of Admission: Adults and students are $5.00, seniors

are $3.50 and children pay their age until theyre 5.

Hours M-Th: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tour Michigan State CapitolDescription: Tour Michigans third Capitol building and

learn about its historic architecture. Opportunities to

meet state legislatures in their ofces.

Location: Capitol Avenue at Michigan Avenue, Lansing,

Ingham County 48909-7514

Phone Number for Capitol Tour and Information Service:

(517) 373-2353

Admission Parameters: Groups of ten or more must

schedule their tours in advance. Admission is free to all.

Hours M-F: Tours are offered every half hour from 9

a.m.-4 p.m. Tours last 45 minutes to an hour.

Tour Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center

Description: Located on the rst oor of Michigan Hall of

Justice, the Learning Center is a 3,800-square-foot gallery

designed to educate the public about the role of the Michigan

court system in everyday life. The gallery is lled with activities

designed for visitors from the fourth grade to adult.

Location: Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Hall of Justice

925 W. Ottawa St ., Lansing, MI 48915

Phone Number: (517) 373-7171Admission Parameters: Individuals and groups of less

than eight can go on self-guided tours on a walk-in basis; la

groups must make reservations. Admission is free to all.

Hours M-F: 9 a.m.-4p.m.

Visit Library of MichiganDescription: The Library of Michigan began serving state

government and the people of Michigan during

Michigans territorial days in 1828. In its early days, the

Library functioned as a place to collect, store and

compile Michigans territorial laws. Now lled with arts

and culture, the Library has many family activities

including information that allows you to explore your

family history, discover Michigans past and much more.

Location: 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48909-7507

Phone Number for Reference Desk: (517) 373-1300

Website: http://michigan.gov/hal

Cost of Admission: Free

Hours of Operation on Wednesday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.



Things To Do in Lansing


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:NameMay 8, 2013 Phone

E-mail

MEDIA ADVISORY

Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally at state Capitol highlightsMay as Mental Health Awareness Month

(name of local CMHB) joins efforts to end stigma associated with mentalillnesses and developmental disabilities

WHO: XX (name of county/area/district) representatives will join more than2,000 advocates from each of Michigans 83 counties, legislators and

mental health workers

WHAT: Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally and walk at the state Capitol

WHERE: Front lawn of the Michigan Capitol, 100 North Capitol Lansing, MI 48909

WHEN: Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

WHY: In Michigan, one in five adults will experience a mental health disorder atsome point in their life, yet many of them cannot access the treatment they

need. (Or statistic relevant to your local CMHB.) The ninth annual rallywill f eature represen tatives f rom Michig ans 46 Community Menta l

Health Serv ices Prog rams, OTHER OR GS a nd advocates from each of

Michigans 83 counties, who want to prom ote a higher awareness of

mental health issues and com bat stigma a mong the public, m edia andlegislators.

To enhance public awareness, (name of local CMHB) representatives willmarch a symbolic mile and meet at the front steps of the Capitol to provide

statements on m ental health and d evelopmental disability disorders and

services throughout Michigan.

# # #


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: NameMay x, 2013 Phone number

E-mail

Ninth annual Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes recognizes May asMental Health Month

XX (Name of County/Area/District) residents attend rally to promote mentalhealth awareness and reduce stigma

CITY, Mich. Get ready to rally!

Michigans 46 Community Mental Health agencies are hosting the ninth annual Walk-a-Mile in My

Shoes rally at the sta te Capito l on Wednesday, May 8. A num ber of (name of county/area/district)

residents plan to attend the event to lobby state legislators about mental health issues and to help combatthe stigmas and prejudices associated with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use

disorders. Eighty-three people who use CMH services, one from each county in the state, will deliver

brief statem ents from the capitol s teps abou t the st atus of the public m ental health system in theircounties.

The Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards (MACMHB), the educational and

political arm of the CMHs in the state, is organizing the rally. MACMHB expects more than 2,200people at the event, including people who use CMH services, people who work in the CMH system and

mental health advocates of all stripes. The inaugural event attracted 800 people in 2005 and has been

growing annually, reaching more than 2,000 last year.

The rally starts at 1:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Michigan Capitol.

The rally helps show case th e importance of addr essing issues that people with m ental illn ess,

developmental disabilities and subs tance use d isorders face, said (Local CMBH representative), (title)

of(name of organization).

(We have marched in the rally since its inauguration in 2005) / (We took part in the successful rally in2011/2012)/ We are excited to becom e a part of the impressive 2013 Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally ,

and we are eager to (once again) join advocates from across the st ate to bring our m essage to thepublic, (last name of r ep) said. There is a compelling need to continue to work and understand the

realities of mental health and illness, in order to make improvements in our current system.

This year also m arks the 50th

anniversary of President John F. Kennedys historic message to Congress

urging representatives to end the inhumane institutionalization of people suffering from mental illness.

- more -


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His message led to the signing of the Community Mental Health Act, which provides funding forcommunity mental health centers across the United States.

In Michigan, one in five adults wi ll experience a m ental health disorder at som e point in their life, yetmany do not get the treatment they need. (Or replace this sentence with a statistic from your local area.)One of our goals is to make sure that everyone who needs treatm ent for mental health and/or substance

use disorders in Michigan is ab le to get it.

Our ninth annual rally is sponsored by Michigans 46 Community Ment al Health S ervices Programs,OTHER ORGS NAME THEM, e.g., the Michigan chapte r of the National Association of Mentally Ill.

Together, we want to prom ote a higher awareness of mental health issues among the public, m edia andlegislators.

Mental health supporters will pro vide statements on m ental health disorders and develo pmentaldisabilities in an effort to bring attention to th e wide a range of people who are affected. The event is

slated to run until 3pm, after which attendees are encouraged to vis it the of fices of state leg islators to

promote important m ental health and developm ental disability issues such as ins urance parity and the

necessity of state budget support for m ental health program s and local comm unity m ental healthfacilities.

###


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Things To Know 1

Arrival time: It is recommended you arrive around 12:30 p.m. If you come earlier, there are a variety of activities

around the capitol (refer to Things to Do). Be aware that there is usually road construction on the way to Lansing.

**Check-In: At 12:30 p.m. people can begin checking-in to receive their rally gift bag. Gift bags will be given to

participants on a rst-come basis. A CMH designee must check-in at the Information Tent to register the

county representative and ag helper by 1:15 p.m. (refer to the Capitol Building map) to pick up their county

ag, statement and pins. There will be several activities to participate in between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. when the Rally

starts, such as signing your name to the giant map of Michigan, learning more about state advocacy and interacting

with your legislator (both under the Legislator Tent), participating in an advocacy walk around the Capitol block(starting at the corner of Capitol Ave and Allegan Ave) or visiting the Traveling Art Show display in the rst oor of the

Capitol View Building (located on Allegan Ave, across the street from the Capitol building).

Parking: A detailed map is provided that features driving instructions, the direction of one-way streets, and the

parking that is closest to the Capitol. Most parking is at least two blocks from the Capitol, so if you have anyone for

whom that walk will be difcult, you should drop them off at the Capitol rst. Please note the designated drop off

streets and parking specic to busses on the map.

Event Volunteers: Event volunteers, wearing hot pink T-shirts that say Volunteer on the back, will be available to

help answer questions or help with any concerns. There will be a volunteer organizational meeting from 11:30 noon

under the Check-In tent on the southeast lawn.

County Representatives: The County Reps designated to make a statement at the Rally should be lining up along

Capitol Ave no later than 1:15 p.m. The County Rep may have one assistant to help carry the ag and/or hold it up

while the representative reads their statement. All County Reps will approach the capitol steps and form a single line

up the center sidewalk to the Capitol steps. Only the designated statement provided should be read. There will be

two microphones being used for this event. After their statement, the County Reps will be positioned on the steps by a

volunteer for a group photo directly following the Rally. A volunteer will then collect their ags.

Rally begins: The Rally begins at 1:30 p.m. The Walk a Mile in My Shoes Mental Health Rally is not a mile long

walk, it is a symbolic mile. If you are able and would like, you can walk around the capitol block before or after the

Rally. An advocacy walk is starting at the corner of Allegan and Capitol Ave at noon, however groups or individuals

can join the walk at anytime after that.

Rally Closes: The Rally should be nished around 2:45 p.m.

(Continued on next page)


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Things To Know 2

Weather: In the event of heavy rain or thunder storms the rally will be canceled. Due to nature of this event and

the ever-changing weather we have in Michigan, there will be no advanced notication of cancellation. Pease check

weather information via the internet at such sites as www.weather.com (Lansing Zip code: 48933). Many activities

around the Capitol are indoors so even if the event is canceled your trip to Lansing will not be in vain.

Legislator Involvement and Meeting with Legislators: There are several ways for Legislator involvement at

the Rally. All Legislators who attend the Rally will be encouraged to meet their constituents under the Legislator

tent. Also at the tent, volunteers will be available to explain the process of calling a Legislator off the oor for a brief

meeting. (Rally participants are encouraged to meet with their legislators in the Capitol that day prior to, or following

the rally if possible.) Finally, weeks before the Rally, your group coordinator can schedule a meeting with your

Legislator to happen on the day of the Rally.

Talking Points: Issues of interest that the Legislators need your input on, such as mental health insurance parity, will

be provided by your group coordinator and available at the Check-In Tent.

Capitol tours: Capitol tours are available every hour. Most tours are booked in advance, but there may be a

cancellation or opportunity to join a scheduled group. Check with the Capitol Tour Desk in the Capitol Building if you

are interested.

Pictures/ Confdentiality: Please be aware that media from around the state have been invited. Pictures will be

taken and may be broadly used. Photos and videos may also be used on the MACMHB social media sites It is assumed

that consumers attending this event are aware that they will be identied as mental health consumers and that they

are willing to have their image/ words/ attendance used as necessary to promote, publicize, or report on this event. It

will not be possible to remove pictures or retract statements after the fact.

Viewing Pictures: After the event, pictures and commentary may be viewed at the MACMHB website,www.macmhb.org.


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Things To Know 3

Creature Comforts:

Bathrooms:A barrier free entrance to the Capitol Building is located at the base of the Capitol Steps.

Bathrooms are located inside these doors.

Chairs: There will be a limited number of chairs outside at the rally for those who have difculty standing.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bag or lawn chairs if needed.

Interpreters: ASL interpreting will be on-site for the event.

Event Information & Good Bags: Event information, maps, and goody bags including snacks will be available

under the big tent. One per rally participant please.

Lunch: Lunch is on your own. Food will not be provided. Some snack food and bottled water will be available

at the Check-In Tent.

Be Prepared: Its a good idea to check weather reports. Bring rain gear, sun block, etc. to deal with whatever

nature brings.

Questions: If in doubt, seek a Volunteer out! MACMHB staff and PR Committee members are serving as

volunteers for this event. If there are questions, seek out a bright pink Volunteer shirt.

The best laid plans . . .

Considerable effort has gone into designing this event and making sure it goes as smoothly as possible. But, unexpected

things are likely to happen! Please be patient and exible. Have fun!


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The most meaningful way to inuence your legislator is through personal contact. Before contacting your legislator,

read available background material on the issue which concerns you. Be a resource of information for your legislator.

A letter from Muchmore, Harrington & Smalley Associates, MACMHBs legislative partner, is being sent to all state

legislators in mid April as a reminder about the upcoming Walk-A-Mile Rally. We strongly suggest you set up an

appointment time to meet with your legislator during the day, before or after the rally on May 9.

Where to Find Your Legislator:

Legislators are in Lansing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

House sessions are normally held on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 12:00 noon. Senatesessions normally begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In addition to session, legislators also

have committee meetings, which run at various times throughout the day.

Meeting with your legislator:

Meet with your legislator at their ofce. Call ahead of time to make an appointment to see your legislator, as legislators

have busy schedules. If you are unable to make an appointment, do not hesitate to stop by their ofce anyway. At the

very least youll be able to speak with legislative staff that will make your legislator aware of the issue.

Legislators can sometimes come out of session briey to speak with you. A message can be sent to them through the

Sergeant at Arms to your representative or senator. A legislator usually can come out to meet with you,

time permitting. If youre coming to Lansing for an event and are requesting your legislator to meet you at the event, leave your

cell phone number and description of where youll be with their ofce.

Writing your legislator:

When writing a letter, be sure to address it properly with your legislators full name and include your return address

information- a letter with no return address can not be answered.

Avoid form letters and petitions. Using your own words will have more of an impact on your legislator. One well

constructed factual letter has more pull than 100 form letters.

Make sure the letter is timely. Try to write your legislator while a bill is still in committee, so that there is time to take

action. A letter that arrives after the bill has been passed is useless, but could have made a difference had it arrivedsooner.

Give Reasoning for your position- It is helpful for a legislator if you explain how an issue would affect you, your

family, business, or profession or the effect on your local community or the state. If you have specialized

knowledge, be sure to share it with your legislator. A concrete knowledgeable argument can be used by your

legislator in determining the nal outcome of a bill.



How to Interact With Your Legislator

walk a mile 2013 information kit

Documents