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Only You Can Make Your Voice Heard

Only You Can Make Your Voice Heard. NAMI Mass 2012 Conference October 20 th , 2012. Introduction to the PRESENTERS. State Representative Jim O’Day (D) West Boylston and Worcester Joe Giannino Government Relations Group, LLC Andrew Sperling NAMI Director of Legislative Affairs.

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Only You Can Make Your Voice Heard

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  1. Only You Can Make Your Voice Heard NAMI Mass 2012 Conference October 20th, 2012

  2. Introduction to the PRESENTERS State Representative Jim O’Day (D) West Boylston and Worcester Joe Giannino Government Relations Group, LLC Andrew Sperling NAMI Director of Legislative Affairs

  3. NAMI Mass Public Advocacy Priorities Decriminalize Mental Illness Crisis Intervention Training & Jail Diversion Programs Adequate Funding for Mental Health Services Parity in Long Term Disability Insurance Coverage

  4. 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.

  5. 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 to thrive.

  6. Achieving this goal requires a commitment from the state house and YOUR time, assistance and personalinvolvement!

  7. 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

  8. Why Advocate? In simple terms, your personal involvement and advocacy produces the greatest benefits for you and your family!

  9. Your Personal Advocacy: 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

  10. It’s All About You Because You Matter!

  11. The MA Legislature The Legislature is comprised of two branches Senate House of Representatives

  12. The Senate The Massachusetts Senate consists of 40 members with each Senator representing a district consisting of approximately 159,000 people.

  13. The House of Representatives The Massachusetts House of Representatives includes 160 members each representing a district of approximately 40,000 people.

  14. How Can You Make Your Voice Heard? 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

  15. Some Do’s and Don’ts Positive 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.”

  16. 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.”

  17. Staples of Lobbying Advice The office visit is important Be concise Be positive Say ‘thank you’ Have polite conversation

  18. It’s important for you to tell your personal story when you talk to legislators!

  19. 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!

  20. 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!

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