The document outlines the importance of advocacy and public policy in the context of mental health, emphasizing the role of the Mental Health Advocacy Network (MHANC) in promoting support for individuals with mental illness and their families. It discusses the values that guide MHANC, such as inclusiveness, access to treatments, and full participation in society, while detailing the organization's activities, including coalition building, lobbying, and community training. Overall, MHANC aims to influence policy decisions to align with their values and improve mental health resources and services.

1. Shared Values in the Community Advocacy and Public Policy Presented by Jennifer Mahan

2. What do we mean? Advocacy: active support of an idea or cause “ Active”: taking action, use of persuasion, writing, speaking, protesting, being visible, involvement... Public Policy: what government chooses to do, or not to do (Thomas Dye). MHANC believes that it is critical for our mission to be involved, and get people involved, in advocacy on public policy

3. Advocacy and Public Policy Why is it important? What is our role in Advocacy? Who is involved? What exactly do we do? How are MHANC values demonstrated?

4. Quick Review of MHANC Values Full participation in society Full potential Resources for mental health Recovery Access to treatments Appropriate services Children’s system of care Promote mental health Inclusiveness: All people participate, Affiliates and Advocates are key

5. Why is advocacy important? Our values are critical for the well being of individuals who experience mental illness, their families, associates and the people who work in this field Our values are not always shared by society and not reflected in the decisions of policymakers

6. Advocacy is at the core of MHANC Began as advocacy organization Advocating for rights, understanding, resources and well-being State-level, statewide, but with a role in local and national advocacy

7. Who is involved? Everyone Examples: Policy Staff Board and MHANC Staff Affiliates People we serve Subscribers to website People we talk to at I&R Community advocacy training participants Coalitions and Community partners Policymakers Grant makers Media Anyone who wants to participate

8. What is it really? Building relationships Gathering and distributing information Developing understanding Expressing viewpoint Backing opinion with research Training other advocates Promoting good ideas Navigating politics Motivating others to take action

9. Elements of what we do Coalition building Research on issues & viewpoints Lobbying Message development Editorials, letters, reports Advocacy training Information and Referral Action alerts Policy updates, conference calls Advocacy events Media contacts

10. Coalitions Full List in Evidence of Collaboration Binder Leadership Advocacy and Lobbying support Infrastructure Training Unique perspective as advocacy that provides services

11. Policy & Advocacy Research Changes to state gun laws and rights restoration Implementation of state parity laws Impact of lack of parity on NC State “transformation” and “reform” movements Budget Comparisons

12. Lobbying Required by state law to register and report state lobbying activities. Regular presence at State Legislature and with Administration Work with Coalitions, and on MHANC priorities Focus on information and advocacy, not “wine and dine” lobbying

13. Message development Investing in People Pass Parity – End discrimination Access to Care, Not Access to Guns Save Services – Raise Revenue Stronger North Carolina

14. Editorials, letters, reports Media/News Community Partners E-Advocate and Policy Updates NC Policy Watch Website access www.mha-nc.org

15. Advocacy Trainings 7 in 2008: Asheboro, Winston-Salem, Kinston, Chapel Hill, Lenoir, Wilson, Raleigh: 245 people 3 brief trainings at Coalition Legislative Advocacy Day along with NASWNC: 110 people Other trainings and presentations: Youth, reform, elections, Medicare Pt. D, legislation

16. Information and Referral Respond to calls and emails Actively listen, assess situation and needs, work with individuals on problem solving and resources Advocate, promote self advocacy Follow-up Materials, brochures Inform policy direction

17. Alerts and Updates Policy Updates CapWiz (with CPDMI and Coalition) http://capwiz.com/cdpmi/home/ Coalition Alerts, MHANC alerts

18. Advocacy Events Coalition Breakfasts Coalition Advocacy Day Legislative Reception Other Advocacy Days

19. Media Newspapers Radio TV Policy Blogs/NC Policy Watch

20. How are values demonstrated? Commitment to advocacy Involvement in community informs policy direction Respect diversity of views, but do take stand on issue. Public Policy Priorities Information and Referral