This committee was formed by combining the Community Education Committee and the Legislative Advocacy Committee. In the past, both of these committees have raised awareness of mental health and substance issues by reaching out to local stakeholders and the legislative community. Both committees have used training opportunities and presentations to address committee goals. The Community Education presentations have frequently relied upon data and other information that was gathered through the Legislative Advocacy Committee. Combining two committees with such similar goals and values allows SWRMHB to maximize our resources.
Purpose
- Track legislative issues
- Support our collaborations with organizations that focus completely on Consumer Advocacy (e.g., Keep the Promise Coalition, NAMI, and Advocacy Unlimited).
Additionally, this committee works to develop tools needed to provide educational presentations to a wide variety of audiences – such as school systems, adolescents/youth, providers, the business community, general populations and the legislative community. It is expected that our collaborations with other organizations may provide venues for such presentations (i.e., presenting at a NAMI meeting or working with members of the Keep the Promise Coalition to make a presentation to legislators).
Goals
- Develop a SWRMHB Presentation to raise awareness of the Board, our mission, and our community activities.
- Successfully implement six presentations each year to a wide variety of audiences.
- Follow legislative activity and provide support regarding consumer advocacy issues as they arise.
Committee Membership
This committee will consist of interested participants from various backgrounds, including the Board of Directors, Catchment Area Councils, advocates, consumers, family members, and providers throughout the region. Membership will include a minimum of four individuals, one to represent each of the four Catchment Area Councils.
