WHAT TO ADVOCATE?

NAMI is a grassroots organization; therefore, it makes sense for affiliates to be familiar with local government and issues facing the community.  Our elected officials want to serve the public, but often need to be educated on the issues.  Our country is facing deficits in mental health services and treatment.  By speaking up about them, our city/county commissioners and state representatives hear our voices.  The more voices they hear, the more intently they listen.  Your lived experience says a lot.  Share it to our elected officials.  

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NAMI Rome's Priorities

Take a look at what we can do locally to support the state priorities.  Clearly they impact communities in our part of Georgia.  In addition, you may want to get involved in a county effort, Stepping Up, which supports #3 above.  NAMI Rome and Floyd County Commission are partnering.  What about in your county? 

You can wrap your arms around Stepping Up

Sometimes advocacy priorities lack detail in how to make an "ask."  Stepping Up contains the "what to say" elements.

Floyd County Commission

Keeping people with mental illness out of jails has long been a leading priority for NAMI.  "Treatment not jail," has been a rallying cry.  The Stepping Up Initiative is unique because it addresses a specific legislative body--county commissioners--to inspire so as to agree via a resolution to do something about unneeded and expensive incarceration.  Read more by clicking on the image above.  Pay particular attention to the individual stories.   

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