By Christine Michaels, MSHSA, Executive Director
During this season of generous giving, please consider making a donation to the Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund to support the work of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.
With your help last year, the Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund helped us to expand the capacity of our education and advocacy initiatives including:
- Certifying, training and educating over 1,500 individuals.
- Providing vigilant public policy advocacy on the state Medicaid expansion and state budget impasse as well as diligent analysis of federal mental health legislation.
- Rolling out a new award-winning website – the foundation of our community engagement activities – to enhance our communication and broaden our reach.
In 2016 with support from the Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund, we are excited to bring a new program to our members and supporters. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy guides participants to develop their personal story in seven short steps. The goal of NAMI Smarts is that participants take a version of their story that can be used to educate and advocate. Powerful personal stories can be used to raise awareness, inspire others and influence policy makers.
“Be an advocate for people and causes important to you, using the most powerful tool only you have: your personal story.”
~John Capecci and Timothy Cage
Thank you for remembering us in your holiday charitable giving. Best wishes and the happiest of New Years to you!
