A free training session for Monterey County residents who would like to become advocates on behalf of mental health issues will be held May 3 at the Monterey County Office of Education.
The event is open to all community members impacted by mental illness. Individuals and families will learn how to advocate effectively, how to discuss local advocacy plans for Monterey County and how to engage in a dialogue with local officials.
The event is sponsored by the Monterey County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and will be led by representatives from NAMI California’s advocacy division.
The advocacy meetings are designed to engage family members, program leaders and the general public in local planning and problem solving with county board members, city officials and affiliates,” said Marcel Harris, advocacy manager for NAMI California. “The meetings provide advanced opportunities for individuals to participate in processes impacting programs and service delivery.”
During the meeting May 3, participants will engage in a discussion of “Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People Living with Mental Illnesses in Jails.”
The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3. Attendees are asked to enroll in advance here or here.
