Gizmo is a therapy dog who visits schools and other places to comfort them when they are feeling sad, mad, or worried.  Invite Club members to checkout Gizmo's PAW-some Gudie to Mental Health and schedule an elementary school presentation in your district to help raise awareness that mental health is health.  ENGLISH or SPANISH

A guide for students on how to create policy changes that result in long-term campus support for mental health.  

ID Cards Campaign

Leave of Absence Campaign

Means Reduction Campaign

Your Story: A Powerful Advocacy Tool

Legislators who make important decisions receive much of their information about mental illness the same way the general public does: through the media. While members of Congress also have staffers to study the issues, they rely on constituents for information. That means you. The best way to inform the legislators and give them an accurate picture of the reality of mental illness is to share with them the stories of those whom have had personal experiences with mental illness.   Read More...

NAMI advocates to improve the lives of people affected by mental health conditions. From the U.S. Capitol to state legislatures to local city councils, the NAMI Alliance uses the power of lived experience to shape how our country helps people with mental illness. 

Intervene Early

Fighting for policies to ensure people get help early. 

Improve Care

Fighting  for policies to ensure people get the best possible care.

Divert from Justice Involvement

NAMI fights for policies to get people help, not handcuffs.

California State Fact Sheet

Many important mental health policy decisions happen at the state level. But policymakers want to know how mental illness impacts their constituents.  

Download important state-specific mental health statistics to share with decision makers to help inform their policy positions. 

Tales from a Teenage Mental Health Advocate

Fifteen-year-old Amanda Southworth, discusses how her struggle with mental illness and suicidal thoughts inspired her and helped her find a direction and reason to live.  A born problem-solver, Amanda is passionate about using her skills to help others.. 

QUESTIONS (after viewing the video)

1. Amada believed that "...if I have no worth to others, then I ___________  _______ ____________   ____________________" (complete the sentence)

2. What happened that helped Amanda and gave her hope?

3. How does Amanda "advocate" for mental illness?

Cal Voices is dedicated to improving the lives of residents in the diverse communities of California through advocacy, education, research, and culturally relevant services.  In all of its programs, Cal Voices works with individuals and families with mental health challenges to promote wellness and recovery, prevention, and improved access to services and support. 

Empower and educate communities on mental health and wellness.  Through the community conversations, compelling content and outreach programs, we aim to normalize the conversation, peel back the layers of shame, eliminate the stigma and provide support for mental well-being. 

In Crisis? Text "SILENCE" to 741741 🦋  

This workbook is for individuals who have experienced traumatic life experiences and are interested in sharing their stories in an effort to promote change. Strategic Sharing Training will equip youth to safely and effectively share their story, leave a lasting impact and inspire change in the lives of others. 

A Practical Toolkit for Young People to Advocate for Improved Adolescent Health and Well-being.  The purpose of this toolkit is to guide the design, implementation and monitoring of an effective national advocacy action roadmap to bring about positive policy-specific changes to improve the health and well-being of adolescents.

Behavioral Health Board members advise the Board of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health Director on various aspects of local Behavioral health programs.  Consumers and family members are valued partners in the operation of the behavioral health system, and participation are essential in the successful planning and evaluating of programs.

Board Mission: 

• Advocate for the highest possible quality of life;

• Advocate for the elimination of stigma through education;

• Advocate for the removal of barriers to service; and

• Provide oversight and work in partnership with the staff of the County Behavioral Health Department.

• Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.  Calendar

Can your Club come to a Board Meeting and host a presentation about the state of mental health on your high school campus?  Contact Kym, and let's talk about it.

Stanislaus County is divided into five Supervisorial Districts and each Supervisor is elected by the constituents within the District. The Board of Supervisors has both legislative and administrative duties and responsibilities affecting county residents.

• Approves the County's annual budget of approximately $1.1 billion

• Allocates funds for 25 County Departments and agencies, including the Community Services Agency and the Health Services Agency 

• The Board meets Tuesdays throughout the year.  The meetings begin at 9:00 a.m., except on the third Tuesday of the month when they are held at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held in the County-City Chambers, located in the basement of 1010 10th Street, Modesto.   Calendar

• All meetings are broadcast live on the County Website. 

#Vote4MentalHealth

Your vote has the power to help people with mental illness. Visit http://www.vote4mentalhealth.org to learn more and pledge to #Vote4MentalHealth. 

Mental Health and Wellness - Advocacy

NAMI California, Lauren Hee discusses the role of youth advocacy, and how youth can be advocates for mental health in our community with the public and with decision makers.  Use this video to introduce the topic of advocacy to your NAMI on Campus Club and stimulate discussions on topic.