Welcome to Civic Leadership Development (CLD)! CLD is a four-part training series designed to empower and inspire individuals within our community to become effective advocates for behavioral health. Whether you're a Family Member, Peer, Behavioral Health Technician, Case Manager or in Leadership, these trainings are crafted to help you harness your personal experiences, build connections, and make a meaningful impact on the issues that matter most to you.
This series of four modules explores the foundations of advocacy, the rich history of the mental health recovery movement, the role of social justice in shaping our society, and the power of legislation and community organizing in driving change. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to not only share your story but also to actively participate in the ongoing efforts to improve behavioral health systems and support those who rely on them.
All AFPC trainings are free of charge and are presented onsite or virtually.
For questions or to schedule trainings or be notified when a training is next scheduled, please reach out to info@azpeerandfamily.org.
We begin our journey with "Advocacy 101," where you will learn about the importance of your story, how to share your story and how to get involved in addressing the issues that affect our community. Personal stories have the power to open minds, eliminate stigma, inspire action, and bring about positive change. You'll discover how your voice can be a powerful tool in advocating for better mental health care and support.
In "Advocacy 201," we delve into the history and significance of the mental health recovery movement. Understanding where we've come from is essential to building a strong, supportive community. We'll explore the milestones and movements that have shaped mental health advocacy and highlight the importance of building connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
"Advocacy 301" focuses on social justice and the various platforms available to communicate your cause. Advocacy is not just about speaking out; it's about understanding the broader social context and using the right tools to make your voice heard. You'll learn about the intersections of social justice and mental health and how to leverage different communication channels to advance your advocacy efforts.
In "Advocacy 401," we'll review the role of legislation in shaping our society and the ways in which community organizing can influence policy change. You'll gain insights into how laws are made, the importance of civic engagement, and examples of successful community organizing efforts. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped to take concrete steps toward influencing policy and creating lasting change in your community.
This training is a condensed blend of the CLD series 101, 201, 301, and 401.
With less time for participant interaction than the other classes, the focus is on how to advocate for behavioral health rights and services within the Arizona behavioral health system of care, learn what civic leadership is, identify resources and opportunities to become an advocate at local and state levels, and skills to do so.
As with the other CLD trainings, this includes the principles of care, individual rights, how the Arizona State Legislature works, how to advocate in person or virtually, empowering dialogue, through advocacy, help improve the quality of care for behavioral health Members and Family Members statewide.
These trainings emphasize the importance of building relationships, fostering a sense of community, and using your voice to advocate for a better future. We hope this series will not only inform but also inspire you to become a civic leader in the field of behavioral health.
Let's embark on this journey together and make a difference in the lives of our community.