Public Education & Policy :: Archive

CNMHC News Alert, August 2004

Update on Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act

CNMHC Team Formed

The California Network of Mental Health Clients (CNMHC) has formed a CNMHC Team to work on Proposition 63. The Team will work on statewide efforts, assist with local efforts, fundraise, assure Campaign accountability to clients, such as eliminating stigma and discrimination in Campaign materials and promoting client involvement in all aspects of the Campaign, and, when the Act passes, implementation. The Team is composed of two clients from each Region of the State and staff.

The CNMHC Team has created an on line website as a way to network with supporters. Visit and join our Team. Find us by going to www.yeson63.org, go to "Team headquarters," and then to "List of teams."

Local Activities Encouraged

The CNMHC Team urges you to get active in local efforts to support Proposition 63. In addition to fundraising, Proposition 63 provides an unique opportunity to educate the public about the need for self determination, choice and recovery core values in mental health services, and to model a different face of consumers from the negative stereotypes held by the public and perpetuated by the media.

Activities that you can do in your local area include:

• Do Voter registration, especially at client-run centers and other mental health programs. Have trainings on Voter Registration;
• Make presentations about Proposition 63 at local Mental Health Boards/Commissions, Board of Supervisors, City Councils, whichever exists in your area. Speak at public government functions at open/public comment periods.
• Pass out fliers and set up tables at local places and events. Leaflet neighborhoods or pass out literature door to door. Pass out material to family or friends, and to people where you naturally go such as churches, theaters, laundromats, grocery stores, etc.
• Form a speakers' bureau to speak at service organizations, faith communities, political and public groups.
• Make connections to local political parties, and get party support;
• Do find raising events, such as sales of buttons and shirts. In all promotional items, try to educate as well as fund raise.
• Sponsor events at self help centers and other venues, with goals of educating, as well as fund raising;
• Collaborate with local mental health Yes on Proposition 63 groups, where they exist.
• Contact local newspapers, editorial boards, local assess TV, radio stations. Write Letters to Editor or get reporters interested in doing a story on Proposition 63 and/or in your own personal recovery journey.
• Write your personal recovery story and send to www.yeson63.org, "Share your Story" button, or the CNMHC. (If you send your story to the CNMHC, we will get your story to the proper sources to be considered for publication. We will also compile and publish stories through a CNMHC vehicle.)
• Form local on-line Teams, with your own Web Page.

Circulate Fund Raising Letter

The CNMHC, in collaboration with United Advocates for Children of California (UACC) and NAMI-California, are requesting mental health providers to contribute 1% of their salary for the 10 weeks preceding the November 2 election to the campaign to pass Proposition 63.

Please circulate the enclosed "Dear Mental Health Provider" letter to all providers that you come into contact with.

Local Questionnaire

Please take time to answer the following questions. We need to develop a statewide communication network to exchange and disseminate ideas and information.
E-mail or fax or mail the completed Questionnaire to the CNMHC at the addresses/fax number on the Letterhead.

What are you doing to support proposition 63 in your area?

What ideas do you have for local Proposition 63 activities?

Are you willing to be a local contact for the CNMHC and help develop a statewide communication network. If so, please supply your contact information, including e-mail address if you have one.