Benefits of Being a Mental Health America Affiliate
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Affiliation, as a dues-paying member of Mental Health America, entitles organizations to a wide range of benefits including:
- Respected and Inclusive National Network
- Belonging to a grassroots organization with a successful track record in advocacy and education,founded by a mental health consumer in 1909
- Integrity and connection to local agencies/associations with other national organizations such as the Red Cross, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
- Integrity with state licensure and charitable giving commissions and foundations
- Participation and connection to other affiliate directors, Boards and staff throughout the 320 affiliate network
- Voting privileges and a voice in the annual Delegate Assembly
- The collective power that comes with belonging to a credible and visible national organization
- Affiliate representation on the National Board and Committee
- Networking with professional colleagues across the country on program and funding ideas
Effective Public Policy Advocacy
- Credible and highly respected voice in public policy and governmental affairs through our State Healthcare Reform and Federal Government Affairs departments
- Legislative Alerts and Updates on the hottest mental health topics
- Multi-state policy and service meetings
- Local advocacy support and strategic consultations
Successful Prevention and Public Education Initiatives
- Participation in the yearly Public Education Institute in January.
- Materials to participate in national public education activities such as the Campaign for America's Mental Health public awareness campaign, Dialogue for Recovery and Operation Healthy Reunions
- Annual kit of materials for use during May is Mental Health Monthand for National Depression Screening Day in October
Vital Research, Analysis and Informational Materials
- Access to media resources, publications, headlines and fact sheets for general mental health and wellness topics and also tailored to specific audiences, events, disasters, etc.
- Subscription to Mental Health America weekly e-newsletters: Mental Health in the Headlines, keeping affiliates informed about the latest mental health hot topics and research, and News from National, keeping affiliates informed about news and resources available from the rest of the affiliate field and from the National office.
- Listing on the Mental Health America Web site and in the Mental Health America Resource Center database for local referrals
- Access to consumer expertise in our Consumer Advocacy Department and to services through the National Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Center
- The BELL, a publication featuring in-depth discussions on current mental health issues
- Discounts on printed education materials on a variety of mental health and wellness topics
- News releases on breaking events and issues
- Distribution of PSAs for affiliate usage
Essential Training and Technical Assistance
- Training provided at the annual Clifford W. Beers Mental Health Conference in Washington, DC, including advocacy activities on Capitol Hill
- Regional trainings for volunteers and staff
- Responsive support and technical assistance on local advocacy issues, board and volunteer management issues, programs and fundraising matters from the National staff
- Technical assistance materials such as board development packets, affiliate development guidebooks, collections of program and fundraising ideas
- Customized onsite trainings in managed care and health care reform
- Access to special grants, awards, and travel assistance
- Opportunities to participate in joint fundraising activities with the National office
- Support from National staff on fundraising plans
Page last updated: 02/26/2007