MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!!
Join advocates from throughout New York State as we come together to make our voices heard during one of the most important legislative sessions in shaping the future delivery of mental health services.
The items comprising the 2018 NAMI-NYS Legislative Action Agenda demonstrate NAMI-NYS's belief that the best and most appropriate services must be available to support all forms of recovery from mental illness and maximize mental health.
NAMI-NYS will be at Meeting Room 5 located on the Empire State Concourse (by the elevators from the visitor parking lots) beginning at 9am that day to distribute packets for legislative visits.
Light breakfast and coffee will be available.
There will be a formal program reviewing the Action Agenda items at 9:30am.
NAMI-NYS staff members will be available throughout the morning to help you review the Action Agenda and role-play with you before your visits.
After learning about the 2018 NAMI-NYS Action Agenda attendees will visit their legislators.
A complimentary lunch will be provided during the formal program taking place between Noon and 1pm featuring legislative leaders and New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan (invited).
We need as many grass-roots advocates as possible to tell our elected officials that we will not allow people living with mental illness to receive anything less than the most comprehensive services to advance their recovery.
We are also arranging to have more bus options available as we do not want a lack of transportation to be an obstacle to attending.
One page summary of our Advocacy Agenda
NAMI-NYS's Legislative Priorities
- Housing with Wraparound Services
- Investments in Community Services
- Improving the Mental Illness-Criminal Justice Interface
- Access to Appropriate Services and Medication
- Investments in New York State Research Institutions
- Mental Health in Schools
- Veterans' Mental Health
How to Make The Most Impactful Legislative Visits
Click here for tips on making successful meetings.
Click here for talking points on our issues.
Supported Legislation
Click here to learn about legislation supported by NAMI-NYS.
Other Legislative Resources
Click here to read NAMI-NYS's analysis of the Executive Budget Proposal
Click here to read NAMI-NYS's analysis of the Governor's State of the State.
Click here to read the letter NAMI-NYS send to Governor Cuomo regarding housing issues.
Schedule of Formal Programs
9-10:15am: Complimentary breakfast available. At 9:30 there will be a presentation on our advocacy issues and tips to make the most impactful visits. Legislative Packets will be distributed and NAMI-NYS staff will be available to discuss the packets and do practice visits throughout the morning.
10:15-Noon: Participants will be making legislative visits.
Noon-1pm: Complementary boxed lunches served. Formal presentation of the importance of the 2018 NAMI-NYS Advocacy Agenda. Guest speakers including legislative leaders and OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan (invited).
1-4pm: NAMI-NYS staff will be available to do practice visits. Advocates will be visiting legislative offices.
SCHEDULE YOUR LEGISLATIVE VISITS TODAY!
Please let us know if you need NAMI-NYS's help in scheduling your meetings by calling 518-462-2000 and ask for Matthew Shapiro
Click here to find your Assemblymember
Click here to find your Senator.