NAMI Wyoming is recognized as an important and prominent voice for the thousands of Wyoming Citizens living with serious mental illness. NAMI advocates for policy changes that raise the bar on mental illness care and promote treatment and research on par with other illnesses. NAMI's advocacy provides a unique voice for people who live with mental illness and their families in state and federal public and private-sector policies that facilitate research, end discrimination, reduce barriers to successful life in the community and promote timely, comprehensive and effective mental health services and supports. NAMI Wyoming works steadily to influence critical state policy debates as they unfold. Sign up for E-news and receive updates on the work of NAMI Wyoming How to be an effective advocate (Adapted from the Delaware Division of Arts Flyer) Why advocate? To persuade others to support the causes you support. “If you believe in great things, you may be able to make other people believe in them, too.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes 1. To provide accurate and timely information about mental illness and mental health issues in your community so that decision-makers can make knowledgeable decisions regarding policy. 2. To raise the visibility and importance of mental health services and support in public policy. 3. To ensure that individuals living with mental illness and their families a voice in policy decisions effecting mental health treatment and service at the local, state and federal level. 4.  To increase the allocation of resources for mental health services in Wyoming. Who can be the most effective advocate? One individual can influence a key decision-maker. Effective spokespeople are: 1. Passionate. People who can speak with conviction on the issue. But passion should not be confused with irrationality or hostility! 2. Board members. People who know your organization, mission, and impact on the community. 3. Audience members. People who benefit from your programs and services, who are also constituents of the decision-makers that you’re trying to reach. 4. Local leaders. CEOs, elected officials, civic leaders, recognized in their communities for engagement beyond your own organization. How to craft your message? 1. Focus on one issue. Laundry lists dilute the message. 2. Get to the point. If the message can’t be summarized in one minute (or one page), the core message is probably too long. 3. Be specific. State your position clearly and give reasons for your point of view. Personal experience is always best. 4. Write/speak from the heart. Avoid stereotyped clichés that might make your message look like a form letter or sound like a canned speech. 5. Consider the audience. Craft your message to speak to the audience where he/she is. Describe the impact (both pros and cons) that your issue has on the listener and his/her constituents. How to deliver the message? 1. Identify yourself. Let your audience know who you are and what/who you represent. 2. Justify the messenger. Be able to explain why you are an appropriate spokesperson for the issue. 3. Be prepared and polished. Have notes if speaking to stay on point. Proofread written correspondence. 4. Value their time. Public hearings generally allot no more than five minutes per speaker. Decision- makers rarely allot more than 30 minutes for face-to-face meetings. 5. Allow for follow-up. Be sure to include contact information so the audience can follow up later with additional questions. How to Build a Relationship with Legislators? One of the most important tasks of grassroots advocacy is building or enhancing personal relationships. Communication and effective follow-up is key to enhancing relationships with legislators and their staff. Here are some ways to keep the lines of communication open: 1. Be personal and friendly. Learn about their professional background, personal interest groups, family, hobbies, etc.  (Visit http://legisweb.state.wy.us/lsoweb/ --all Wyoming State legislators are listed here). 2. Be familiar. Keep your name and issues in front of your legislators and staff, e.g., send articles, clips and other information about issues of interest. 3. Be gracious. Thank your legislator for committee and floor votes on your issue and congratulate them for professional and personal achievements, such as committee assignments, etc. 4. Host your legislator. Invite and escort legislators to NAMI Wyoming and other relevant events. 5. Be involved. Become active in your community by volunteering on campaigns and becoming involved in community issues. Advocacy Resources and Information Wyoming State Legislature  Equality State Policy Center  NAMI State Advocacy Page  Wyoming