2018 Is the Year of Advocacy

In your own way, decide to make 2018 a year of advocacy. According to Webster, advocacy is defined as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal.” This definition is broad enough to give you significant latitude to advocate within your own comfort level.

For me, advocacy means never missing an opportunity to discuss mental health and NAMI in person or on social media. This includes sharing positive stories about NAMI’s impact on individuals with mental illness and their families. It means speaking up whenever possible to dispel stigma and create a safe environment for individuals to talk about their experiences and to seek help. I am successful even if I help one individual or family member.

Additionally, my advocacy also involves using my voice to raise money for NAMI because I believe in our mission. I educate people about what we offer and invite them to join us at activities, including our walk, our many educational programs, and our fundraising events.

Whatever your definition of advocacy, I encourage you to make a conscious effort to become an activist supporting individuals with mental illness and their families. Together we can create a chorus of calls that will move us closer to ending stigma.

Jay Redd is the President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and is committed to ending the stigma associated with the treatment of mental illness and mental disorders. Find out more: https://www.namimercer.org/