AFRICAN AMERICAN CONSUMER LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM

C O M M U N I T Y - B A S E D T R A I N I N G T O O L K I T

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 2 – M A R C H 2 0 1 3

PURPOSETo uphold the intent of Proposition 63: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) which

is to:

• Enhance the quality of Mental Health Care, especially for those with mental health needs who are currently un-served, under-served, and inappropriately

served.

• Validate, encourage, empower and educate all seeking wellness and recovery with mental illness in an effort to promote self-advocacy and community

engagement.

• Cultivate and empower African American community leaders throughout the state of California.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• California Reducing Disparities Population (CRDP) African American Report

• How to be a leader

• How to be an advocate

• How to use a strategic action plan

• How to speak at your local mental health boards & commission meetings

CALIFORNIA REDUCING DISPARITIES POPULATION (CRDP) AFRICAN AMERICAN

REPORT• Goal: Reduce disparities by bringing forward community-defined solutions

and recommendations as identified by people of African ancestry

• 2 year statewide project (2010 – 2012)

• Funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)

• The CRDP collectively focuses on five major populations:• African American• Asian/Pacific Islander• Latino• LGBTQ • Native American

AFRICAN AMERICAN CRDP REPORT

African American Health Institute of San Bernardino County (AAHI-SBC) - successful awardee of the African American CRDP contract

WHAT IS A LEADER? A person who can successfully solicit the aid and support of

others in the accomplishment of a common task or goal.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A LEADER?

• Learn decision making and improve oral communication skills

• Motivate people

• Learn to listen and be trustworthy

• Recognize your own faults

• Be a risk taker

WHAT IS AN ADVOCATE?

When an individual or group can successfully influence public-policy and resource allocation within political, economic,

and social systems.

HOW DO I BECOME AN ADVOCATE?

• Decide on a topic you wish to advocate on

• Research the topic

• Find groups that advocate for the same things as you do

• Get your information out there through meetings, seminars, T.V., radio, etc.

WHAT IS A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN?

A strategic plan provides the foundation from which to build a long or short-term plan of action. It summarizes what you want to do, how you will do it, what

you need in order to do what you want to do, and when you expect to implement your plan of action.

STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

• Mission – What is your purpose/goal?

• Goals – What do you want to accomplish?

• Target Audience – Who will benefit from your idea?

• Objectives – How are you going to achieve your goal?

• Action Steps – Which goal will you take on first, and how will you execute it?

• Budget – How much will your project cost? What resources do you need?

• Timeline – When will your plan be implemented?

• Evaluation - How will you know your goal was effective?

HOW DO I JOIN A MENTAL HEALTH BOARD/COMMISSION?

• Selection is usually done through an application and/or interview process. Often Letters of Recommendation are required. If selected your Board of Supervisors will appoint you (vote you in) to your seat.

• Choose seats that do not impose financial hardship(s) for you.• These are volunteer positions, so keep this in mind if you decide to join.

• Contact the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission for more info at: www.mhsoac.ca.gov

HOW DO I SPEAK AT THESE MEETINGS?

• Approach the podium/microphone and address the entire governing body.

• State your name, affiliation, and issue• If you wish, identify yourself as a person living with mental illness/family member,

and/or your affiliation or the group you represent. Be brief and constructive. You may only have 2 – 3 minutes to state your issue and will be timed. If you disagree with an approach offer a possible solution. Remember: It is okay to be passionate, but keep your emotions in check. If you do NOT wish to speak but would like to make a comment(s), often index cards are provided at the meeting so you may write down your questions or concerns. You may choose to write your name or not. The information on the index cards will be added to the meeting minutes.

• Thank the Board/Commission and step down from the podium.

WHAT’S NEXT??? - ACTION STEPS

• Access and read the African American CRDP Report at www.AAHI-SBC.org.

• Develop your leadership and advocacy skills.

• Go to your local mental health boards & commissions meetings; join a committee

• Create a strategic action plan and implement the goals outlined in your plan.

• Train others in the community to become advocates.

• Make legislative impact – consider how to pass a mental health bill

REMEMBER…

You’re a leader

You’re an advocate

Your strong and wise

You can create change

You can do it!!!!

SOME HELPFUL RESOURCES

• African American Health Institute of San Bernardino County (AAHI-SBC): (909) 880-2600 www.AAHI-SBC.org

• California Institute for Mental Health (CiMH): www.cimh.org

• Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA): www.opa.ca.org

• Social Service-welfare, Medicaid-AFDC-food stamps, social security benefits: 1-800-772-1213

• Crisis & Suicide: 1-800-833-2900

SOME HELPFUL RESOURCES

• The California Endowment: www.calendow.org

• The California Wellness Foundation: www.calwellness.org

• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: www.rwjf.org

• Department of Healthcare Services: www.dhcs.ca.gov

• Independent Living Resources: (925) 363-7293

• California Department of Public Health: www.cdph.ca.gov