Welcome to Children's Mental Health Acceptance Month

Advocacy

May 14-20

"Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start." — Nido Qubein

Advocacy

"Advocacy" can mean many things, but in general, it refers to action.

Advocacy simply involves speaking and acting on behalf of yourself or others.

Advocacy: (verb), the action of supporting or pleading for a cause or proposal

Advocate:(noun), a person who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group.

Synonyms: Champion, promoter, upholder, supporter, backer, campaigner, spokesperson, crusader, friend

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31 Days of Advocacy

Day 1:

Learn the History of the Children’s Mental Health Movement

To be an effective advocate, you need to know the history, build on its strength, and have a

goal for the future.

Read:

• Why Wear Green?

• The History of the National Federation of Families, 

• Timeline of the Family Movement in Children's Behavioral Health

Day 2:

 It’s About Acceptance, Not Just Awareness

Words matter. Acceptance is active. Awareness is passive. It’s time to move beyond awareness and into acceptance.

Learn why this is an important message to use in your advocacy. Commit to using

acceptance language

•  Visit: Acceptance vs. Awareness Pinterest board

•  Read: Why the “A” Now Stands for Acceptance

•  Review: The Meaning and Importance of the Shift From Awareness to Acceptance Infographic

•  Review: Mental Health Acceptance: Because Awareness is Not Enough infographic 

Day 3:

Bringing Mental Health Into the Conversation 

Dialogue is where change begins. Mental health needs to be part of everyday conversation because taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. 

Learn more about how to talk about mental health:

• Visit: Talking Mental Health Pinterest board 

Tap learn more about mental health advocacy with your friends and family for 31 Days of Advocacy.

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Mental Health Resilience Support for Teens and Adults

Build resilience by reading about mental health awareness and wellness strategies at Work2BeWell.

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Advocacy opportunities come in many forms:

• Starting a conversation to reduce the stigma of mental health
• Listening to, sharing or joining a Talk2BeWell podcast
• Starting a movement in your own community
• Encouraging mental health and wellness campaigns
• Seeking support for a friend, family member or yourself

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Want to advocate on a greater level? Check out our action information!