Advocacy
Genesis WE CAN Clubhouse
587 East Middle Turnpike
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 646-5995 Fax (860) 646-4028
e-mail: genesisclubct@yahoo.com
Advocacy
WE CAN ADVOCACY
Voter Empowerment Campaign
If the State Legislature is in session, there is one guarantee, one of our rehabilitation coordinators is meeting at least weekly with "WE CAN" members to discuss the issues and to encourage participation in local and national government affairs.
"WE CAN" 's political activity began a few years back when a small number of legislators led by Manchester mayor Stephen Cassano taught a class in advocacy for "WE CAN" funded by an Regional Consumer Advisory Council grant. Genesis continues to have a strong voice in state and local government as it has had for several years.
This voice can best be heard at the Legislative Office Building, or LOB, in testimony for the State Legislature on various issues. Members are strongly encouraged to testify and make themselves heard. Have a voice!!! The group meets on Thursday at 11:00 AM. Contact the Genesis Center "WE CAN" Clubhouse at 646-5995.
The Keep the Promise (KTP) Campaign has been instrumental in organizing the grassroots campaign to keep issues regarding mental health before the CT legislature. Keep the Promise has a Web Site where you can learn more about these issues, <Keep the Promise Campaign>.
The National Mental Health Association or NMHA, developed what they called a State Advocacy Update in which they outline what mental health advocacy organizations can do to raise public awareness of mental health issues and to help produce a better-informed community of voters and policymakers. Among the activities legally permissible for nonprofit agencies are (1) educating candidates, (2) distributing candidate questionnaires, (3) publishing a legislative scorecard or a voter guide, (4) organizing voter registration and Get-Out-The-Vote activities, among other suggestions. To sign up, access the following link to the National Mental Health Association EMAIL Services .
Additionally, the 2006 Major Issues Report found on the CT General Assembly website discusses issues of concern during the upcoming legislative session including the state's response to the Medicare Prescription Drug Law which begins in January 2006, various housing goals, utility rates, new ethics rules, and a spending cap which will affect all bills brought to the Appropriations Committee.
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Additionally, Advocacy Unlimited holds regular training in becoming a consumer advocate. Follow the above link for more information.
For Updates and further information, this page will be revised regularly.
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Keep the Promise Coalition Advocacy Talking Points:
1. Use New Federal Medicaid Revenue Services to Fix Mental Health Services
Some services funded with 100% state funds qualify for 50% federal money under Medicaid. As Connecticut covers more mental health services under medicate dedicate new money to mental health.
2. Stop criminalizing mental illness
Establish alternatives to incarceration for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Train police, probation and parole officers. Raise the juvenile court jurisdiction from 16 to 18.
3. Increase Housing Oppoortunities
Oppose Restrictions on Elderly/Disabled Housing and fund operations, maintenance, and resident service coordinators. More state rental assistance for persons with disabilities
4. Provide Community Services and Housing Instead of Nursing Home Placements.
5. Increase DMHAS money for Young Adult Services
6. Protect access to Medications.
No Co-payments or Coverage Limits.
