Share Your Voice
Advocating for children’s mental health awareness is crucial because early mental health challenges, if left unaddressed, can significantly impact a child’s development, relationships, and future well-being. Raising awareness around children’s mental health issues helps to reduce stigma, making it easier for families to seek help without fear of judgment. Breaking down barriers to talking about behavioral, emotional and mental health challenges also promotes early detection and intervention, which can lead to better outcomes by addressing issues before they escalate. Oregon Family Support Network invites you to share your voice because advocacy helps ensure that mental health services are accessible and that schools, healthcare systems, and communities prioritize mental health resources, creating a supportive environment for children to thrive emotionally and mentally.
Getting involved can be difficult at first, but everyone can be an advocate with a little information and a lot of heart.
How Your Can Get Involved
ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETINGS INVOLVING LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Know what’s happening in your community and how it affects neighbors and families like yours.
BE A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE
Adoptar una postura sobre lo que uno cree nunca pasa de moda. No importa dónde estés, ¡puedes defender a las familias!
TALK TO YOUR LEGISLATOR
Connect with a legislator at the state capital to discuss your concerns about families and children’s mental health.
Speaking with Local, State and National Government Entities
Hablar con sus funcionarios públicos can be daunting at first but remember – politicians are people too! Their job title is just different from yours. Their job is to listen and involve the public in their decision-making process, so they rely on your concerns and opinions. With the right tools, you will walk confidently into an official’s office knowing your voice is the most powerful instrument in your advocacy process.
Who Do You Need to Speak With?
Tu ubicación es clave. Descubrir ¿Quién representa a tu comunidad? para que esté proporcionando información relevante a la persona correcta. Si se presenta un proyecto de ley que le preocupa, ¡abogue ante todos los representantes que pueda!
Conoce su postura política
Independientemente de los desacuerdos que pueda tener con los funcionarios, su objetivo es apelar ante ellos para que consideren su solicitud. Su objetivo no es hacerles cambiar de opinión sobre su postura política, sino más bien influencia sus decisiones respecto a su inquietud.
Planificación
The Capitol Building has specific days set aside for “advocacy days”. Search their calendar to find the next available dates. If there is not a day that works, you can call their office and an assistant will set up a time for you to meet.
“I used to feel so lost in my child’s disorder and I didn’t have options. Now I feel empowered to speak up and advocate for my child as well as others because of the support and involvement with OFSN”
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