Self-Advocacy

Steps to Being an Effective Self-Advocate*

• Decide what you want. Be clear to yourself about what exactly you need. This helps you set goals as well as be clear to others.
• Get the facts. Know what you are talking about. Be sure information is accurate. Write it down and keep it where you can find it.
• Plan your strategy. Figure out what you think will work and the steps it will take to achieve your goals.
• Gather your support. Work together with your friends. Ask how others have solved the same or a similar problem. Join groups with common concerns. If necessary, call an advocacy organization for additional support.  Click here  to contact MHAH.
• Be firm and persistent. Keep after what you want. Follow through on what you say. Remember: "Impatience moves bureaucracies." Before You Make Your First Call
  

1. Write down a description of your problem or need. A short paragraph will help you organize your thoughts.
2. Gather background information. Gather materials you may need to answer questions, such as your social security number and financial information.
3. Target your efforts. Talk with the person who can assist you. It may take a few calls to discover which organization can help or who is in charge, but it is worth the effort. Keep trying until you find the right person.
   • Places to look include the blue pages of the phone book for mental health services, other human services and government agencies.
   • Ask a mental health worker for help in finding the right contact.
   • If you are stuck, call Mental Health Association of the Heartland at (913) 281-2221 or the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse at 1-800-553-4539.

Writing Tips

• You can write to ask for service, to request information, to present facts or to express your opinion.
• "K.I.S.S" -- Keep It Short and Simple; under two pages if possible.
• It is okay to write by hand if you do not have access to a typewriter or computer, but make sure it is readable.
• Be clear about what you want. Be specific and to the point.
• Send copies of your letter to your advocacy agency, legislator or others you want to be informed. Put "cc" (copies circulated) at the bottom of the letter with a list of those to whom you are sending copies.
• Keep a copy for your records.
• Follow up the letter with phone calls or another letter.

If You are Unsatisfied with the Results of a Call or a Meeting

1. Ask why the person cannot help you. Write down the answer.
2. Ask for another person or agency that may be able to help you.
3. If you have been treated unfairly, take action to defend your rights:
   • Address the issue directly with the person who has treated you unfairly.
   • If necessary, talk to the person's immediate supervisor. Your complaint will seem more credible if you appeal one level at a time.
   • Your anger is probably valid, but stay calm and respectful so that no one is likely to see you as the problem.

Making Your Calls

1. What to say. State your name, problem and what you need. Be brief. If the first person you talk to cannot help you, ask who can. Ask for the name and position of each person you talk to.
2. Write it down. Record the date, time, name and position of the person you spoke to and the result of each call. This information will be valuable if follow-up advocacy efforts are needed.
3. Express yourself clearly. Phone manner can make a difference. Be brief. State your concern and how you want things changed.
4. Assert yourself calmly. Stay cool. Speak out but also remember to listen. Respect others' rights, but do not let them put you down or walk all over you.
5. Follow up. Follow-up calls should be made once or twice a week after the first call.

Face-To-Face Meetings

• Plan what you are going to say, then practice. Friends, tape recorders, or mirrors can help.
• Plan to bring someone you trust if you feel you may forget something or need someone to help you keep a cool head.
• Dress neatly. Be on time.
• Look the person in the eye and shake hands firmly when you greet him or her.
• Call the person by name.
• Use positive body language. How you say something often makes a greater impression than what you say.
• Speak loudly enough to be heard without shouting.
• State your message clearly and simply.
• Listen to what the other person is saying. If you do not understand, ask questions to clarify.
• Thank the person for his or her time.
• Follow up.

*Self-advocacy information provided by:
National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chesnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
1-800-553-4539
 

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