Advocacy means to defend or maintain a cause. Advocacy is literally “giving voice to” a cause. People who have mental illnesses often find that they have little to no voice in the causes that affect their lives. People in recovery have many needs that require a voice; therefore, advocacy is an issue of great interest to us at SC SHARE. We are involved in all levels of advocacy, from helping a consumer access services to influencing legislation about mental health issues. Bonnie Pate, Executive Director of SC SHARE, works in advocacy on a daily basis. Take a look at her recommendations for ways and places to get involved in advocacy.

Bonnie’s Top Ten Advocacy Opportunities

• SCMHA
• NAMI
• SC State Planning Council
• PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness)
• Council Legislators and Senators in South Carolina
• Newspaper, Radio, and Television
• State Agencies (SCDMH, SCDHHS, SCDVR)
• SC House and Senate Ways and Means Committees
• Local Mental Health Governing Boards
• Various Consumer Groups
  
  For more information please send us an email