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Speak Up Be HeardAdvocacy

NAMI Vermont strongly embraces the principles of recovery and believes that all mental health and related services and supports should be provided with the goal of helping individuals achieve recovery and resiliency in their lives.

NAMI Vermont’s advocacy efforts help to promote recovery and build better lives for individuals and families affected by mental illness. We advocate on many different levels which include some of the following:

  • We maintain a strong presence at the Vermont Legislature by advocating and supporting issues and policies that relate to our priorities and are important to individuals with mental illness and their families.
  • We are active on work groups and committees that address issues related to mental illness.
  • We fight stigma and discrimination by sharing information and educating individuals, families, professionals, leaders, the media, and the public about mental illness.
  • We empower individuals and families to advocate for themselves through our educational opportunities and resources that we provide.
  • We provide training for individuals to advance our mission.
  • We build partnerships with the community.
  • As a grassroots organization, we seek advocates who have lived experience.

NAMI Vermont supports, to the fullest extent possible, solidarity with other mental health advocacy communities to effect positive changes in societal attitudes, legislation, education, and community and organizational responsiveness.

Each individual experiences mental illness and recovery differently, and NAMI Vermont supports treatment and supportive services that address each individual’s needs. Many individuals living with mental illness experience recovery that may include: private or community services, medication, peer support, housing, education, employment and other supports. NAMI Vermont advocates to ensure that people who are not experiencing recovery, but instead cope with hardships such as homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration, receive every support possible to put them on the path to recovery.