Advocacy

NAMI advocates to improve the lives of people affected by mental health conditions. From the U.S. Capitol to state legislatures to local city councils, the NAMI Alliance uses the power of lived experience to shape how our country helps people with mental illness.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illnesses and their families.  Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country.

Advocacy is a critical part of NAMI’s mission (Support, Education, and Advocacy) and it comes in many forms. As NAMI members, we can advocate (for ourselves or for our loved ones) in person, by phone, by petition, by voting, by letter, by e-mail, or via social media. We can advocate with mental health providers, educators, employers, faith groups, media, and government at all levels (local, state, and national).

NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their families, and it provides its countless volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to save and strengthen mental health services in all states.

For a general introduction to NAMI advocacy and for information about NAMI policy on current issues, follow these links:

http://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Take-Action-on-Advocacy-Issues

http://www.nami.org/LearnMore/Public-Policy