NAMI Illinois' Consumer Council
Who we are:
We are persons who live with mental illness and are committed to the mission of NAMI, to "improve the lives of persons with
mental illness and their families." We are part of the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Consumer Councils were created by NAMI to be a voice for
consumers in each state. NAMI Illinois has instituted our state Consumer
Council. The officers and members are all people living with mental
illness. The creation of this council
demonstrates the value of persons with mental illnesses and their experiences to
improve all areas of mental health services.
We are a strong, productive part of NAMI.
Our personal stories, publicly expressed, provide others with
an understanding of mental illness. They also demonstrate the absolute
necessity for improvement in current mental health services. Our daily
struggles with our illnesses require a voice and understanding by others.
If we all "unite" and start talking, it will be impossible not to be
heard.
There is help. . . As consumers of mental health services we
know the pain first hand and we know how to help. You don't have to be
alone dealing with schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and many
other mental illnesses. There is help and we are here for you.
We need you. . . We have a stronger voice when yours is united
with ours. By joining NAMI Illinois, you bring power to our numbers and a
unique voice that many people with mental illnesses do not have. Make a
difference.
Connecting with the NAMI Illinois Consumer Council
We need your voice because with increased membership comes
power to work effectively for improved treatment of, and more research into,
mental illnesses and a better quality of life for those who suffer from them.
As a member of NAMI you join forces with people who have been
diagnosed with a mental illness, parents, siblings, spouses, friends,
professionals, and organizations. You will benefit from membership in the
State NAMI Illinois and the National NAMI and receive the Consumer Council's
newsletters, conference information and legislative alerts, as well as
information, announcements and newsletters from NAMI Illinois and NAMI.
You can join NAMI today. Contact:
NAMI
Illinois
218
West Lawrence
Springfield,
Illinois 62704
Telephone:
(217) 522-1403 V/TTY
Fax:
(217) 522-3598
Toll
Free: (800) 346-4572
Email:
namiil@sbcglobal.net
Connie's Corner From
the Pen of the Consumer Council Acting Chair
July 2008
As
I reflect on this past fiscal year, I am reminded of the recovery process.
For those of us who live in recovery day in and day out, it is a process of high
mountains, low valleys and plain plateaus, much as is living life to the best of
our abilities. This has been a year of reenergizing the NAMI Illinois
Consumer Council and to that affect we have been successful. Though
our journey continues, we have begun to; once again grow in active participation
and interest. Through the Consumer Council bi-monthly teleconference
calls, voting members of the Consumer Council as well as the non-voting members
of the consumer members have been encouraged to attend to receive and share
information locally, statewide and nationally of happenings that are of interest
to us. The Executive Committee will continue in this fiscal year 2009 to
implement and build on the strategic plan that is the driving force of action
steps we wish to accomplish. We, with the support and guidance of the
state office, implemented a consumer track at the Leadership Training this past
April. Mary Rottmann gave training on the Consumer Council's Operating
Procedures and the offices of the Executive Committee. As a follow-up to
the training, a face-to-face Consumer Council meeting was held. So, this
has been a year of renewal and reconnection.
And
as I look toward what the year to come offers, I am excited by the activity and
willingness to get involved by a variety of folks. We have established a
Nominating Committee to review incoming nominations and recommendations from
those wanting to run for an office. This committee will conduct the annual
election to be held at the NAMI Illinois state conference in Lisle in
October. Offices that are up for election include:
Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Representative
to NAMI National Consumer Council
Member
at Large
If
you have an interest, and are a Consumer Council Representative, Alternate
or past Representative or past Alternate, you are eligible to submit your
candidacy. Be on the lookout for more information. If your affiliate
doesn't have representation on the Consumer Council, ask to be appointed as
their Representative.
And
finally, with regret, I must announce the loss through resignations of two of
the Consumer Council Officers; John Froom, Chair and Ailliann Dannave, Alternate
to NAMI National Consumer Council. The Consumer Council thanks you for
your willingness to serve and wish you the best in your forthcoming endeavors.
Our
journey of growth continues each and every day.
Yours in
Recovery,
Connie
Clark
NAMI
Illinois Consumer Council Acting Chair
Illinois'
Voice on Mental Illness - NAMI Illinois
