Do you enjoy politics? Do you have “people skills?” Are you good at persuasion? There is so much to be done that you will always have an opportunity to practice these skills as a political advocate for the mentally ill. The most obvious way to get involved is to run for office, but you can be just as effective if you organize others. Learn the rules of lobbying lawmakers, and get voters organized.

Local Projects

Torrey's suggestions include many projects you can do without leaving your local community. For example, find out if there are obstacles to establishing group homes for people with mental illness in your neighborhood. If so, work to get the zoning laws changed. You will also need to change the minds of many of your neighbors. Approach them and listen to what they have to say about the proposal. Expect opposition. Expect the formation of lobbying groups opposed to the idea. If you can keep the debate civil, this is a great opportunity for educating the public. With success, you might someday establish a much-needed place for people who need a safe place to recover.

You can multiply your influence by working to place good people in influential positions. Locate all mental health boards in your community, right up to the state level. Identify good candidates, including consumers, organizers, and advocates, and work to get them appointed to the boards and other committees that influence mental health care policies on the local and state levels. Back local representatives who have supported mental health reform in the past.

State and Federal Projects

Torrey suggests offering voter support to state and federal representatives who have a good record of supporting mental health programs. Work for their re-election and recruit others to do the same.

Find out how much your state spends on treatment programs for people with schizophrenia and other mental health problems. Meet with state representatives to ask for money to fill in any gaps.

Does your state have an adequate bill of rights guaranteeing good care and treatment for consumers of mental health care? If so, does it need revision? Consult lawyers about drafting a good one and then take it to state representatives to ask for their help getting it implemented. On the federal level, you can lobby lawmakers to improve Medicaid and other health care coverage for consumers.

This is just a sample of the activities in which your contributions could make a difference in the lives of many people. Once you become involved in mental health care issues, the number of projects you could potentially participate in will increase quickly.