NAMI Texas NewsVolume 16 No. 3 August/September 2002

NAMI T EXAS PRES IDENT ’ S MESSAGE

Contact us! namitexas@texami.org • http://texas.nami.org • 1-800-633-3760

WHAT ’ S IN S IDE

NAMI Texas Education Report ................................................. 3

Message From the Executive Director ....................................... 4

2002 Convention ...................................................................... 6

Consumer Council Update ....................................................... 8

South Texas Report ................................................................... 9

Board and Consumer Council Nominees .......................... 10-11

Proposed By-Laws Amendments ............................................. 13

AOT Summit Results .............................................................. 16Continues on page 17

Strategic Direction and Renewal for NAMI Texas—No Easy Victories

Mark Hardwick, NAMI Texas President

troversial public policy issues. We have anationally recognized Visions For Tomor-row education program thanks to LindaZweifel and many other dedicated vol-unteers and supporters. We need to cel-ebrate and build on these successes andthe many small and large strides NAMIhas made in the past year.

Given the lack of funding and thestate of Texas being in the bottom 25%for services; ironically, we are seen as oneof the stronger state organizations withinthe NAMI family. It says a lot about thepersonal dedication and tenacity ofmany individuals. But, paraphrasingRobert Frost, “We have miles to go be-fore we sleep.”

I am delighted to report that theBoard of Directors is reconstituted andre-energized. At the June meeting the

Board encouraged me to start the diffi-cult process of creating a “Statement ofStrategic Direction” for NAMI Texas.This action responds to a need to re-ex-amine the NAMI Texas vision, mission,goals, direction and organizational struc-ture in light of a decade of minimalgrowth in membership and lack of im-provement of services and the potentialcriminalization of mental illness, as wellas dramatic changes unfolding in thefields of mental health, brain research andrecovery education. I view this as a “State-ment of Strategic Direction” rather thanas a “Strategic Plan.” The word “plan”appears to be too presumptuous for anassociation such as ours that only movesforward through the voluntary actionsand initiatives of its grassroots organiza-tions and members – WE are an electedBoard serving at the will and reflectingthe needs and direction of our collectivemembers. I am recommending that de-velopment of this “Strategic Direction”process begin immediately with a com-prehensive survey and needs assessmentof our membership. This fall, I will beseeking approval that we review the needsassessment input by convening a two dayStrategic Direction Summit for all Boardmembers, Regional Directors and Com-mittee chairs. After the Summit, we then

e have had a difficult year of transi-tion and challenge for our organization.During this transition period, the sup-port from the staff and volunteers con-tinues to be extraordinary. Thanks to allwho have helped. In my view there is alot going on that are real pluses for ourorganization – after an exhaustive searchDianne Bisig, a new and energetic Ex-ecutive Director joined NAMI and hasprovided stability and positive directionfor the staff and the organization. On theConsumer Council front Janet Paleo andher team received a National NAMI con-sumer award and continue to come upwith many creative and needed services.Joe Lovelace was named public policyconsultant and, with Jackie Shannon andthe Public Policy Committee, is leadingus forward on many complex and con-

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MAIL TO:NAMI Texas Gear

611 SouthCongress Ave.,

Suite 430,Austin, TX 78704

Board & Staff Listing

NAMI TEXAS611 South Congress, Suite 430Austin, TX 78704

Board Of Directors:

Executive Committee

President Mark Hardwick, Ph.D.Vice President Ed Kuny2nd Vice President OpenSecretary Elvia RuelasTreasurer Doug ElbertConsumer

Representative Janet Paleo

Directors:

Region 1 Greta ByarsRegion 2 Linda Groom, Mike Katz,

Jean Puckett,Region 3 Leo DiValentinoRegion 4 Jackie ShannonRegion 5 Evelyn Burgar, Mary GibsonRegion 6 Lorraine DeanerRegion 7 Pat Adams, Lupe MorinRegion 8 Sundar Balakrishnan, Judy

Biggs, Mary RobinsRegion 9 Tom Jackson

Nominating Committee Director:

Greta Byars

Staff:

Executive Director:Dianne Bisig

Executive Assistant:Marie Alkis

Director of Education:Linda Zweifel

South Texas Regional Coordinator:Sylvia DeLeon

Advocacy Coordinator:Diana Kern

Outreach Support Specialist:Lee Eddy

Accounts Rec./Pay.:Mandie Mantos

Receptionist:Rachael Martinez

NAMI Texas hosts Tiawanesedelegation! See story, page 4.

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NAMI Texas Education ReportLinda Zweifel, Director of Education

he world of education is spinningwith excitement through the collabora-tive efforts of our volunteers throughoutthe state. In review of the past year,NAMI Texas has experienced tremendousgrowth in our educational opportunitiesand received local and national recogni-tion.

Moving forward with great energyand enthusiasm, NAMI Texas will focusmuch effort toward outreach and educa-tion to the rural communities andunderserved population as well as theAsian, African American and Hispanicfamilies. Because we are such a diverse

state, flexibility with outreach and edu-cational efforts will be considered andnecessary as we fill the gaps in our com-munities and serve all populations.

Consumer education is broadeningand there are trained teachers, presentersand support group facilitators in each re-gion. Please join our efforts to establish alist of consumer volunteers who will joinour collaborative focus of outreach to thispopulation. With the enhancement oflocal and state efforts, national recogni-tion for NAMI Texas’ consumers andmore activities available throughout thestate, many consumers will be involved

with leadership roles, assisted by family,friends and professionals to broaden thehorizon of consumer education and out-reach.

NAMI national announced thatNAMI Texas’ educational curriculum,Visions for Tomorrow, has been recognizedin the top six education curricula. Whatan honor for NAMI Texas! From the col-laborative efforts of volunteers, this rec-ognition has been possible. If you wouldlike a copy of the profile information,please contact the NAMI Texas office.

As we approach the beginning ofanother year of education, NAMI Texasis moving forward in filling the gaps andbuilding communities of hope to our di-verse population throughout Texas. Thecontinued effort to enhance regional andcommunity efforts through educationand support will be our focus. We hopeeach of you will join our efforts – the bestis yet to be!

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Convention Education Meeting

There will be a Pre-Convention Education meeting scheduled for 8:30 a.m.on Friday, September 6, 2002. Please be sure to attend and hear first-hand theexciting news about NAMI Texas’ education, support groups and presentationsfor this next year. It will be very important for all presidents to attend and receivethese materials for your local affiliate. The Education Committee has been work-ing diligently to meet the needs as requested by the local affiliates. See you there!

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Tips for Article Submissions

NAMI Texas welcomes articles of general interest submitted by consumers and regular contribu-tors. Following are some suggestions that, when followed, will help us to format and incorporate yoursubmitted materials quickly and accurately.

Planning your article• Supply your article with an interesting title and catchy sub-head.• Break your article up with sub-heads every few paragraphs. This keeps the reader from being over-

whelmed with a page of solid text.• Keep paragraphs a manageable length.• Review your article for spelling and grammar, and revise any sentences that, on second reading,

seem wordy.

Preparing your text fileAbove all, learn to use the features of your word processor that will create a “bullet proof” text file,

in particular: the tab ruler, the paragraph break and the line break. (If you’re an advanced user applyinga stylesheet, you can use “Body text” and “sub 1” – we’ll override any others.)

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A Message From NAMI Texas’ Executive DirectorDianne Bisig

hat exciting and challenging timesNAMI Texas is experiencing! No soonerthan we moved our offices to a new loca-tion, did we host an open-house at ournew home, have a board meeting andserve as host to members from NAMITaiwan.

Our guests arrived compliments ofNAMI National in collaboration withNAMI’s International Partnership Orga-nization. They were able to visit AustinState Hospital and the Austin/TravisCounty MHMR Center. They also en-joyed a luncheon with members of theboard of directors, members from NAMIAustin, with a view high a top of one ofthe tallest buildings in Austin. They alsoenjoyed real Texas Bar-B-Q at the IronWorks in Austin and an all American din-ner of hot dogs and hamburgers in myback yard.

The very next week we were all at-tending the NAMI convention in Cin-cinnati, Ohio. The day before the con-ference began we attended the LatinoSymposium. NAMI Texas had the mostmembers attending this Symposium.NAMI’s across the country will be seeingand hearing a lot more from this groupof dedicated individuals as we all becomemore sensitive to the different cultures wehave in this great country and organiza-tion. What an experience!

It was a very busy and enjoyableweek. There were so many people to meetand network with, so much to absorb inthe many sessions offered: special enter-tainment to be a part of, enjoying anevening on the B&B River-Boat Cruiseon the Ohio River, and attending theevening festivities at a special performancedance. A very special highlight for theTexas participants was the award pre-sented to NAMI Texas and the NAMI

Li-Yang and Evereceive gift from Boardof Directors

Our Tiawan guestsand NAMI Texas stafftour Austin StateHospital

Texas Consumer Council during theConsumer Council Luncheon andAwards Program for “Exemplary Achieve-ment in Promoting Consumer Inclusionas a State NAMI Organization.”

I also had the opportunity to be apart of the NAMI Texas Executive Di-rector group and our very own JanetPaleo, NAMI Texas Consumer CouncilChair, was elected to serve as the NAMINational Consumer Council Chair.

Everyone from Texas returned re-en-ergized and re-committed to makingNAMI Texas one of the “Movers andShakers” as an even stronger voice for in-dividuals with mental illnesses.

NOW, it’s time to really buckle downand make final arrangements for our ownConvention. If you have not already reg-istered, please get your forms (andmoney) in as soon as you can. The com-mittee has been working very hard to pro-vide a convention filled with wonderfulspeakers, great learning opportunities,networking, entertainment and lots offun.

This is my first NAMI Texas conven-tion and I am looking forward to meet-ing and getting to know the NAMI Texasfamily.

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National recognition for NAMI Texas andConsumer Council

Texas delegation to Latino Symposium

Dinner cruise on Ohio River

Taiwan guests learn to grill

HonoraryTexans!

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2002 CONVENT ION

A Dialogue for Changing Times: NAMI Texas’ Link to the FuturePatricia Joynton and June Scogin JoAnn Grantham, Norma BangsCo-Chairs, State Convention Committee Local Chairs, State Convention

ave you ever “wondered” aboutthings, like what the differences are in allthe neuroimagining, techniques: howMRI differs from functional MRI, and itfrom CAT, and both from PET, and whatthey really tell you about brain disorders?Or, perhaps what finding a gene forschizophrenia will really mean to some-one with the disorder. Then again, per-haps you, having a more spectacular vi-sion, wonder about what really happensin cases like Andrea Yates, when the brainmisinterprets its surroundings, and cata-pults us all into the courts to wrestle withlegalities, ethics, illness, and justice. Itdoesn’t matter. What matters is that won-dering—it is the root of knowledge andthe first step to dialogue.

Where Are We?And Dialogue is what the 2002 Con-

vention is all about. Dr. Robert Guynn,the conference keynote speaker, will setthe tone for the convention with his pre-sentation of “History Matters.” Dr.Guynn is the Chair of Psychiatry andBehavioral Sciences at The University ofTexas Medical School at Houston. Wheredo we stand regarding mental illness inthe context of history? How have thingsevolved? What have we accomplished re-garding how mental illness has been di-agnosed, treated, and perceived? Whatdoes it all mean? Are all psychiatric dis-orders to be traced to and treated throughthe genes? Dr. Michael A. Escamilla andhis colleagues at the South Texas Psy-chiatric Genetics Research Center at SanAntonio will certainly help to shed somelight on that matter during their presen-tation “Hope for the Future: GeneticStudies of Bipolar Disorder and Schizo-phrenia.”

The State of the StateWhere do we stand as a society and a

state regarding mental health services andpolicies? What are the issues we face re-garding resources and priorities? DonGilbert, Commissioner of Texas Healthand Human Services will open the con-vention with a review of the mental healthresources in Texas. Jackie Shannon, Chairof the Texas Public Policy Council, willprovide information and insight aboutthe mental health issues coming up in theupcoming legislative session. Joe Lovelaceand Bill Rago will get into the particu-lars of services when they provide an over-view of the recommendation toTDHMHMR on the model by whichTDHMHMR will purchase communitymental health services in Texas. SamShore of TDMHMR will describe an ef-fort to redesign the way public mentalhealth services are delivered, and CaroleMatayas of ValueOptions will discuss amodel for managed care for behavioralhealth: NorthSTAR. Carol Schaper andSharon DeBlanc will make it all personalwith their discussion on how to negoti-ate the system to obtain and maintainSSI/SSDI benefits.

Justice and Other LegalitiesWhether the legislation that

governs our society begins orends in the courts is debatable,but the importance of the judi-cial system to mental health is-sues is not. Capacity for JusticeExecutive Director GenevieveHearon has pulled together a“not to be missed” panel to dis-cuss the issues involved in deathpenalty law and mental illnesses:Carlos Garcia, Attorney for MelvinHale; George Parnham, Attorney

for Andrea Pia Yates; GregWierchioch, Attorney for MontyAllen Delk; and John Niland. Thispanel is one good reason to reg-ister early – seating for this lun-cheon event will be limited to6 0 0 !

Further dialogue on other legal issueswill include “An Informed Debate aboutAssisted Outpatient Treatment”(Kendra’s Law) by Anna H. Gray andJeannie Morris. The facts and fictions re-garding prescription privileges for psy-chologists will be discussed by psycholo-gists Amos Wolf and Joseph McCoy andphysicians Joe Cunningham and MarthaLeatherman. Vicki Spriggs, Dee Kifowitand Bonita White will provide a look atthe progress of the Special Needs Of-fender Project for juveniles and adults,which focuses on the collaboration andcooperation of criminal justice systemagencies and services. Renee Lovelace andClyde Farrell will talk about how to planfor the future through Special NeedsTrusts.

Chris Carson, M.D. crosses the bar-rier between legal and treatment issueswhen he discusses issues of restraint, se-clusion and management of a psychiatriccrisis.

Treatment and RecoveryWhen all is said, it is the personal

dialogue that is most important to mostof us. The dialogue with friends, thera-pists, and doctors during treatment andrecovery: What does it all mean? What’savailable – now and in the future? Dr.Steven Pliszka, a child and adolescentpsychiatrist at The University of TexasHealth Science Center at San Antoniowill share new information about the di-agnosis and treatment of ADHD. Sub-

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Legislative Training With the Pros

AOT Summit

Fort Worth considers issues

NAMI members deep in thought

Board members at work

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Consumer Council UpdateBy Janet Paleo

our NAMI Texas Consumer Coun-cil (NAMITXCC) has been very activeand has many activities scheduled in thecoming months. The NAMITXCC rep-resented our state well at the NationalNAMI Convention. Three members ofthe NAMITXCC put on a presentationon how we started our Consumer Coun-cil. The presentation was well receivedwith many folks asking questions andsome consumers indicating that theywant to move to Texas, as we were so pro-gressive. NAMI Texas also won the Na-tional NAMI Consumer Council awardfor their inclusion of consumers withintheir state. In large part, this was due toour Consumer Council.

We finished our Operating Proce-dures, which were approved by the NAMITexas Board Executive Committee. Inthis, the methodology changed of howthe Consumer Council Director’s posi-tion on the NAMI Texas Board of Direc-tors is nominated. In order to have Di-rectors who have an understanding of thetime commitment and ongoing issues,nominations must come from within themembers of the NAMITXCC for theConsumer Council Director’s position onthe NAMI Texas Board of Directors.

As for the nine regional consumer po-sitions on the NAMITXCC, consumersin that region who submit an applicationto the NAMITXCC Nominating Com-mittee will fill these. Three regions eachyear will elect NAMITXCC Representa-tives. In the year 2002, regions 1, 4 and7 will have elections, in the year 2003,regions 2, 5, and 8 will have elections andin 2004, regions 3, 6, and 9 will have elec-tions. This rotation will then repeat be-ginning in 2005. The entireNAMITXCC Operating Procedures willbe posted soon to the NAMI Texaswebsite on the consumers page.

Additionally, the NAMI Texas Con-sumer Council will be bringing theNAMI Consumer Signature Program “InOur Own Voices” to Texas. This con-sumer-led program helps eliminate thestigma and stereotyping of consumerswhile promoting the idea of recovery. Theconsumer-led training will be in Augustand trained consumer presenters receivemoney to do presentations. Additionally,the intensive two-day training will teachconsumers how to facilitate the programto a variety of audiences. This audiencewould include consumers, family mem-bers, professionals or other groups. A pre-sentation of this program will occur atthe NAMI Texas Convention on Fridaynight for all who are interested. TheCouncil has applied for a $2,000 grantto pay the initial fees of the presenters.

The next NAMITXCC meeting willbe before the convention. AllNAMITXCC Representatives will attendthe State convention to ensure that con-sumers from each of the regions can meettheir representatives and learn how to getmore involved in the consumer move-ment in Texas. The Council will also setup a booth for the convention.

On a sad note, Melanie Ortloff, ourJunior Consumer Council Director, hasresigned because of personal reasons.Reginald Thurman from Region 2 willfill her seat on the Board of Directors.He will move up to Senior ConsumerDirector on the Board on January 1, 2003as I finish my term of office. I will re-main as the Past Chair to help assist inwhatever way I am able.

The Consumer Council is starting toeffect change in our state and in the livesof people with mental illness. NAMITexas has started to develop the leader-ship of consumers and given consumersa voice within this organization. The

growth of the Council will bring manygood opportunities to consumers andpromote recovery throughout our state.I am proud of all the members of ourCouncil and of all they are accomplish-ing. We thank the members of NAMITexas for giving us the opportunity tomake a difference in not only our lives,but also the lives of others. What a greatorganization!

In Memory of Kathy AkinNAMI Bastrop was saddened

by the death of former NAMIBastrop president Kathy Akin onJuly 8, 2002. Kathy was a caring,dedicated person who could “talk”mental illness to anyone who wouldlisten. She served as President ofNAMI Bastrop from 1999 to 2000.She was trained as a facilitator forsupport groups and spent countlesshours on the phone talking andsupporting families. Kathy lovedher family, and her grandson washer pride and joy. She knew aboutand loved computers and sewing.Kathy will be remembered for hersense of humor and as her husbanddescribed her, “Kathy had a heartas big as the outdoors.” Kathy willbe missed and we at NAMI Bastropoffer our support, condolences,thoughts and prayers to the Akinfamily during this sad and difficulttime.

Norma G. BangsPresident, NAMI Bastrop

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South Texas ReportBy Sylvia De Leon, South Texas Regional Coordinator

exas’ growing population and sky-rocketing health care costs continue tonegatively impact families and individu-als with severe mental illness. The startof NAMI Texas’ outreach efforts in theRio Grande Valley last year have servedas a vital learning experience for all thoseinvolved. With new-found leadership inDianne Bisig, Executive Director, whorecognizes that organizational culture isjust as important as a clear understand-ing of the cultural competence necessaryto work towards better meeting the needsof minority and underserved populations,I think great positive growth is forthcom-ing for NAMI Texas.

Region 9 is inclusive of 11 vast coun-ties, three of which alone (Hidalgo,Cameron, and Willacy) have a combinedcensus (U.S. Census, 2000) of 924,772(this figure is currently being challengedin court proceedings). It is estimated thatthis figure is actually 10% higher, whichmakes these three counties home to morethan 1,084,709 Texas residents. If onetakes into consideration the U.S. SurgeonGeneral’s landmark study on mental ill-ness, 1 out of 5 individuals suffers from amental illness during his or her lifetime.This reality easily translates into approxi-mately 216,942 people who will sufferfrom mental illness during their lifetimein these three Rio Grande Valley coun-ties alone. Though not exempt from im-pacting factors such as poverty, unem-ployment, crime, juvenile delinquency,truancy, drug abuse, homelessness, andracial discrimination as one might findin other parts of Texas as well, this bor-der region is unique with such an influxin migrating population from Mexico’sborder that extends from Laredo toBrownsville. According to year 2000 sta-tistics, 6 of these border counties, the ma-

jority of which are in Region 9, reflect apopulation of 89.1% Hispanics. The bar-riers to accessing mental health servicesare further complicated by language andso tailoring outreach for this vastunderserved region is an overwhelmingchallenge. The translation of Journey ofHope and Visions for Tomorrow into Span-ish has provided NAMI Texas anothervenue in reaching out to families in thisarea.

I have made a concerted effort thispast year to personally educate myselfabout culture, cultural competence, di-versity, and culturally sensitive approachesin order to gain a better understandingof the differences in ethnic and non-ethicgroups and their belief systems, culturalfactors, behaviors, communication skills,and learning my community makeup.

A clear understanding of the wordsbilingual and bicultural have provided mesome insight in effectively reaching ourHispanic families in this area. Being His-panic, I thought that by mastering thelinguistics, my job would be made easierbut I have gained a greater appreciationfor the cultural knowledge necessary toappropriately address NAMI Texas’ ob-jective of increasing the understanding ofmental illness in South Texas. My per-sonal life growth experiences in reachingout to folks as it relates to mental illnesshave made it evident to me that “accep-tance and respect for difference, continu-ing self assessment regarding culture, at-tention to the dynamics of difference,ongoing development of cultural knowl-edge and resources and flexibility withinservice models to works towards bettermeeting the needs of minority popula-tions” (Cross et al., 1989) are invaluableto effective outreach.

One thing is abundantly clear:as a grassroots organization wehave our work cut out for us inSouth Texas. It is for this reasonthat I was elated to have had theopportunity to attend NAMI’s Na-tional Convention recently in Cincinnati,Ohio for the first time with a personalcommitment of gaining some knowledgeto continue being a part of “BuildingCommunities of Hope” for our SouthTexas area. The valuable information pre-sented, networking and sharing of ideasof other Latino outreach efforts was ex-citing.

I am encouraged that we haveplanted many seeds of possible growthduring this short period of time with thehelp of so many people. Our NAMISouth Texas affiliate has good leadershipunder Stephanie Contreras who workstirelessly to help individuals and families,supportive and dedicated members whohave come together in such a short pe-riod of time and as a struggling affiliatehas more than doubled its membershipfrom a year ago. NAMI Corpus Christicontinues to remain strong and viable ineducation and support for the familiesand consumers with the unflinching ef-forts of Regional Director, Tom Jacksonand his dedicated members who have anawesome NAMI presence in their com-munity. Our other affiliate, NAMILaredo under the longtime leadership ofElvia Ruelas, with assistance of dedicatedmembers and leaders like JaniceMcFarland, Santa Gutierrez, Trini Sali-nas, and countless others continue theirefforts in the west part of Region 9. Bridg-ing of the vast territory gaps betweenthese established affiliates and areas inbetween continues to be a challenge.There was no established framework

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Region 1 Consumer Council:Monte Anderwald

To all who livewith, have a familymember, or work withperson’s living with aBrain Disorder, I wouldlike to thank you for thechance I’ve had the lastyear an a half, represent-ing you as a voice in Re-

gion 1 as a Texas NAMI ConsumerCouncil Representative. I was very hon-ored to be asked by Janet Paleo, who hasbeen the lone ranger for over three years.I can truly say at first I wasn’t sure whatthe Consumer Council was. I just knewconsumers, and family members, as wellas others with all types of mental illness,from all levels needed more of a voice!For me the last few jobs I’ve had in thepast 10 plus years, have had fake or slowoutcomes working with the mentally ill.I see NAMI National working down thethrough each level (State, Local affiliates,and satellites), having a stronger unity andupward backing, and a willingness towork with an open mind. To be just apiece of the puzzle that fits with the otherorganizations to make the wheels turn toget things accomplished for persons witha brain disorder. NAMI tries to take ac-tion on uses and policies in a timely man-ner, as well as respond responsible withour financing, and that’s exciting. I havealso learned a lot this past few years work-ing together with the other eight regionalreps’ and have more to take in as I con-tinue to grow with in myself and thecouncil expands.

I’m a forty-one-year old Christianman who lives each day with Diabetes andit’s complications, and a brain disorder

Region 4 Consumer Council:Andrew David “Andy” GibsonAge: 20Running for: Consumer CouncilRepresentative – Region IVDiagnosis: Type II Bi-Polar Disorder

Howdy,My name is Andy Gibson and I am

running for the Region 4 seat on theNAMI Texas Consumer Council. I am

new to the Region 4area, but I bring a lotof experience to mynew home. Whilebeing involved inNAMI Lubbock, Iserved as the Con-sumer SupportGroup Facilitator formy affiliate as well as

devised a NAMI pilot support groupcalled “Coping with Bi-Polar.” It has mostcertainly been rewarding to see thosegroups (we now have three of them) flour-ish like they have. I also was very activeon the state level. Monte Anderwald, whohas been somewhat of a mentor to me,took me under his wing and showed methe ropes of everything I needed to knowwhile serving as both an affiliate repre-sentative for Region 1 while also beingMr. Anderwald’s alternate at the statelevel. It was while doing these things thatI was able to get my foot in the door onthe state level and help out the best Icould on establishing a solid ConsumerCouncil.

Over the past few months, I havebeen able to get involved with the NAMITexas Consumer Council and I must saythat it has been a very rewarding experi-ence. The current council is a model of

Region 7 Consumer Council:Martha Ortegon

My name is Martha Ortegon and Iam running for theNAMI Texas ConsumerCouncil Representativefor Region 7. I have beena member of NAMIsince 1999. I want Rep-resentative of Region 7because as a native SanAntonion and a con-sumer of mental health services I under-stand the need to improve the quality ofservices that consumers receive. The onlyway to improve these services is by en-suring that the voice of the consumer isheard. I am the right candidate for thejob that because I speak up and fight forthe right of representation at all levels ofthe system.

I would like to educate consumersto be advocates; because only by beingadvocates can we truly have a voice insystems that pertain to us. To this end, Ihave been instrumental in writing a Com-munity Action Grant for a LeadershipAcademy for consumers by consumers inSouth Texas. I also teach “Team Solu-tions” to empower consumers to takecontrol over their illness. My input wascrucial in the development of the DeputyMobilization Outreach Team, which isSan Antonio’s jail diversion for consum-ers. Currently, I serve as the Vice-Presi-dent for NAMI San Antonio South andsoon will be the President of this affili-ate. Other roles that I have filled includeSecretary, Treasurer and Co-facilitator ofa monthly support group meeting. Ad-ditionally, I sit on the Planning AdvisoryCommittee and the Quality AssuranceCommittee for the Center for HealthCare Services.

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Following are nominees for positions up for election on the NAMI Texas Executive Boardand Consumer Council.

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Junior Consumer Director:Donna Durbin

Donna is originally from San Diego,California.␣ Her zest for life and need tohelp others is evident in everything shedoes. Donna is a full-time wife andmother of two, has worked tirelessly as aDomestic Engineer, as well as running herown business from her home for severalyears.␣ She is currently working to helpsupport her family. She is active in herCommunity Church, NAMI ConchoValley Organization, and her ownchildren’s school and activities. Donna isa Mental Health Consumer dedicated␣ to

the recovery process in thelives of other consumers.She is presently serving asthe Consumer RegionalRepresentative for Region4 and facilitates a Con-sumer Support group.␣ Herdesire is to continue␣ this ef-fort, as it has been verybeneficial. Donna’s desire is

to serve on a State level to fill the posi-tion of Jr. Consumer Director. Her dreamis to continue Education for herself as wellas others in all forms of Mental HealthIssues and to be another VOICE heardin honor of all people suffering from Se-rious Mental Illness.

President:Linda Groom

Linda Groom, current President ofNAMI Tarrant County, is a candidate forNAMI Texas President. At this time,Linda is on the NAMI Texas Board as arepresentativeof Region 2and is the cur-rent EducationC o m m i t t e eChair. Linda’sinvolvementwith NAMIbegan after be-ing a co-recipi-ent of NAMIT a r r a n tCounty’s Community Service Award inrecognition of her dedication to consum-ers and families in her day-to-day employ-ment as a property manager. She recallsnot knowing if she and her co-worker haddone anything noteworthy which wouldqualify them for this award. However, aNAMI family member whose son livedon her property assured her that herthoughtfulness and consideration helpedto make a difference in the lives of theresidents affected by mental retardationand mental illness. Since 1993, Linda hasserved on the NAMI Tarrant CountyBoard, beginning with Board Member-at-Large, Vice President, and now Presi-

dent. Additionally, she serves onvarious committees in TarrantCounty such as Paradise CenterResource Board, Mental HealthAdvisory Committee for John Pe-ter Smith Health Network, andDeath Review Committee forMHMRTC. Linda is a Journey ofHope teacher and support groupfacilitator, who contributes tovarious other projects such asHabitat for Humanity in Tarrant

County, who built the first house specifi-

Nominating Committee:Bette Cox

B e t t eCox, currentTreasurer ofN A M IT a r r a n tCounty, isrunning forthe Nominat-ing Commit-tee. Bette hasheld the posi-tion of Treasurer for the past 6 years. Shebelieves her current employment, Re-gional Credit Assistant, has prepared herfor the nominating position. Bette sayslaughing, “I can use my same persuasiveskills in collecting outstanding accountsas we start to collect nominees.” Bette isa family member that faithfully servesNAMI Tarrant County not only as Trea-surer, but has put together many news-letters, serves dinner each month at theregular meeting, teaches Journey of Hope,co-leads a support group, plays a majorrole in all special events, including an-nual Christmas Party, annual Celebrationof Champions, multiple parking lot sales,two trips to the Austin Rallies, and hasattended each State Convention since be-coming a board member. Her goal is tobe inclusive of all.

Secretary:Judy Biggs

Judy Biggs lives inGalveston and hasbeen a member ofNAMI Gulf Coastsince 1991. She wasvice President for sixyears, co-chaired the fund raising galas

Please acquaint yourself withthese nominees as you will havea chance to vote for our 2003leadership at the upcoming stateconvention.

Continues on page 15 Continues on page 15

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disorders. Just a side note, I feel the typeII Diabetes came about through my sed-entary life style while in my depressions,which caused over eating and other nega-tive behaviors. As of today, I know of noone in my family who has diabetes. I wasdiagnosed in 1986 at Baylor Hospital inDallas with a three-month commitment.I didn’t really take control of my illnessand start truly living again until I movedto Lubbock, Texas, (which I think is oneof the only reasons I moved here). WhenI stared learning more about my illnessand moving on the knowledge I’ve re-ceived, that’s when my recovery tookplace. To me, recovery is not a cure, but alife long effort that we continue to man-age, has we become ready.

Here are some credits to my namethat would show you the ways I have pre-pared to help others with brain disordersas your Region 1 Representative for theTexas Consumer Council. I’ve had sev-eral types of leadership training’s, whichI feel is a course that needs to be takenoften. I’ve gone though the Texas Medi-cation Implementation Algorithm(TMA) weekend workshops and workedin Lubbock with the training program,as well as the pilot site. I’ve taken the Peer-to-Peer support classes, Grant Writing,Conflict resolution course though TexasMental Heath Consumers (TMHC) andSouth Plains College. I take an active partin Sunday Morning services at Metropoli-tan Community Church as well as beenin a Chair- person on several committees.I also from time to time volunteer forContact Lubbock, a suicide hot line andreferral center. I’m certified as a SpecialEducation Teacher and have taught in Ft.Worth and Lubbock. Therefore, at thistime I really feel I am willing to make thecommitment to continue my recovery, totake chance, make changes in my life aswell, so that I can better sever my peerswith brain disorders.

I have many goals for Region 1, aswell as for Texas, but here are the mostimportant at this time to me.

1.To give persons living with a BrainDisorder more hope and empower-ment.a. Through TIMA, Team Solution,

and other courses like this.b. Through support groups, such as:

Peer-to Peer, Bi-Polar,c. Through multi-media such as

Living with Schizophrenia, InOur Own Voices, and others.

2.To get a program started to bridgethe gap for those who want to crossover from institutional ways of life,and get back into the work force(what ever that space and place maybe)a. Through the Fountain House

model sometimes called the ClubHouse.

3.To continue to Eliminate Stigmawithin NAMI and in our communi-tiesa. Though educational programs.b. Though workshopsc. Though Panel Groups for Health

Professionals, Community Lead-ers, Local MHMR’S, Our LocalNAMI’S and Affiliates.

4.To get more of our NAMI consum-ers more actively involved Locallyand State wide

5.Our own State Convention.a. To show the benefits of meeting

with others across the state thathave a brain disorders.

b. To get people more enthusiastic,by showing the fun one couldhave at our State Conference.

c. To get more consumers to speakat the conferences.

d. To get more funding for confer-ences, by way of grants, privatedonation, pharmaceutical co. andother, new fund-raisers.

Last but not least, anyone who as thedesire to work, and become a voice forothers, could be a part of this excitingnew Consumer Council Team or Affili-ate Rep. for Region 1 or your own localregion. At this time I’m still willing toserve for the next term. I want to con-tinue to help set up more of the founda-tion of this position, for the Next Groupof New Consumer Council Representa-tives.

Remember all voting will take placein Austin this year, during the NAMIState Convention.

WILL I SEE YOU?

Always keep in mind, All things arePossible if you first Try and then Ask forHelp and Support!

P. S. Feel free to contact me at anytime ifany questions.My e-mail: speetalk62@hotmail.com orAt my home: (806) 793-7906Sincerely,Monte AnderwaldTexas Region 1, Consumer Council Rep-resentative

Monte Anderwald,continued from page 10

I am continually seeking opportuni-ties to speak out for the rights of con-sumers. I am presenting at the NAMI Na-tional Conference in Ohio on the “Build-ing of a Consumer Council”. If electedto continue representing Region 7, Ipromise to be available to help furtherthe consumer movement in Region 7.The only way to stop the stigma and dis-crimination is to speak out and educatethose who do not understand. I am equalto this task. Thank you for your vote.

Martha Ortegon,continued from page 10

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Proposed NAMI Texas By-Laws Amendments

The following proposed NAMI Texas by-law amendments will be on the 2002Convention Ballot as RESOLUTIONS. They will NOT be considered as actualchanges and/or amendments for this election.

1. “To ensure effective representation of all the members, NAMITexas will conduct statewide elections by mail ballots. Theballots will be distributed after the nominees for each positionhave been introduced by means of the newsletter, includingthose persons running for Consumer Director positions.”

2. “To ensure the voice of the Texas Consumers, NAMI Texasshall uphold and financially support a standing ConsumerCouncil as an integral part of its grassroots organization.”

3. “In accordance with the NAMI National Bylaws recommen-dations, that one-third, 1/3 of the Board of Directors by NAMIFamilies or Affiliates. That Associate members be individualsor representatives of Corporate or Organizations that supportthe purposes of NAMI National and NAMI Texas. They willbe requested to pay memberships to NAMI Texas and shall beinvited to all privileges of membership including voting andholding office.”

Each of the above proposed amendments and will be further studied by the NAMI TexasBy-laws committee, and submitted to the NAMI Texas Board of Directors for their review forinclusion within the appropriate location in the current NAMI Texas By-laws. Any additionsand/or changes will then be presented to the Membership to be voted on at the 2003 Conven-tion.

Please accept our apologies and thanks to all the individuals who worked on the aboveproposed changes or additions to the current By-laws. It was after careful review and consider-ation that it was determined that each of the proposed amendments should have further studyand that they should be presented for vote this year as resolutions. We appreciate your under-standing as we move forward in addressing these issues.

The following By-Laws Amendment WILL be voted on at the 2002 Convention:

Article VIIIFiscal Year:Changes are in italics and bolded

The fiscal year of NAMI Texas shall begin on the first day ofJanuary (September) and end on the last day of December(August) of each year.

This change will provide more consistent management as it places NAMI Texas on the samefiscal year as the Texas Department of MHMR.

14

and his colleagues from UT-Health Sci-ence Center/San Antonio, and Dr. Rich-ard Wilcox from the College of Pharmacyat UT Austin. Through these presenta-tions drug abuse and co-occurring men-tal disorders will address the latest projectresearch, the neurobiology of addictions,and psychosocial aspects of managing theproblem. Dr. Andrew Harper and Dr.Sonja Randle, child and adolescent psy-chiatrists from the University of TexasMedical School at Houston, will tacklethe question of whether we should medi-cate our children and address the issueof multiple medications, discuss the dif-ferences in prescribing for children andadults, explain what drugs can and can-not achieve, and explain how caregiverscan become better informed about medi-cations taken to help advocate for theirchild. On the other end of the spectrum,Dr. Robert Jimenez will discuss “MentalHealth Issues in the Geriatric Popula-tion” and “Social Phobia, Panic Attacksand Other Anxiety Disorders.” Schizo-phrenia will be the topic for Kale Jordonand Lisa Carillo of ACT Services of Texas– and their clients who will discuss theirexperiences. Mark Hardwick, Presidentof NAMI Texas will moderate a panel ofexperts on Medications, providing theopportunity for us to review what’s news,what’s old, and what’s on the horizon.

Dr. Xavier Amador, Saturday’s lun-cheon speaker, addresses the first stepto recovery in his book “I Am not Sick,I Don’t need Help—A Practical Guidefor Families and Therapists.” Dr.Amador is now a member of the NAMINational Education staff working on pro-grams to help consumers and families dealwith chronic and persistent mental illness.NAMI advocates Doug Elbert and LindaZweifel will discuss a self-help programfor recovery, presenting techniques tosupplement medications. Barbara Roos ofHarris County MHMRA will address acomprehensive treatment plan for psy-chosocial rehabilitation. Sherron Lee

Cantu’s personal story of recovery willhighlight the spiritual aspects of hope,faith and strength.

Multicultural Sensitivity andStigma

What does it mean to be sensitive toanother’s culture? Rick Ybarra puts it wellwhen he asks, “How Can You Help MeIf You Don’t Understand My Culture?”Dr. Rhan Bailey from The University ofTexas Medical School in Houston alsoexamines cultural issues involved in thediagnosis and treatment of brain disor-ders. NAMI’s commitment to culturalsensitivity is evident in the translationsoffered at the convention. Father GusScicard and Roger Morin will be assist-ing in the translation of selected work-shops from English to Spanish.

Support, Fun, and RelaxationSome heavy stuff huh? Where are we

going to put all these ideas to words andformulate our opinions – where are wegoing to dialogue with friends? The Fri-day night reception will provide time torelax, eat, and visit with friends. A hos-pitality suite for consumers will offer aplace to relax, enjoy drinks and snacksand meet new people. Exhibitor boothsare gathering places for participants toexchange ideas while getting informationon the latest treatment and support sys-tems. Saturday night will provide an op-portunity to enjoy the amenities of thehotel while eating hamburgers by the pooland listening to the bluegrass band “WeSorta Tried.”

During the convention, LouisBaudoux of Austin State Hospital willdiscuss coping strategies available throughmusic therapy, and Ruth Jansa will pro-vide direction on how to use “Yoga onthe Go” as a way to de-stress.

Doing It All!While the variety and number of

workshops mean choice – there is a way

to take home a piece of it all. Tapes willbe available for selected workshops for$10.00 each.

PLEASE CHECK THE NAMIWEBSITE (http://texas.nami.org) forprogram updates, registration materials,and other information about the con-vention.

Convention, continued from page 6

Submission Tips, continued from page 3

• Don’t use spacebar spaces as a format-ting device–we have to remove them.Instead, use your word processor’s tabruler in conjunction with paragraphreturns and line breaks.

• No need to put two spaces betweensentences. In typeset material, onespace is all you need for visual separa-tion.

• Learn the difference between a linebreak and a paragraph break–and usethem appropriately.

• Paragraph indents will be createdwhen the article is typeset–don’t in-sert a tab or spacebar spaces at the be-ginning of every paragraph.

• Don’t insert extra paragraph returnsbetween paragraphs–just use one re-turn to start a new paragraph.

• Use tabs to set off bullet list items. Alsouse tabs to create any tabular item suchas a table. Don’t use multiple tabs tomove text across a line– instead useone tab and set a position on yourword processor’s tab ruler.

• Use bolding and italics for enphasis,but use underlining only sparingly, ifat all. Note that␣ type set in ALL CAPSis very hard to read–so try to avoid.

Graphics and ImagesSupply digital images as 300 PPI

greyscale TIFF files. Other art should bein EPS format. Check with Lee Eddy foradditional help in sizing submitted art.

If you adhere to these practices, you’llbe helping us to present your informa-tion in an attractive and readable format.

15

Congratulations NAMI TexasBy Janet Paleo

ongratulations to NAMI Texas forreceiving the National NAMI ConsumerCouncil Award given to the state thatexemplifies consumer inclusion. I will bepresenting the award to the Board at thenext Board meeting. There were two ofthe NAMI Texas Consumer Council(NAMITXCC) members present alongwith Linda Zweifel, Silvia DeLeon andDianne Bisig. I am grateful for the sup-port of everyone who helped start thisreality of ensuring that consumers havean active voice in this organization. I es-pecially thank Tom Hamilton and LynnLasky who helped start this work. I alsowant to thank Joe Lovelace for encour-aging me to run for the ConsumerDirector’s position four years ago. Also,thanks to the many members who gaveme the support and courage to go on—especially Leo DiValentino, HalWhitfield and Bonnie Bowman. Thesepeople were instrumental in having thevoice of the consumers heard in NAMITexas.

I wish all of you could have heardthe presentation done by the members ofthe NAMITXCC. It was outstanding. Tosee the personal growth of the membersbecause of being on the council, and tosee the leadership ability␣ displayed wasawesome. Kudos to all the members ofthe consumer council for all the work andleadership that they have shown. Thankyou to the members from the NAMITexas organization that showed up tosupport our NAMITXCC at their pre-sentation.

So many of the consumers from otherstates were aching to find out how to findacceptance as we have here in Texas. Oneeven told me that she is thinking of mov-ing to Texas as she has family here. Thatis membership growth, when people wantto move to your state because you areshowing acceptance of them and their ill-ness. NAMI Texas you have much to beproud of, not only the award, but themovement you have made to eliminat-ing the stigma by listening, accepting, and

encouraging the people that this organi-zation is all about. Thank you personallyfor myself, as I too, have grown im-mensely because of this organization. Infact, I was elected to be the chair of theNational NAMI Consumer Council.This would not have been possible justsix years ago. By your inclusion of me, Ihave grown into a leadership position andhave found that life is possible after diag-nosis. I now thank you for giving othersthe opportunity you gave me. Congratu-lations and thank you again.

education course, Partnerships, twice ayear. She was elected a Director for NAMITexas from Region 8 in 1999 and re-elected in 2001.

Judy has a grown son with schizo-phrenia. She retired in 1998 after 24 yearsas Secretary/Office Manager of theRosenberg Library in Galveston. Herhusband, Bill, is very supportive of herNAMI activities and also participates inand is committed to NAMI.

Linda’s favorite activity is Celebration ofChampions that recognizes the “truechampions” in the battle against mentalillness. As a family member, Linda firmlybelieves that support and involvement ofconsumers must always be a priority inthe NAMI Texas organization. If electedPresident, Linda would like to focus onadditional support from the state level forall local affiliates, providing resources thatwould enhance their abilities to reach outin the communities through education,support and advocacy efforts.

Judy Biggs Nomination,continued from page 11

Linda Groom Nomination,continued from page 11

CC

NAMI Texas E-Group:An Excellent Way To GetInformed

The NAMI Texas E-Group isa wonderful resource tool for anyindividual wanting to keep abreastof news and issues related to men-tal health. Presently the group hasclose to 200 members exchangingideas, information, stigma alerts,as well as medical breakthroughsand legislative topics dealing withmental health service funding andindividual’s rights to mentalhealth care. The service is pro-vided to you via e-mail and is freeof charge. If you are interested injoining the NAMI Texas E-Group, please e-mail Lee Eddy,NAMI Texas Outreach SupportSpecialist, at lee@texami.org withthe subject line of “NAMI TEXASE-Group-Subscribe” and you’ll beadded to our informative onlinecommunity.

16

Board MeetingThe next NAMI Texas

board meting will be held onSunday, September 8 from8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Thiswill occur at the close of the18th Annual Convention atthe Omni Southpark Hotelin Austin.

AOT Summit ResultsJackie Shannon, Chair

NAMI Texas Public Policy Committee

n July 25 and 26, representatives ofthe NAMI Texas Public Policy Commit-tee along with some invited participants,held a summit to determine an officialpolicy position on the issue of AssistedOutpatient Treatment.

A special thanks goes to Eli Lilly andJack Jones who underwrote the cost ofthe Summit, with no expectations otherthan it would facilitate a democratic pro-cess.

NAMI Texas could not have man-aged to hold or conduct the meeting tothe desired level of quality without theparticipation of each of the invited pre-senters: Jonathan Stanley, from the Treat-ment Advocacy Center; Judge GuyHerman, Probate Judge in Travis County;Beth Mitchell, Advocacy, Inc.; KimMcPherson, the Mental Health Associa-tion in Texas; Dr. Joel Feiner, psychiatristfrom Dallas, TX; and Lynn Rutland, Ex-ecutive Director of the MHMR Servicesof the Concho Valley.

The goal of the summit was to havea full and fair deliberation on the meritsof Assisted Outpatient Treatment beforearriving at a decision. The two questionswe had to answer:

a. Should Texas amend its involuntaryoutpatient treatment law to providefor Assisted Outpatient Treatment,i.e. Kendra’s Law?

b.Should NAMI Texas lead in the pro-cess?Unanimous responses were given to

both questions after a long afternoon’s de-liberation.

We concluded that the present Texasinvoluntary outpatient commitment lawis adequate and need not be amended;however, we agreed that it should be usedmore frequently.

We identified the barriers to usageof the current law:

1.A deep and wide lack of understand-ing of the mechanics of the law bythe Judiciary, Law Enforcement,Mental Health Providers, Consum-ers and Families;

2.A lack of community collaborationbetween the groups mentioned in #1,along with other community stake-holders, to put in place mechanismsfor implementation, use and over-sight of Involuntary OutpatientTreatment;

3.A lack of a defined set of services,based upon best practices, that wouldbe delivered under a court order inreturn for the patient’s surrender ofhis individual autonomy; and

4.A lack of sufficient funds to insurethe delivery of the outpatient treat-ment ordered.The group recommended that

NAMI Texas submit a written report tothe Senate Health & Human ServicesCommittee and the House Public HealthCommittee outlining our conclusionsand our intent to lead in the process.

The group also endorsed NAMITexas full pursuit, in this next Legislativesession, of the funding for the Adult “AtRisk” Legislative Appropriations Requestby TDMHMR.

However, NAMI Texas will proposethis funding NOT be allocated across thestate in the traditional manner. Instead,we will encourage the Legislature andTDMHMR to structure the funding tomotivate programmatic and behavioralchange.

Pilot funding would be allocated tothose communities who put forth a re-sponse to a request for a proposal that

eliminates and overcomes the barriers toeffective treatment in the community ofthe “At Risk” Adult population, includ-ing the use, where appropriate, of Invol-untary Outpatient Commitment ratherthan Involuntary Inpatient Commit-ment.

Joe Lovelace and I have been chargedto prepare a preliminary report for ourPublic Policy Committee, which we willreview and act upon prior to the annualNAMI Texas meeting in September. Thispolicy position will then need to be rati-fied by the full NAMI Texas Board ofDirectors at their meeting immediatelyfollowing the convention.

In the meantime, the ripples fromthis effort will continue to be felt acrossthis state as our interested groups con-tinue to work together to improve ser-vices for our fellow Texans who live withserious mental illness.

OO

17

President’s Message, continued from page 1

will conduct focus groups in each regionto get input from the community andgrassroots membership. This process willbe different from past attempts at plan-ning because never before have so manymembers been given the chance to bedirectly involved in developing the mis-sion and strategic direction for NAMITexas.

Based on these extensive process andmember inputs, I will propose a guidingset of principles, structures and systemsfor the BOD approval. It is my hope thatthese principles will point us in a unifiedand collective direction and still leaveconsiderable room for the grassroots tobuild upon over the years with new ini-tiatives and specific action steps. The“statement of strategic direction” needsto be a “living document” subject tochange as we go forward.

As John Gardner once noted, there are“No Easy Victories” in the public policyarena. As we start to develop our strategicdirection, we need to assess our priorities andget input from the grassroots on the direc-tion for NAMI Texas. Our point of viewneeds to be ground in the central idea thatwe are asking for things that are an entitledhuman right not favors or handouts whenthe State feels they can afford it.

It is time for all NAMI members torealize that although we have come a longway; our persistence and steadfast tweak-ing of the system have at times fallen ondeaf ears. Ignorance, fear and money areno longer acceptable excuses for inaction.America has the resources to solve themental health problems in our commu-nities and we must renew our commit-ment to reach out and educate and stoptaking no for an answer when it comesto affordable services and support.

What public policy leaders are lack-ing is the will to do something aboutneurological brain disorders that strike sixout of ten families in America. The deathand devastation in the mental healtharena may not be as dramatic as Septem-

ber 11th but the slow death and loss ofloved ones’ lives is an invisible daily hap-pening in each of our communities.

In NAMI, we have worked hard toeducate ourselves about mental illness andits devastating impact on consumers andfamilies. At times it is frustrating to keepthe struggle going, but we must never for-get our vision to create opportunities fora quality of life for consumers and even-tually eradicate stigma and the negativeeffects of neurological brain disorders. Weare learning that to get help from underfunded and overworked systems we musteducate the public, which ignores or doesnot see severe and chronic mental illnessas a priority social issue.

Now it is up to each and every oneof us to realize that individual initiativeis unstoppable and that a more forcefulapproach to change is ennobling. Wemust continue our efforts to improve af-fordable housing, insurance parity, SocialSecurity responsiveness, more effectiveoutpatient treatment options, prison re-form and education/support of familiesand consumers among many others.

My call to action is simple andstraight. It is a process with four initia-tives creating a renewed and revitalized“social movement” for NAMI Texas:1. Changing the culture of NAMI. De-

velop a new “Strategic Direction” forNAMI Texas. Reorganization ofNAMI into strong regional and localgrassroots change advocates. The stateoffice and staff will provide the bestpractices models and technical assis-tance to make this a reality.

2. We must reach out beyond the men-tal health communities to createawareness and a desire for change inthe public. The public must start tohear and feel the inhumane way manyof our loved ones are being treated.

3. Increase and expand membership.Within three years, let us celebrate thatwe have increased our membership by100%. Each of us needs to reach out

and bring in one new member to theNAMI Texas family every year for thenext three years. The population to se-lect from is over 2 million and we haveless than 10,000 members.

4. Continue to strengthen the State of-fice infrastructure (management pro-cess, budgeting, staffing and systems)and develop responsive program andtechnical assistance for our grassrootsorganizations.In conclusion, I want to remind us

all that we can make a difference and thatthis strategic direction process will pro-vide us an opportunity as individuals andas a community to learn, share and setour agenda for the future. As MargaretMead, the famous anthropologist said,“Never doubt that a small group ofthoughtful and concerned citizens canchange the world; indeed, it is the onlything that ever has.”

simply a vision of closing those gaps to-gether so that we could share with othersNAMI’s vision and mission of hopethrough education, support, and advo-cacy.

NAMI Texas is very excited aboutour continued outreach endeavors spe-cific to South Texas in the coming yearwith new ideas, new energy, and the newleadership brought by Dianne to our or-ganization. As Regional Coordinator, Ican certainly coordinate efforts of net-working, partnerships, and communitydevelopment, but it will take coming to-gether as a NAMI family to “Build ourCommunities of Hope.” I am convincedthat objectivity and focus can and willstrengthen our cause and together we canmake a difference because of the dedica-tion and perseverance of so many folkswho care.

South Texas Report, continued from page 9

18

Please cut along dotted line and remit with check or money order payable to NAMI Texas, 611 South Congress Avenue, Suite 430, Austin, TX 78704NAMI Texas is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.Contributors at all Community of Open Minds levels will receive the NAMI Texas News and will be recognized in future issues.

Conquering mental illness and destroying the stigma/discrimination takes work every day of the year.Help NAMI Texas to shape a better future for those with brain disorders by joining our

COMMUNITY OF OPEN MINDS: Individual donors whose ongoing contributions help Texans every day!

Open Your Mind

I want to join NAMI Texas’ Community of Open Minds! Please select by checking one of the following levels:❏ Donor Up to $99❏ Friend $100 to $499❏ Special Friend $500 to $999❏ Sponsor $1,000 to $2,999❏ Patron $3,000 to $4999❏ Benefactor $5000 and above

I will send my contribution (please check one ) ❏ monthly ❏ quarterly ❏ annually

Name: Telephone:

Address:

City: State: ZIP:

E-mail: FAX:

Andy Gibson,continued from page 10

represents every consumer in our greatstate as well as reminds me that mentalillness does not discriminate. It crossesover every social, cultural, and ethnicbackground.

There are several things that I hopeto address, if elected to represent Region4. Education is a big part of my platform.A vote for me is a guarantee that all sixaffiliates in the Region 4 area will see thetraining and implementation of the con-sumer education program “Team Solu-tions.” I believe that knowledge is powerand that, without these certain programsin place, we will not be able to move for-ward together, in order to better supportand advocate for ourselves as well as beproactive when it concerns our own in-dividual treatment.

As you might have already been ableto see, I believe in networking with otheraffiliates. Therefore, I promise to workclosely with every affiliate in my regionand will do my best to help meet the

needs that their consumers face, especiallywhen it comes to education and support.I care about those, who are like myselfand I want y’all to know that I am veryeasily accessible and am willing to helpyou out to the best of my abilities.

Finally, I promise to never make adecision without first asking how my re-gion feels about it. When you are a rep-resentative, you go to session every quar-ter and sometimes will have to vote oncertain issues that are very important. Be-cause I represent you, the consumer whoresides in the Region IV area, I need toknow how you feel about the topics thatare being discussed and voted upon andhow they might affect you in the longrun. That’s why you should elect me. Iwill represent you, regardless of mythoughts or beliefs, come voting time.Isn’t that the kind person you want torepresent your region?

So, when it comes time to vote, donot settle for anything but the best.

NAMI TEXAS AFFILIATESPOTLIGHT:Did your affiliate just complete asuccessful event? Is your affiliatemaking incredible ground in thefight against stigma? Do you be-lieve that your affiliate is in needof special recognition for all thatit does? In future issues of theNAMI Texas News, local affiliateswill be ‘spotlighted’ for their dif-ferent achievements. If you believethat your local NAMI is in needof recognition, please write a 150-200 word paragraph explainingwhy your local NAMI should bespotlighted. Include any picturesyou may want printed as well ascontact information. Please sendto Lee Eddy at the NAMI Texasoffice (611 South Congress Av-enue, Suite 430, Austin, TX78704) or e-mail lee@texami.org.

19

Board members Visit NewNAMI Texas Offices

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDAustin, TX

Permit# 3441

611 South Congress, Suite 430

Austin, TX 78704

512-693-2000

FAX: 512-693-8000

Join Us!Working together we can improve the quality of life for persons with mental illness.

NAMI Texas Membership Application FormPlease clip and mail to: NAMI Texas, 611 South Congress, Suite 430, Austin, TX 78704

NOTE: This form is NOT for renewing a current or expired membership.Contact your local affiliate to find out how to renew your membership.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________________________________

Member ❏ $25 Benefactor ❏ $500(Individual or Family)

Consumer ❏ $10 Sponsor ❏ $1,000

Professional ❏ $35 Newsletter Only ❏ $15

Organization ❏ $100 Open Door ❏ $3**(for persons on restricted income)

❏ I wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to help NAMI Texas to improve the quality of lifefor persons with serious mental illnesses. Please accept my donation of $ ______

✄