It is an election year. That means there will be more new members that know little or nothing about the mental health system, issues, and needs. Board members need to establish personal connections with elected officials. Build two-way communications. Become a resource legislators can call on during the session.
Citizens carry so much more weight than bureaucrats and lobbyists.
Share those lists - look for common areas. Get those common messages out statewide to all legislators. Board members need to reach out to the Governor's office. Gov. Locke proposed severe cuts to mental health last biennium. We want to be sure he doesn't do it again.