It explains the strength gained by organizing and knowing your allies. Listed are specific sources of background material and where to obtain them. It explains writing techniques and provides a sample questionnaire, and has copies of petitions and letters to aid in canvassing and developing new support for your group. There is much valuable information on how to meet with officials in person and on public speaking. This clearly written manual offers many suggestions and would prove an asset to any group or individual desiring to organize effectively.
Copies are available free of charge by contacting the above address or telephone number.
The future of advocacy for persons with mental disabilities . The introduction to this article focuses on the evolution of the American movement to provide advocacy services for people with mental disabilities. Its main theme is the discussion of the need to assure people access to qualified advocates who can aid in the understanding and implementation of mental disability law. Along with describing the need for advocacy services, this article considers the availability of such advocates, analyzes several advocacy models and outlines several critical challenges whose resolution will determine the future of this field. In the development of an integrated and comprehensive advocacy network, the author emphasizes outreach activities, the right of access to the courts, and sources of public funding for advocacy assistance.