In the Force and Coercion plank, everyone opposed the expansion of forced treatment, including involuntary outpatient commitment. The Alternative Services plank developed several consensus statements. The group agreed that the measures of recovery developed by consumers should be linked to research in all spheres, including biomedical, pharmaceutical, policy and advocacy research, as well as the evaluation of traditional mental health services. The Multicultural Issues plank agreed on the importance of developing and increasing the number of mental health services and providers of diverse backgrounds that are available under managed care. Every action plan called for expanding the movement's sphere of influence , by such means as developing statewide coalitions, both within the movement and with natural allies, such as other disability rights groups.
Research can be the voice of consumers.
Summit participants identified the need for activists to acquire expertise in a variety of areas that can be applied to self- and systems advocacy. For example, the Force and Coercion plank reported the need to let people know that outpatient commitment does not work, and that what does make a difference is good community services. The necessity of ensuring broad representation on decision-making boards and committees and ad hoc task forces was also reported. In fact, the need to advocate for improved transportation was noted by several planks. The Summit did not overlook the usefulness of the Internet and other new technologies.