"Volunteers working everyday to promote recovery from mental illness. One challenge; one voice."
Member of the National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations
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2009 Iowa Empowerment ConferenceThe 2009 Iowa Empowerment Conference will be held on August 4th through the 6th in Marshalltown. This year's theme will be "What are Empowerment & Recovery?". The morning of the 4th will feature a consumer organization summit and be followed later in the afternoon with a keynote speech by Dr. Dan Fisher leading national advocate. Stipends are available and must be postmarked by July 7th and received by July 9th. Download a conference packet including stipend request here. The Iowa Advocates in Wisconsin
The Iowa Advocates in Washington
Spread the story of recovery!By speaking ...The Healing Voices campaign is another way to spread the word that recovery happens and erode stigma in Iowa. By sharing your personal story of hope and recovery attitudes change as the power of recovery is understood. Speakers receive a $75 stipend for each speech given. To learn more about Healing Voices call Mike Wood at (712) 255-1691 or email info@hopetalks.com. Just the Beginning ...Consumers of mental health services in most states have been organized for some time. Iowa has finally begun the process. Dr. Daniel Fisher, Director of the National Empowerment Center, met with Iowa consumer and family members during the last week of April 2007. With Dr. Fisher was Molly Cisco, Executive Director of Wisconsin’s Empowerment Project. Those gathered represented many areas of Iowa, were associated with a variety of organizations, and held a variety of views on mental health. However, all believed in the potential to recover and unanimously had a desire to give something back. Iowa Advocates for Mental Health Recovery is the result of those meetings. Our MissionCreate opportunities for advancing hope and recovery for all by transforming our community and the mental health system it reflects to one of respect and trust by educating, advocating and empowering. Our Values1. All consumers can recover. 2. There is hope for every person. 3. Use your life’s pain to guide, encourage, an empower others. 4. Everyone should have equal access to mental health treatment regardless of county of settlement. 5. Peer support is essential to mental health. 6. Consumers should organize to become a stronger voice in the transformation of mental health. 7. Consumers should be accorded basic human rights – to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. back to top ... Common Elements of RecoveryHope and Optimism, a positive belief in one’s ability to live a full and meaningful life despite having, or having had, a mental illness and a belief in future possibilities. Consumer Choice and Autonomy, the ability to make one’s own decisions regarding programs, activities and treatment and the ability to pursue one’s own interests. Respect and Dignity, being appreciated as a person with value and being treated with courtesy, fairness and kindness and being recognized with talents and capabilities. Partnership, recognizing the importance of identifying one’s own needs and goals and sharing in decision making. Empowerment in Personal Control, trusting in one’s self to get better and resume or attain a satisfying life while assuming self management and accepting personal responsibility. Restoration and Personal Growth, encouraging an expansion of capabilities and fostering self-confidence and self-esteem. Self Acceptance and Healing, promoting self awareness and permitting personal forgiveness. Adaptability and Capacity to Improve, recognizing one's potential and ability and have opportunities to contribute. Become a MemberTo become a member of this new movement contact us via email at info@iarecovery.
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On Monday June 29th Mike Wood, Carolyn Ingram and Todd Lange gave a presentation entitled "Iowa Success in Consumer Network Building" at the 2009 Grassroots Empowerment Project Conference at the Wisconsin Dells. This experience provided a great opportunity for consumer groups from Iowa and Wisconsin to connect and to learn about exciting events happening in each state. Dan Fisher gave the keynote presentation about building community. Molly Cisco, the Executive Director of GEP, was present at the formation of the Iowa Advocates in April 2007. We look forward to continued collaboration between our two organizations.
Last month, members of the National Coalition Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations met with Lee Perselay, Disability Counsel for the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and a member of Senator Tom Harkin's staff. Lauren Spiro, Director of Public Policy for the National Coalition, Todd Lange, Executive Director of the Iowa Advocates for Mental Health Recovery (IAMHR) and Lee Perselay discussed issues including the importance of mental health within the greater health care reform initiative. Other topics included the importance of community-based services and the empowerment of people with lived experience throughout the country, including Sen. Harkin's home state of Iowa.