Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014
2 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. CT, noon MT, 11 a.m. PT
Download the Flyer at the bottom of this page.
All of us have heard an exasperated person say, “You can't fight City Hall!” But that would be wrong: Peers have helped shape policy at the local, state, and national levels. This webinar will cover methods that you can employ to influence decisions affecting yourself and others. Using current advocacy campaigns as illustrations, the session is a chance to discuss best practices in systems advocacy, including such topics as:
- What types of advocacy can non-profits engage in?
- How to identify key legislators at the city, state, and national level;
- How to create relationships with policymakers and administrators and their staffs;
- How to develop policy positions;
- How to create a grassroots action committee;
- How to work in coalition with other groups.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Elisha Coffey, MSW
Program Manager for I CAN at MHASP
Elisha is the program manager of the Involved Consumer Action Network (I CAN) at the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. She supervises a team of advocates who help individuals access and navigate mental health services and other community resources. Elisha also serves on coalitions, boards, and committees that drive system change efforts. Elisha is a member of MHASP’s public policy team, analyzing policy, educating legislators, educating and mobilizing persons in recovery, and writing policy briefs. She is also instrumental in planning and implementing the Youth Point-in-Time Count in Philadelphia. She previously worked with youth aging out of foster care to help them access housing resources. Elisha holds a master’s degree in social work from Temple University.
Adam Nester, MS
Advocate for Mental Health Systems and Policy at MHASP
Adam is the advocate for mental health systems and policy at the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP). His responsibilities include legislative outreach, coalition-building and advocacy training and development, with an emphasis on systems analysis and public policy. He directly works with municipal, state and national legislatures and systems stakeholders, including peers, family members, and service providers. He holds a master’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Saint Joseph’s University.