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Special points of interest:
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Advocates Awarded at Bimonthly Meeting
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22 Graduate at SMHA in Norwich on May 8th
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New Advocacy Education Course begins May 10th in New Britain
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Inside this issue:
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Message from the Executive Director
When I wrote a first draft of this column, I was cranky. I was cranky because Samuel Alito had just been appointed to the Supreme Court. I feel his appointment places our rights as people with psychiatric (and other) disabilities in grave danger. I was upset with all of the people who didn't vote or thought that their vote didn't matter. I was upset with the people who didn't understand that the President appoints Supreme Court Justices for a life time term. I was tempted to say that things were hopeless.
Then, in February, the legislative session began. I watched dozens of AU Advocates stand up for our rights. You testified in favor of positive aspects of the DMHAS budget. You testified against budget cuts. You stayed at Public Hearings until 10:00 at night. You attended press conferences supporting the Lieutenant Governor's Mental Health Cabinet recommendations and opposing the cuts of crisis intervention teams. You submitted written testimony when you couldn't appear at the Legislative Office Building in person. You called the Governor's Office and your state senators and representatives when "wraparound" coverage wasn't in the Governor's budget.
I am continually amazed at the power and dedication of AU Advocates. I am amazed at how much we make a difference. I am still cranky about the Supreme Court, but I am also inspired that we can, and always will, make a difference and protect our rights!
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