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Past Events
May 3-4, 2012
- eCPR Training - Austin, Texas
Via Hope is sponsoring a 2-day training in emotionalCPR (or eCPR) conducted by the National Empowerment Center (NEC) with trainers Daniel Fisher, MD, Executive Director of NEC; Eileen Rosen, Texas eCPR; Bill Gilstrap, Texas eCPR
WHEN: May 3rd- 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. & May 4th- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hogg Foundation Bldg., 3001 Lake Austin Blvd., 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78703
WHAT: This training enables one person to help another through an emotional crisis in a mutual fashion using skills of Connecting, emPowering, and Revitalizing.
COST: NO registration fee. However, class size is limited.
INCLUDED: Breakfast and lunch, both days. (Participants will be responsible for their own overnight accommodations, dinner, and transportation. A limited number of scholarships for financial assistance are available from Via Hope. Call 1-877-482-8550 or email info@viahope.org for a scholarship application.)
HOW TO APPLY: Visit http://www.viahope.org/events/ecpr-training for additional info, and to download the eCPR Application for Certification Training.
Any questions call 1-800-POWER2U
May 11, 2012
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NEC Technical Assistance Center Presents a Webinar
So You Want to Start a Peer-run Warmline? Ideas, Information, and Inspiration
With Julio Brionez, Trinity Guayante, and Angel Moore
Friday, May 11, 2012 - 1 pm - 2:30 pm EST (10 am - 11:30 am PST)
Click here to register (Registration will close at 5 pm on Thursday, May 10)
Peer-run warmlines are designed by and for people who have experience with mental health crisis, healing, and recovery.
They are based on the principles of mutual support, healing through relationships, and the wisdom of lived experience. Peer-run warmlines represent important crisis alternatives in that they view crisis as a gateway to learning and growth. They can help reduce costly and often re-traumatizing psychiatric hospitalization, and help people to recover a sense of hope and purpose in their lives. Speakers from the David Romprey Oregon Warmline and the Montana Warmline will share their firsthand experience on the elements of a successful peer-run warmline, including the start-up phase, recruitment, outreach/promotion, and ongoing support of warmline workers. In addition, useful tips on using technology and social media to create a more cost-effective and efficient warmline will be provided.
About the presenters:
Julio Brionez works with Mental Health America (MHA) of Montana http://www.montanamentalhealth.org. Julio heads up social media for MHA, which includes podcasting, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and video-based peer support groups. Julio also runs the MHA website, and puts out their weekly e-blast mental health news updates.
Trinity Guayante works for Community Counseling Solutions as the coordinator of the David Romprey Warmline. Trinity believes that everyone deserves a chance and that we are all on this path together and that our world will be a better place if we practice building each other up. Having personally been a survivor of trauma on many levels, she has dedicated her life to those who may need kindness and support.
Angel Moore works for Community Counseling Solutions as manager of the David Romprey Oregon Warmline and is a Certified National IPS Trainer. Angel says, “Recovery became a new way of life, living without the use of drugs and now a life of mental wellness and stability." For the past 16 years Angel has shared her experience strength and hope without shame or guilt so that maybe it may inspire someone else to share theirs and help others.
June 6-8, 2012
- Coming off Psychiatric Drugs: A Harm Reduction Approach
Facilitated by Will Hall & Oryx Cohen
To be filmed by Daniel Mackler
Hosted by Voices of the Heart
June 6-8, 2012, Glens Falls NY - from 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
Please join VOH for this three day training
Training Covers:
- Going off and reducing meds, and developing medication alternatives.
- Using a Harm Reduction Perspective.
- Recovery and Person Centered education framework for understanding medications, risks and benefits.
- Collaborative Education Approaches
- Skill Building for medication empowerment and optimization in peer support and clinical settings.
- How can we learn to reduce and come off medications safely?
- What do we do about the lack of support from doctors and mental health providers.
- Based on more than 10 years of peer and professional experience, the training will prepare people to support people reducing and coming off medications responsibly and safely.
- This training is not medical advice but offers education to make informed medication decisions.
There has already been a high degree of interest in the training and spaces are limited. As a result, we are asking people to apply to do the training and we have set areas of priority, which we will use when selecting participants.
Please download the flyer which includes an application.
Applicatioins due by Tuesday May 15, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Flyer/Application (PDF, 2.25MB, 3 pages)
September 19-21, 2012
- 25th Anniversary Intervoice & World Hearing Voices Congress
Working to Recovery, Asylum Associates and Hearing Voices Network Cymru in
conjunction with Intervoice
Presents
The Hearing Voices Network 25 Years On:
Learning from the PAST,
Practicing in the PRESENT,
Visioning the FUTURE
19th, 20th & 21st September 2012 in Cardiff, Wales, UK
For more information please visit www.intervoiceonline.org
Please click here for the call for papers (PDF, 109KB, 3 pages)
October 10-14, 2012
- Alternatives 2012 - Honoring Our History, Building Our Future
Peerlink National Technical Assistance Center announces the 26th annual Alternatives Conference, the oldest national mental health conference organized by and for mental health consumers/survivors, to be held at:
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
www.alternatives2012.us
Past Events
April 26-27, 2012
-
Expanding our Vision:
Positive Outcomes from around the World
One-day conference in Denver, Colorado (with other adjunct activities)
Location: The Colorado Institute of Mental Health
Presenters:
Elizabeth Kenny, actor, writer and teacher, who has been working in professional theater
since 1993. She will perform her play, Sick, which uses her masterful storytelling skills to translate her lived experience of misdiagnosis and over medication. She teaches acting and storytelling workshops that that help participants transform, elevate, and clarify their own stories. (www.shadylaneproductions.org)
Joanne Greenberg, author of 18 books including I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, a fictionalized depiction of Joanne Greenberg's treatment experience at Chestnut Lodge Hospital
in Rockville, Maryland, during which she was in psychoanalytic treatment with Frieda Fromm-Reichmann. ( (www.mountaintopauthor.com)
Robert Whitaker, an award-winning science journalist and the author, most recently, of Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America (2010). (www.madinamerica.com)
Daniel Mackler, documentary filmmaker of Open Dialogue Approach in Finland and Swedish Healing Homes, has visited innovative programs throughout the world. (www.iraresoul.com/dvd.html)
Ron Bassman, author, clinician and policy-maker. In his book, A Fight to Be, Ron shares insights from his recovery as a patient and tells how he uses that experience in his later work as a psychologist and advocate. (www.ronaldbassman.com)
Adjunct Activities
The Living Stories Workshop -
April 26, 2012
A powerful one day workshop facilitated by Elizabeth Kenny, a Seattle actor and writer who has been working in the professional theater for 24 years. The workshop is based on the techniques Elizabeth used to create her critically acclaimed and award winning solo play Sick. The Living Stories workshop will introduce and explore tools and techniques for uncovering, crafting and telling stories that open dialogues and change perspectives. In this all day workshop participants will experience practical exercises that explore what story is, who is the audience, what is the responsibility of the speaker or storyteller and most importantly are we saying what we mean. In the afternoon participants will put their new skills into practice by using the morning exercises to start crafting and constructing stories of their own.
Download flyer for Living Stories Workshop
The play, Sick, was performed on Thursday, April 26th
See flyer for more information
Drama Fest 2012: Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 25
See flyer for more information
Additional Event Information
Event Program (PDF, 531KB, 1 page)
Event Flyer (PDF, 597KB, 1 page)
For more information, please call
303-751-7511
Sponsored by the National Empowerment Center
Local Organizer: Amy Smith
Local organizations welcoming the National Empowerment Center Conference to Colorado: Advocates for Recovery, BrainStorm Career Services, CHARG Resource Center, ClearMind, Inc., Colorado Association of Alcohol and Drug Service Providers, Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, Colorado Center for Clinical Excellence, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, Colorado Division of Behavioral Health, Colorado Mental Wellness Network, Colorado Youth Voice, The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, Mindfreedom International, and People House.
April 24-26, 2012
- Human Rights Advocacy & Organizing - presented by International Human Rights Expert Tina Minkowitz
Please join VOH and MHEP for this two and a half-day training.
At the end of the training all participants will have:
- An Understanding of International Human Rights.
- An Understanding of how we can use Human Rights in our Advocacy.
- An Understanding of how Human Rights Principles are practiced in Peer Support & Organizing.
- An Understanding of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Developed Advocacy skills for state & federal governments to comply with Human Rights.
The Training will take a hands-on approach using exercises to explore what it means to "do human rights".
Thematic issues will be addressed according to the interests of participants:
(Prison & Mental Systems, legal capacity, reparations for psychiatric torture, poverty, right to work, and/or implications of the CRPD for mental health policy.)
Facilitated by: Tina Minkowitz - International Human Rights Expert
Please contact Daniel Hazen @ voicesdirector@gmail.com or call 518-798-1100 with any questions.
Application and registration visit www.voicesoftheheart.net or click here for pdf (262KB, 2 pages)
April 18, 2012
- I Never Promised You a Rose Garden sponsored by Volunteers in Psychotherapy
Wednesday, April 18 from 7-9 PM
University of Hartford,
Gengras Student Union
Joanne Greenberg initially published her book, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden under a pseudonym, since it was a semi-autobiographical depiction of her recovery from "schizophrenia" through psychotherapy with Dr. Frieda Fromm Reichmann, while an inpatient at a psychiatric hospital.
Dr. Greenberg is now a college professor, author of 17 published books, wife and mother.
She is an advocate for humane, egalitarian help for people who are emotionally confused, overwhelmed or distraught... the people we now misleadingly refer to as "mentally ill."
When Dr. Greenberg heard of greater Hartford's Volunteers In Psychotherapy — she was so enthusiastic for VIP's unique offering — free therapy that people earn through community volunteer work — that she immediately offered to assist VIP.
This April 18 presentation, which is free and open to the public, is Dr. Greenberg's effort to benefit VIP's program.
The evening presentation is co-sponsored by Volunteers In Psychotherapy and the Department of Psychology at University of Hartford, its Psi Chi Honors Society and Active Minds.
March 2, 2012
-
Webinar: Get Social! Using Social Media to Advance Your Mission, Raise Awareness, and Provide Peer Support
Description
Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Podcasting, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google Plus. In an ever-growing social media landscape, it is easy to feel lost and not know where to begin. Our presenters will help you find your place on the social media map and head out on your personal or organizational journey. Using real-life stories and anecdotes, each presenter will discuss how their organization developed a social media strategy, the tools they use and how they use them, and the benefits and challenges they have experienced along the way. This webinar is geared towards peers, peer-run organizations, mental health service providers, family members, policymakers, administrators, and all other stakeholders.
Presenters
Julio Brionez heads up social media for Mental Health America (MHA) of Montana.
Jeneé Darden is the media and marketing coordinator for PEERS, Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services, in Oakland, CA.
Eric Jensen is executive assistant/communications coordinator with the Project Return Peer Support Network.
Sponsored by the National Empowerment Center's Technical Assistance Center
Click here for more information (PDF, 151KB, 2 pages)
January 25, 2012
- National Empowerment Center's Peer-Run Respite Webinar Series
Building the Foundation for a Successful Peer-Run Respite: Creating Connections with the Local Community
Peer-Run respites/hospital diversion programs are increasing in numbers and having positive results across the country. Peer-run respites offer an alternative to traditional mental health hospitalization, are operated by peers, and are cost-effective.
The presenters will discuss their first-hand experience with building connections with the community while opening and running a peer-run respite, including how to:
- Lay the groundwork, educate the community, and establish relationships;
- Address common community misconceptions and avoid the “Not in My Backyard (NIMBY)” phenomenon; and
- Maintain positive connections in the local community while operating a peer-run respite.
Building the Foundation for a Successful Peer-Run Respite is the second in a webinar series on peer-run crisis alternatives sponsored by the National Empowerment Center’s Technical Assistance Center. To watch the archive of the first webinar, So You Want to Start a Peer-Run Respite, click here.
Presenters:
Rigel Flaherty
Rigel was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA, and became familiar with the mental health system during a difficult time when she was 20. She started working as a peer counselor in Mental Health Supported Housing in 2003. Rigel became Program Manager for the SAMSHA funded 2nd Story Peer Run Respite House in January 2011.
Alan Green, M.P.A.
Alan is the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Nebraska, Nebraska’s first and only peer-run mental health service provider. Programming includes the HOPE Program (evidence-based practice supported employment), the Keya House (crisis aversion services), statewide wellness/recovery education and advocacy. Mr. Green is a member of the NCMHR Steering Committee.
Clint Taylor
Clint Taylor is the Assistant Director of the Peer Support and Wellness Center in Decatur, Georgia. He is on the steering committee of the Community Health Interfaith Partnership, a coalition working to improve the lives of Georgians with mental health diagnoses. He became a certified peer specialist in August, 2008.
Training Sponsor
This training and the Technical Assistance Center of the National Empowerment Center are funded by:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Center for Mental Health Services
www.samhsa.gov
December 8, 2011
- Robert Whitaker - MAD IN AMERICA UP TO NOW
Award winning journalist, Robert Whitaker will be discussing the state of contemporary mental health in a free presentation and discussion on Thursday, December 8th from 2-4pm
at 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham.
Downloadable Flyer (PDF,
256KB,1 page)
Special Event - November 3, 2011
- Open Dialogue Approach: Alternative Care for Psychosis
Jaakko Seikkula, Ph.D. and Mary Olson, Ph.D.
Is a ‘psychotic crisis’ inside one person’s mind– or does it happen between people in their relationships? Can helping a person find their voice with important others help resolve such crises and alter their course and severity?
Smith College professor and Fulbright scholar Mary Olson, Ph.D., will present with Jaakko Seikkula, Ph.D., one of the main developers of the Open Dialogue Approach in Western Lapland, Finland. Open Dialogue has achieved remarkable success helping people through extreme states labeled ‘psychosis’ and ‘schizophrenia’ while relying much less on medication and hospitalization.
Sponsored by UMassMemorial, The National Empowerment Center, and University of Massachusetts Medical School. Co-sponsored by: The Transformation Center and the Massachusetts Recovery Learning Communities (RLCs).
Further Resources on Open Dialogue
Trailer for "OPEN DIALOGUE," an alternative Finnish approach to healing psychosis - http://www.youtube.com/user/dmackler58#p/a/u/1/aBjIvnRFja4
An interview with Jaakko Seikkula - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywtPedxhC3U
Madness Radio Interview with Mary Olson - http://www.madnessradio.net/madness-radio-mary-olson-open-dialog
November 3-4, 2011
- INTAR (International Network Toward Alternatives for Recovery)
Challenging Our Understanding of Psychosis and Exploring Alternatives for Recovery
University of Toronto, Hart House
For more information: Call Brian McKinnon at 416-285-7996, Ext. 227 or email bmckinnon@alternativestoronto.org
October 28-29, 2011 — Los Angeles, CA
- Alternatives to Biological Psychiatry: If We Don't Medicate, What Do We Do? The annual conference of the International Society for the Study of Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry.
Topics Included: Safe, humane, life-enhancing methods of treating adults, children, families and couples in psychological distress without reliance on psychotropic drugs; Consumer-centered interventions that help people move towards full recovery; What parents and families can do to help children without reliance on psychotropic drugs. [Click to download brochure]
October 26 - 30, 2011
- Alternatives 2011 Was Held in Orlando, FL
Alternatives 2011, the annual national conference organized by and for individuals with psychiatric histories, was held from Oct. 26, 2011, through Oct. 30, 2011, at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Fla. Alternatives 2011 was organized by the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse, a peer-run national technical assistance center funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. www.alternatives2011.org
October 20, 2011
- Gail Hornstein Spoke about the Hearing Voices Network USA in NYC
This was one of the first opportunities in New York City to hear about the exciting work of the Hearing Voices Network, an international collaboration between professionals, people with lived experience of voices, visions, or other unusual or extreme experiences, and their families to develop an alternative approach to coping with emotional distress that is empowering and useful to people, and does not start from the assumption that they have a chronic illness.
NYU LANGONE MEDICAL CENTER
550 First Avenue
New York, NY
Click here for the flyer (PDF, 108KB, 1 page)
September 28, 2011, 1:00 - 2:30 pm EST
-
National Empowerment Center’s Peer-Run Respite Webinar Series: So You Want to Start a Peer-Run Respite? Options and Important Considerations
With Steve Miccio, Daniel Hazen, Dan Fisher, and Rigel Flaherty
Archived presentation and audio-video available now!
The purpose of this webinar was to address specific issues around starting up, maintaining, and sustaining quality peer-run respites. Topics covered included practical tips and suggestions on advocacy, funding, core values and principles, and staffing issues, among others. Click here to view video.
Also available as PowerPoint Presentation and a PDF version:
PowerPoint Presentation (47.2MB)
PowerPoint Presentation as a PDF file (4MB, 48 pages)
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