ALTERNATIVES 2002 - BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS:
Strengthening Networks & Taking Action Together
September 18 - 22, 2002
Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Peachtree
Funded by:
Center for Mental Health Services
Hosted by:
CONTAC (Consumer Organization & Networking Technical Assistance Center): 1-888-825-8324
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network: 1-800-297-6146
CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT - CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
Deadline for receipt of proposals is May 5, 2002
The Consumer Organization & Networking Technical Assistance Center (CONTAC), in cooperation with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, is
pleased to announce it is hosting the Alternatives 2002 Conference. You are invited to join other mental health consumers/survivors/ex-patients in "BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS: Strengthening Networks & Taking Action Together".
Mark your calendar for September 18-22,and enjoy Alternatives 2002 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Peachtree.
About Alternatives:
The Alternatives Conference is an inspiring and empowering peer conference where participants have an opportunity to meet others with similar experiences. An educational event, Alternatives has 90 minute workshops, 3 hour institutes, and caucus groups, providing a venue for networking,
skill building, and sharing recovery-oriented ideas and program information.
Alternatives promotes diversity of participation in an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance. It highlights the many roles and contributions
of mental health peers across the nation and territories. Alternatives is made possible through funding from the Center for Mental Health Services.
About Atlanta:
Atlanta is the birthplace of the civil rights movement with living memorials, such as The King Center, that is dedicated to the advancement of the
legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of America's greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality, and peace. Coming to Atlanta, with its incredible sense of history, is an important way to renew our partnerships with other social change movements.
The Conference Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta is within walking distance of numerous business, historical, and cultural destinations. The hotel is 15 minutes from Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, with an indoor connection to the MARTA public rail system.
Applications for Presentations and more conference information are available on the CONTAC website at
http://www.contac.org/alternatives%202002.htm
About Review Criteria:
A. Reviewers will look for the following criteria:
* Completed application packet
* Theme-related topic
* Fresh application of content
* Practical, useable information
* Culturally sensitive content
* Participant involvement
* Reader-friendly materials, handouts
* Experienced and knowledgeable presenter(s)
* Content compatible with time frame
B. Completed packet must include two copies of:
* An abstract of 90 words or less describing your workshop or institute (If accepted, this will appear in the program.)
* A one-page outline, with general timeframes, listing objectives, materials, and planned activities
* A brief biography (not resume) of each presenter. This biography should be in a narrative (paragraph) form, up to 100 words.
* Completed Call for Presentation application form
About "Building Partnerships"
When two or more persons come together toward a common goal, understanding grows, human bonds strengthen, objectives are clarified, and the
probability of success increases. We are in an age unprecedented in its opportunities to partner as we work to evolve and to create a society that will support the growth of all. We invite you to consider the ways you have partnered with those close to you, as well as with some who you may not have previously thought about and to share with others how you came together in organizing interpersonal connections, creating programs, and/or moving together in efforts to have all voices count.
Category 1: Partnerships
Successful partnerships create opportunities that support recovery and improve lives of people with mental health and/or co-occurring
concerns.
Building partnerships shares resources and lessons-learned in a collaborative manner so that everyone benefits from a common agenda. Submissions will reflect effective programs and activities that show partnership efforts in housing, education, research, employment, social/spiritual
environments, and the arts.
Category 2: Networks
Strengthening networks is essential to survival in our fast-paced world that depends upon mass communication, strong leadership, and efficient,
effective peer-run organizations. Working together to build strong networks keeps the strengths and needs of people with mental health and/or co-occurring concerns in focus. Submissions will emphasize development of skills in organizational leadership, business management, communication technology, cultural awareness, accountability, and coalition building with other groups having common agendas.
Category 3: Action
Individuals and groups take action in a variety of ways. Forming peer groups not only creates a strong voice that influences positive system change, but can be a major step in one's own recovery. Submissions will involve information and techniques for community organizing to build
strength-in-numbers, overcoming service barriers, addressing discrimination, protecting rights, identifying issues, and coalition building.
Mail two proposal copies by May 5, 2002 to:
Alternatives 2002
P.O. Box 500209
Austin, TX 78750
Phone: 512-336-9029
Email: pguyton@horizonmeetings.com
About CONTAC
The Consumer Organization & Networking Technical Assistance Center is one of three national consumer TA centers that rotate hosting the annual
Alternatives Conference. CONTAC is noted for its grassroots emphasis and on-site peer trainings. One program offered by CONTAC is the exemplary
Leadership Academy that focuses on organizational development and collective advocacy. CONTAC was developed using lessons learned about self-help,
recovery, and empowerment. For more information: CONTAC
1-888-825-8324 910 Quarrier Street, Suite 414 - PO Box 11000
Charleston,
West
Virginia 25339 www.contac.org
