President’s Message by Diana Wickowicz

Our NAMI – CA President, Gunnar Christiansen addressed the topic of “Bonding” in the last newsletter. I found his comments inspiring. They brought me back to my motivation in becoming an active participant in the organization. I, personally, have much energy and enthusiasm for being an advocate to the mentally ill. Help is needed on so many levels. This includes advocacy, education, support, and clarification of reality for client and society.  The world of the mentally ill is a microcosm, which reflects the biases, warped perceptions, and delusional thought processes of the general public around the issue of mental illness.

 We can do so much to help the public distinguish the real from the unreal with regard to mental illness. We can use the same principles that work for us in dealing with our loved ones. There is so much more strength and energy when we bond together. A groups combined strength far outweighs the size of the group. “There is strength in numbers” is an understatement. Bonding takes the pressure off the few. It also frees and directs the energy of all. As a group we have power to make a difference in our lives, our loved ones lives, and the lives of all those experiencing the toll of mental illness. Join with us! Bond with us! Let’s make a real difference personally and collectively.

 NAMI-SCC is on a mission. Our mission is to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We have an active year planned beginning in September. Our plan is that of education, advocacy, outreach, and support. We have an exciting calendar of speakers planned. We want to advocate for legislative changes, educate law enforcement, and most importantly educate the community to dispel the delusions of the masses and the stigma of the individuals regarding mental illness.

We invite you to “Bond” with us to make this happen.

Opinions expressed in this web site do not necessarily reflect the views of NAMI Santa Cruz County, NAMI California or any affiliated organizations.  We attempt to present a balanced perspective on issues by presenting multiple viewpoints.

Copyright 2005 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Santa Cruz County, All Rights Reserved.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This may contain copyrighted (©) material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml  If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.