Mental Health America Affiliate Standards and Guidelines
This policy, approved by the National Delegate Assembly on Saturday June 7, 2003. Was approved by the National Board of Directors on Sunday June 8, 2003. Amendments require the approval of the National Delegate Assembly.
Mental Health America Standards for Affiliates
Mission
Mental Health America is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and service.
Vision
Mental Health America envisions a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice.
Standards Defined
Standards indicate what is required by all affiliates, regardless of size or their model of affiliation. These standards focus on the mission, vision and goals of the affiliate, not on its day-to-day functions. If an affiliate does not meet a particular standard, this would generate a discussion as to why, and may have implications on its affiliation status. Through training, technical assistance and peer supports, Mental Health America will work with the affiliate network to make these standards a reality for all affiliates.
1. Leadership
Work to achieve the Mental Health America mission and vision of a just, humane and healthy society
Establish and maintain a visible, positiveimage for Mental Health America, and ensure significant influence, so the general public will recognize it as a leading mental health organization
Include consumers, family members and mental health providers in the staffing, leadership and/or operation of the affiliate
Maximize the involvement of volunteers, who represent the diversity of the community and mental health field, in the work of the affiliate
Provide input, feedback and perspective within the Mental Health America network to help shape the direction and development of the Mental Health America movement
2. Affiliate Relations
Execute an affiliation agreement expressing compliance with state and national standards and policies, and maintain affiliate status by completing reaffiliation paperwork, fulfilling dues obligations, and participating in a triennial self-evaluation process
Participate in affiliate-to-affiliate communication throughout the Mental Health America network
3. Advocacy/Public Policy
- Advocate for public policies in keeping with the Mental Health America mission through leadership, partnerships, and/or participation in coalitions
4. Research/Services
- Establish or promote evidence-based, best, or promising practices to help put research into practice within the community
5. Education
- Plan and implement public education and media efforts in partnership with the other parts of the Mental Health America network, and ensure that all materials are consistent with the messages and principles of the Mental Health America movement
6. Cultural Competence
Engage staff and board in the development, endorsement and implementation of a statement, guiding principles, and action plan related to cultural competency
Work to create a staff, board and programs that represent and respond to the diversity of the community
7. Marketing Identification
- Use a name, logo and mission statement consistent with the national organization to help create a unified brand for the Mental Health America movement
8. Administration/Organizational Maintenance
If appropriate, incorporate as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, maintain awareness of the limitations charitable organizations have regarding lobbying, and when necessary, take the appropriate steps to protect tax-exempt status
Provide annual administrative and financial reporting on a timely basis as required by law and affiliation agreements
Maintain required documentation for internal and external reporting
Comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and other standards or requirements of appropriate oversight authorities
Develop and implement effective and realistic strategies for financial management and operation
Mental Health America Guidelines for Affiliates
Guidelines Defined
Guidelines refer to those elements that affiliates should aspire to in order to achieve excellence in programming, but they are not required. All affiliates may not be in the same place in terms of the guidelines. Through training, technical assistance and peer supports, Mental Health America will work with the affiliate network to make these guidelines a reality for the affiliate as they desire.
1. Leadership
- Establish and maintain ongoing communication and partnership with mental health and other related organizations
2. Affiliate Relations
Request and take advantage of training and technical assistance from the Mental Health America network and provide input on types of technical assistance and training that would be helpful
Communicate with the Mental Health America network about program and leadership expertise, and offer such expertise as appropriate to other affiliates
Help shape national programs and affiliate services by actively networking across the Mental Health America network
Communicate through focus groups, surveys and one-on-one discussions with the national office to help determine overall program direction
3. Research/Services
Maintain an understanding of the gaps and services that exist in the mental health system and work to address them on appropriate levels, be that local, state or national
Sustain active, ongoing involvement in at least one community support program (such as self-help, employment, community integration, or peer advocacy) serving persons with mental illness
Operate, or participate in, a comprehensive information and referral system appropriate to the geographic area
Communicate about and share programs within the Mental Health America network
Promote and engage in collaboration with systems outside of mental health (such as criminal justice, substance abuse, juvenile justice, child welfare, etc.)
Promote a public health approach to mental health, including a significant focus on prevention
4. Education
Leverage national events and observances, such as Mental Health Month and national screening days, to advance public education efforts
Plan, sponsor and conduct mental health promotion/prevention programs each year
Conduct anti-stigma programs in partnership with the Mental Health America network
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