Mental health organization forms first ever Next Gen Advisory Council to help young Oklahomans

A Step Towards Mental Health Advocacy

In a groundbreaking move, Oklahoma's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has established its very first Next Gen Advisory Council. This innovative initiative aims to engage and empower young adults in advocating for positive change in mental health services and support. The council, designed to represent the voices and perspectives of youth and young adults, is a significant step towards creating inclusive and effective mental health policies.

The Need for Youth Involvement

Mental health is a pressing issue that affects individuals of all ages, but its impact is particularly pronounced among young people. The pressures of modern life, coupled with the challenges of navigating adolescence and young adulthood, can often lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. However, young people are not merely victims; they are also powerful agents of change. By involving them in the decision-making process, mental health organizations can tap into their unique insights and energy to create more relevant and impactful programs.

How the Next Gen Advisory Council Works

The NAMI Oklahoma Next Gen Advisory Council is open to young adults aged 18-25 who are passionate about mental health. This council will serve as a crucial platform for them to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. The group will work closely with NAMI to advise on various initiatives, including program development, content creation, and new projects aimed at supporting young people.

Key aspects of the council include:

• Representation: The council will be a diverse group representing the voices of youth and young adults from across the state.
• Involvement: Members will be actively engaged in shaping NAMI’s work related to youth and young adults.
• Feedback: Their feedback will be integral in informing the development of new programs and initiatives.
• Innovation: The group will contribute to innovative solutions tailored to meet the needs of young people.

By involving young adults in this advisory capacity, NAMI Oklahoma aims to ensure that its efforts are grounded in contemporary perspectives and needs. This approach aligns with NAMI’s guiding principle of "nothing about us without us," which emphasizes the importance of involving the community in decisions that affect them.

Why Involving Young Adults Matters

Involving young adults in mental health advocacy is crucial for several reasons:

• Relevance: Young people are more familiar with the digital landscape and social media platforms, making them ideal for spreading awareness and engaging in online campaigns.
• Perspective: They bring fresh perspectives and insights that can help identify gaps in current services.
• Passion: Young adults are often highly passionate about causes they believe in, which can translate into sustained advocacy efforts.

By leveraging these strengths, NAMI Oklahoma can create more effective programs that resonate with its target audience. For instance, social media campaigns led by young adults can reach a wider audience, including peers who might be hesitant to seek help from older generations.

The Council’s Role in Shaping Mental Health Policy

The NAMI Oklahoma Next Gen Advisory Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s mental health policy. By providing input on program development and content creation, they can help ensure that initiatives are tailored to meet the unique needs of young Oklahomans. This includes addressing issues such as:

• Mental health education: The council can help develop educational materials and workshops that are relevant and engaging for young people.
• Support services: They can advise on the types of support services that are most effective for this age group, including online resources, peer support groups, and counseling services.
• Policy reform: Members can contribute to policy discussions aimed at reforming existing laws or regulations related to mental health services in Oklahoma.

The involvement of young adults in policy-making is essential for creating sustainable solutions. Policies developed with their input are more likely to be adopted and implemented effectively because they reflect the needs and concerns of the very people they aim to serve.

A Model for Future Initiatives

The establishment of the Next Gen Advisory Council by NAMI Oklahoma serves as a model for other mental health organizations. By recognizing the importance of youth involvement, these organizations can follow suit and create similar advisory councils. This approach not only ensures that services are more responsive to contemporary needs but also fosters a sense of ownership among young people, encouraging them to become lifelong advocates for mental health awareness.

Conclusion

The formation of the NAMI Oklahoma Next Gen Advisory Council marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve mental health support for young Oklahomans. By engaging young adults in the decision-making process, NAMI is setting a precedent for inclusive advocacy that can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. As this initiative continues to grow, it holds promise not only for improving mental health services but also for empowering a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of advocacy in Oklahoma.

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Resources:

• NAMI Oklahoma Next Gen Advisory Council
• NAMI’s Next Gen Initiative
• Oklahoma’s Mental Health Planning Advisory Council