The 2008 Elections
Bringing Mental Healthcare to the Ballot

For NAMI state and local leaders:

If you have questions about engaging in election activities as a nonprofit, we encourage you to view publications available at NonprofitVOTE.org.

• Inform campaigns.   The following educational materials can be easily assembled in a labeled pocket folio and provided to candidates, campaign staff, or political parties. Include a business card or brochure on your state or local NAMI organization so the campaign has local contact information.
  
  Policy Action Agenda 
  Policy Agenda Summary
  NAMI Fact Sheet
  Folder Labels
  
• Raise awareness. Candidates and the public pay close attention to letters
  and op-eds because they reflect the pulse of voters.
  
  Sample Letter-to-the-Editor
• Question candidates.   Read our Candidate Question Tip Sheet for information about how to properly use questions or questionnaires as a nonprofit organization. 
  
  2008 Candidate Question Tip Sheet
  Congressional Candidate Questionnaire
  State and Local Candidate Questionnaire 
• Host a candidate forum.   Raise the level of dialogue by holding a nonpartisan candidate forum.  For excellent information, click here. 
• Partner with others.  Consider working with other advocacy groups to bring attention to mental health issues.  For ideas, consider organizations that support the Whole Health Campaign.