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Education and Training
AU's Young Adult
"Super Advocate"
Program
Advocacy to Recovery Youth Initiative
Young Adult class in session
The "Super Advocate" program is an advocacy education and training curriculum designed specifically for young adults ages 18 to 25 in recovery from a psychiatric disability or co-occurring disorder. The course is comprised of 12 lessons and is held one day a week for 12 weeks. To date, three classes have been held and 35 courageous young adults have successfully completed and graduated from this program (see West Haven Graduation, Capitol Region Graduation), and Greater Bridgeport MHC Graduation).
~ AU's Young Adult Super Advocate Program was developed and is taught by Lyne Stokes, M.Ed., Young Adult Program Director.
Mission
AU's Young Adult "Super Advocate" curriculum is an initiative for young adults to make a difference by spreading the message of recovery through advocacy from concerns of mental health and substance abuse issues.
Uncover 
Discover Recover
“Super Advocate” Students at the Legislative Office Building
- Identify the tools of recovery and advocacy and how to utilize them in everyday life;
- Facilitate the process of young adults exploring the issues of recovery through advocacy;
- Provide the opportunity to showcase the solutions and to pass on the message of recovery.
Learn the Twelve Lessons of Empowerment, Recovery, and Advocacy
- The Test and Quest for Passions
· Appreciate inquiry
· Community norms
· Self-knowledge - Advocacy and Recovery Messages of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
· Co-occurring "multiple vulnerabilities" - Conservatorship
· The laws - Patient's Bill of Rights and Advance Directives
· The policies - Supportive Services
· What's in your backyard? - History of the Mental Health Movement
· Civil Rights
· Where we came from shows where we can go - Legislative Process
· Make the change - Advocacy
· Super powers of change
· Peer support
· What a difference a friend makes
· Using experience, strength, and hope
· Giving recovery away to keep it - Empathy and Cultural Awareness "Stigma Busters"
- ADA
· Equal treatment - Got a Minute or Five?!?
· What are the important issues? - Ready for your close-up?
Get involved…
For more information or to get involved, contact AU's Young Adult Program Director Lyne Stokes, M.Ed., at 1-800-573-6929 or LStokes@mindlink.org
Additional resources for young adults…
“Super Advocate” student at work
DMHAS Young Adult Services Division - Since 1999, DMHAS has developed an array of Young Adult Services to provide specialized, age and developmentally appropriate supports for young people, many of whom are transitioning out of the DCF system of care, and are diagnosed with a major mental illness. Age-specific programs have been developed at both state-operated and private non-profit Local Mental Health Authorities throughout Connecticut in order to assist young people to transition successfully into adulthood. Young adults who are referred to these specialized services must meet DMHAS' target population eligibility criteria; however, we recognize that young adults with mental illness often present quite differently than do their older counterparts.
The Young Adult Services Division is directed by Cheryl L. Jacques, MSN, APRN. For more information, visit DMHAS Young Adult Services, or call (860) 262- 6988 to speak to a YAS staff member.
What a Difference a Friend Makes - SAMHSA launched the Mental Health Campaign for Mental Health Recovery to encourage, educate, and inspire people between 18 and 25 to support their friends who are experiencing mental health problems. The prevalence of serious mental health conditions in this age group is almost double that of the general population, yet young people have the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. This group has a high potential to minimize future disability if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the right support and services early on.
The Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. - A nonprofit organization based in Norwalk, CT, whose mission is "to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free through fostering education and open communication about the dangers of drug and alcohol use." The Courage To Speak Foundation encourages parents to communicate effectively with their children about the dangers of drugs.
StrengthofUs.org - Launched by NAMI, StrengthofUs.org is a new online community where young adults living with mental health concerns, as well as anyone entering adulthood that has a friend, parent, or family member facing a mental health problem, can connect and provide mutual support in navigating unique challenges and opportunities during the critical transition years from ages 18 to 25. Developed by young adults, StrengthofUs.org is a user-driven social networking community where members can connect with peers, share personal stories, creativity, and helpful resources by writing and responding to blog entries, engaging in discussion groups, and sharing videos, photos, and other news. It is an interactive, fun space for young adults to empower each other, build relationships, and offer peer support.
Inspire USA - Inspire's mission is to help young Americans lead happier lives. Inspire USA Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit established in San Francisco in 2007. Inspire takes a strength-based, public health approach to its work with a focus on mental health promotion and the prevention of high risk behavior, with a particular interest in suicide prevention. Inspire USA Foundation is part of an international network which includes Australia, where Inspire began, and the Inspire Ireland Foundation.
ReachOut.com - Inspire USA launched reachout.com in March 2010. Reach Out is an online mental health information and support service designed to help 16-24 year olds get through tough times. Reach Out integrates youth generated, expert-reviewed information and real life stories with opportunities to connect with others in a supportive, safe environment. It is based on a highly successful, Australian program that has been operating for 12 years and is recognized by 3 out of 4 young people in this target age group. Reach Out has contributed to a 57% reduction in youth suicide in Australia since its inception.
© Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
The AU education courses, their content, and all materials are copyrighted.
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