GET VOCAL!

15 ways you can get involved in

mental health empowerment & recovery

1 Become a Member

 
VOCAL connects people to people and works to improve Virginia's mental health services. Join us. Membership is free.
Click here for a membership application.

2 Come to a Conference

 
VOCAL runs a 3-day annual conference. Open to all. Held in Richmond in summer. Scholarships available. To find out more contact: VOCAL Network

3 Come to a Meeting

 
VOCAL Member meetings are held four times each year. A place for advocacy, planning, discussion, networking. Rotating locations around VA. To find out more contact: VOCAL Network

4 Become a WRAP Facilitator

Learn to lead mental health recovery groups using a model called WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). Week-long training. Scholarships and sponsored slots available.  To find out more contact: VOCAL REACH

5 Become a Nonprofit Leader

 
Our nonprofit trainings and leadership retreats focus on community-building and nonprofit skills. Full scholarships are available for staff, board, volunteers and organizers of peer-run programs. To find out more contact: VOCAL CO-OP

6 Join a Program

 
There are over 20 peer-run mental health programs in Virginia. All designed, led, and governed by people with mental illness. Many programs are seeking more members, volunteers and collaborators. An updated program directory is available on the VOCAL CO-OP Website

7Get the News

 
Our free newsletters contain updated, events, and opportunities from VOCAL and other peer-run programs.

For our weekly email newsletter Click here to sign up for the CO-OP Email News.

For our quarterly print newsletter contact the VOCAL Network

8 Join a Recovery Group

 
Learn to reduce the frequency and severity of psychiatric challenges, regain control of your life, and revitalize your hopes and dreams. Free WRAP recovery groups are offered throughout Virginia. To find out more contact: VOCAL REACH.

9 Become an Advocate

 
Help create transformation in the Virginia Mental Health System. VOCAL can link you with openings on mental health boards and committees. To find out more contact: VOCAL Network

10 Express Yourself

 
We are seeking peer contributions to our web page & newsletter -- we want your experience, your story, your opinion, artwork or poetry! Contact: VOCAL Network

11 Get a Scholarship

 
Are you involved with running or organizing a peer-run program? Are you looking for more training in grant writing, fundraising, team building, evaluation, facilitation, board development or another area of nonprofit management? VOCAL offers scholarships for you to take a class. Find out more contact:   VOCAL CO-OP

12 Volunteer for VOCAL

 
VOCAL seeks volunteers for website, committees, office work & many other projects. If you would like to volunteer your time or talents, contact: VOCAL Network

13 Read a Guidebook

Our publications include the Grant Seeker's Treasure Map & Orienteering Guide, Bricks & Dreams: A Transformation Guide to Peer-Run Programs, and Blueprints for Change: How to Start a Program. Print or read free on the VOCAL CO-OP website.
 

14 Join the CO-OP

 
If you are involved with organizing a peer-run program, we welcome your group to join the VOCAL CO-OP and become part of our collective. Newly-forming groups welcome. Find out more, contact the VOCAL CO-OP.

15 Become a Reporter

 
VOCAL collects and shares information on consumer groups and peer activities throughout the state. As a reporter, you can call or write us with updates from your area. Contact: VOCAL Network

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Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our resource lists:

Where to find mental health programs in your area... Read More

Where to find training, consulting & assistance for peer programs... Read More

Where to find training & resources for mental health advocates... Read More

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Get VOCAL!

Prepared by Cassandra Nudel, VOCAL CO-OP

Made possible thanks to support from Virginia DMHMRSAS