L2: Assignment - Advocacy Action Plan

Design/Challenge Question (from the framing exercise):

How can we increase mental health education in our schools and provide resources to all
students?

Advocacy Focus Statement:

Every child in the community will be provided mental health education in schools and have
access to councilors, therapists, and psychiatrists.

Actionable Goals: (You can have 1-3 Goals. Goals should be written as SMART Goals:
Specific Measurable, Achievable, Results-Focused, Time Bound). For example: By the
end of TEL 410, I will contact 3 state legislatures to discuss school safety.

1. I will contact local mental health organizations to discuss how to expand programs.
2. I will reach out to the school board and discuss the current mental health education
provided in schools and how it can be expanded and made better.
3. I will talk to students with mental illness to better find out there needs and areas that
can be improved on.

Actions: List specific actions you will take to achieve your goals here. You should have
several action items for each goal. Think through, and list, each step you will need to
take to achieve your goal.

I will try to arrange a meeting with local mental health organizations to learn more about their
programs and volunteer opportunities.
I will make phone calls and draft letters to the school board to discuss the issues and plans to
fix it.
I will contact friends within the community and see if they have any family members in school
that would want to discuss the topic.

Timeline (list dates, deadlines):

1. April 6, contact MHMR and the United Way to discuss programs and volunteer
opportunities.
2. April 13, have all letters drafted and sent to school board, and phone calls placed.
3. April 27, have concluded interviews with 3 students that struggle with mental illness or
know someone that does.
Budget/Resource Needs (membership fees, electronic resources, etc.):
*these may be tangible or intangible resources

Access to computer, phones, and general office supplies.

Since the plan is mostly performed through conversation there is very little need for funds and
tangible goods.

Build your Team (create your own team, or align yourself to an organization already
involved in your advocacy focus work):
**This section may list team members or contact information for the organization
you are working with.

Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team

1314 Teasley Ln Denton, TX 76201
940-566-5851