The third day of the Alternatives conference was another amazing day—and we expect the fourth and final day to be equally awesome!
We continue to be awed by the strength and vision of the presenters and participants. Even though the conference is virtual, people are coming together and making meaningful connections. We are deeply touched by the stories of what we have lived through, and how each of us in our own way are using the power of our lived experience to make a difference individually and collectively.
On Thursday we had an inspiring keynote by Tiara Springer-Love who shared her deeply touching person story about the importance of youth engagement. We also had a dazzling variety of workshops, the continuing Action Groups, and in the evening a screening of the film “Crazywise,” followed by an insightful Q&A with Will Hall, a participant in the film.
HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FOR DAY 4, SATURDAY, JULY 17
You will find a variety of events in the
program and all the links available at the
website. Among them are
workshops to choose from, which are all approved by NASW for continuing education units. *Please be sure you come at the right time for your time zone.*
At 11 a.m. ET, Roslind Hayes will deliver a keynote speech about “Peer-Run Respites: An Example of Effective Crisis Alternatives” *Join at this link:
NCMHR Is Proud to Announce This Year’s Award Recipients! Don't miss the presentations at 1:45 p.m. ET.
*LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
For making an outstanding contribution to the peer recovery/liberation movement throughout the course of one's career. This year we are honoring four deserving nominees with Lifetime Achievement Awards: Paolo del Vecchio, Gayle Bluebird, David Oaks, and Waldon Adams
*JUDI CHAMBERLIN JOY IN ADVOCACY AWARD
For excellence in bringing hope and advancing the field of human rights advocacy. Alternatives 2021 is presenting the award to two individuals: Annette Diaz and Kevin Fitts
*THE ESPERANZA ISAAC MEMORIAL AWARD
For excellence in promoting recovery, cultural diversity, and inclusion of people of color:
Recipient: LaVerne D. Miller
*COOKIE GANT AND BILL COMPTON LGBTQIA+ LEADERSHIP AWARD
For excellence in advocating for intersectionality and inclusion of diverse identities within the mental health peer and survivor community:
Recipient: Jonathan P. Edwards
*YOUNG ADULT PEER LEADERSHIP AWARD
For working to change the system to be more inclusive of diverse views and identities of young people:
Recipient: Robbie Lettieri
*HOWIE THE HARP ARTS AWARD
For excellence in using art to transform lives and create social change:
Recipient: Corinna West
The collaborative Action Groups in three topic areas have their last interactive meetings on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.
Then, at 5:15 p.m. ET, all three groups will report back on their recommendations for future advocacy actions for NCMHR, statewide and local peer-run organizations, and individual activists. Link to join the reporting session:
https://zoom.us/j/99581123333
Saturday’s schedule includes yoga in the morning, and the evening activity is the closing Celebration Dance: 8 p.m. ET: Theme: “Turn Back Time” with DJ Ren from New Mexico.
Optional: Come in costume or hat, as the decade that you’d like to turn back time to.
**Conference Evaluation: Please complete the conference evaluation AFTER you have attended all the sessions:
