preparing your story to advocate

   1. Start by thinking about what you are advocating for.
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What action or position do you want taken? It may help to work on your story last. Focus on elements of your story (or another’s) that support your key message.

   2. Introduce yourself (your name and city or town, how you are affected by mental illnesses). Aim for three to four sentences.
 
Tell your story (what happened; what helped; how are things different today). Aim for five to ten sentences. Your story should support step 3, your "ask."
 
   3. Make your point and your "ask"-- and say thank you. Aim for two to three sentences.

Give a brief, positive message about the need for access to community mental health services for recovery.

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Author: NAMI Minnesota

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