*DRW Mental Health Advisory Council Seeks New Members*

*The PAIMI (mental health) Advisory Council of Disability Rights Wisconsin seeksnew members who want to advance positive change in working to protect andadvocate for the rights of Wisconsin residents with mental health diagnoses.*

The Council has openings for the following positions:

Parent of a minor child or youth who has received or is receiving mental healthservices

Person who has received or is receiving mental health services or the familymember of a person who has received or is receiving mental health services

Current Council members are from La Crosse, Milwaukee, Menominee, and RacineCounties -we are especially interested in candidates from counties *not*currently represented.

*To apply, please complete and submit thisapplicationbyJune 19th*.

*_BACKGROUND ON THE PAIMI ADVISORY COUNCIL_*

Disability Rights Wisconsin is Wisconsins Protection and Advocacy agency, partof a nationwide network of disability rights agencies mandated by Congress toprovide advocacy services and legal representation on behalf of all persons withdisabilities. Since 1986, DRW and other Protection and Advocacy agencies haveworked through the PAIMI program (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals withMental Illness) to protect the human and civil rights of children and adultswith serious mental health conditions. This work is supported by a PAIMIAdvisory Council.

The PAIMI Advisory Council helps staff and board of directors of DRW setpriorities for the PAIMI program and advises the board on policies and issuesthat affect people with mental illness. The Council also serves as a liaison tothe various communities its members represent.

*Who Can Serve on the PAIMI Advisory Council?*

The Council is committed to maintaining a strong consumer voice, and requiresthat at least 50% of its members be people with the lived experience of mentalillness, who are receiving or have received mental health services. The Councilmust also include the parent of a minor child or youth who has received or isreceiving mental health services. In addition, the Council must include anattorney; a mental health professional; a provider of mental health services;and a member of the general public who is knowledgeable about mental illness,the advocacy needs of persons with mental illness, and has demonstrated asubstantial commitment to improving mental health services.**

*What Are Council Member Expectations?*

The PAIMI Advisory Council meets at least three times per year, generally on aFridayafternoon prior to a DRW Board meeting. Members may also meetperiodically to fulfill committee assignments. Council terms are for two yearsand members may be re-appointed for a second term. Council bylaws require us torecruit members from each region of the state so that the Council can have astatewide voice, and to have membership that reflects the racial and ethniccomposition of the state. Travel, meals, hotel and other meeting expenses arereimbursed for Council members.

*Barbara Beckert, Milwaukee Office Director*

*DISABILITY RIGHTS WISCONSIN*

6737 W. Washington St., Suite 3230

Milwaukee, WI 53214

414-773-4646 Ext 15Voice

414-773-4647Fax

barbara.beckert@drwi.org