Mental Health Association in Hawai'i

Consumer Empowerment Continues

Mar 30, 2001

Legislative Process Workshops

The Mental Health Association in Hawai'i has been conducting Legislative Process Workshops in an effort to educate and empower people with mental illnesses to be a voice at the Legislature. Workshops were conducted at Ko'olau Clubhouse, Waipahu Clubhouse, Community Care Service's Wala'au Group, and Kauai's Friendship House.
Consumers were provided with information on resources available to contact legislators, track bills, and prepare testimony. Within every group was a wealth of personal stories that could effectively communicate the experiences of a person with mental illnesses to legislators. With increased communication between MHA/H and these consumer groups, the goal is to create a broader network of advocates for better mental health in Hawai'i.


Would you like to arrange a Legislative Process Workshop for your group? Topics include:
* The basics of the legislative process
* How to track a bill's progress
* How to prepare written and/or oral testimony
* How to establish a network of mental health advocates within your group
* How to use informational guides and the internet to help you along the way
Contact Nicole Masukawa @ 521-1846


Check out these excellent resources to familiarize yourself with the legislative process:
- Legislature's Website: www.capitol.hawaii.gov This site will allow you to browse bills by keywords, check the status of bills, view text of the bills, and have access to other information.
- Public Access Room: Located at the Hawai'i State Capitol, the Public Access Room is open to everyone and provides access to computers, copy machines, typewriters, commitee hearing notices, and workshops on various legislative activities.
- Citizen Guide to Participation in the Legislative Process: This guidebook, prepared by the House Majority Staff Office, was designed to increase knowledge about and participation in the legislative process. Copies are available at your Senator or Representative's office, or at MHA/H's office.
-Telephone Directory of Elected Officials: This directory, is a handy resource which provides phone, fax, and address information on legislators and other government leaders. They are available at telephone book distribution sites, or at MHA/H's office.