Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:55:47 -0800 (PST)
To: ClientDiscussions@yahoogroups.com
From: Andrew Phelps <math_mad@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Client Discussions] just a thought
Azy:
some of the main concerns that members share are:
..
The worse is, "When you work for the mental health system, you can't say anything against the mental health system now" and the list goes on.
The Jobs Now! in 1995 was partly organized by Alameda Co. M.H., so they initiated some of the practices. One thing I heard from the Alameda Co. Client Network then was that the prevailing concern they noted was called "blending." Instead of your lived experience being significant for the contribution you were expected to make, you were obliged to look like the non-client providers.
We not only have to face the label in our workplaces but also from our peers. When we became part of the workforce they see us as the enemy. I have survived attacks from my peers and honestly it hurt the most, but we are survivors and I strongly believe on Howie the Harp's phrase "Don't Agonize-Organize!!!"
Howie's program OISC is now part of the system.
:-(At Omaha Alternatives, the Social Accountability Work Group did an Institute based on advocacy against "blending." California presenters included myself, Michael Diehl, Hope Holland, and Pamela Inaba. Lynne Stewart was an approved presenter but she couldn't get funded. We also had presenters from TX, MA, GA, OR. The idea for the 3hr. workshop came from a client/survivor organizer in MD.
Andrew Phelps
Berkeley