Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:38:21 -0800
To: ClientDiscussions@yahoogroups.com
From: "math_mad" <math_mad@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Clients working in the system
Bob:
You "have noticed" but in fact this has been an ongoing concern. In 1995 when we did the "Jobs Now!" Conference in Oakland and set in motion the process of "work within the system" as a
general practice, we actively considered the questions now under discussion.From the brochure:
"Clients as Workers: (workshop)
Clients as employees are viewed from the perspective of labor relations concerns, such as fair pay, benefits, good working conditions and the potential displacement of professional staff. The role of reasonable accommodation for disabilities and the standards for workplace performance are addressed."
Unfortunately Alison Mills who was to present this workshop was in psychiatric lockup at the time of the conference and her M.H. Director who [!] took over for her initiated (what I took to be) an ongoing "management" process of suppressing the orientation towards labor activism that was being promoted (in favor of individual accomplishment).
Bdf wrote:
Another thing I have noticed is that even the most effective and empathic of those who work within the system are held in contempt, resentment and distrust. Don't speak in general about the good and systematized client working within the system. Give each a chance to demonstrate that they want to work for and with you.
I'm glad that you and Azy and others are making an effort to engage this problematic. I'm trusting that it will this time work to get out of the oppressive "mental illness"/behavior management frame of DMH and the Network of Care: On that we shall see.
Best
Andrew Phelps