ALTERNATIVES INITIATIVE HOME PAGE
"Knowledge is power. Shared Knowledge is Empowerment"
Who?
The Alternatives Initiative is a core team of consumer survivors, who got
together and asked "What contribution could we make during these times
of tough budget restraints that might be helpful to the consumer community?"
It turned out that we all had interests in exploring alternatives that would
involve choices for the consumer community (and why not providers?) to complement
what is available now; to meet some of their needs at least.
We each had personal interests in different areas. We do not pretend to be
experts but we can do the research and get the information out. The Alternative
Initiative is also YOU! We need your help as well. If you are interested in
researching and writing an article, supporting the forums we will be scheduling,
helping in a support function or have any ideas of your own how you would
like to help, PLEASE CONTACT US
What?
The Alternatives Initiative is a consumer initiative funded by the Office
for Consumer and Ex-patient Relations. It will research and disseminate information
on five categories;
1) Consumer run respite care. 2) Peer support groups. 3) Alternative Spiritual/Holistic
complementary treatments. 4) Entrepreneurial opportunities for consumer owned
and or run businesses. 5) The ever elusive models for alternative affordable
housing (please call the hot line if you've solved the mystery!!).
When?
The process will consist of publishing researched articles through statewide
channels, which we are now soliciting. If you have a publication in mind please
contact us. Before the end of October we will announce our web site. On the
website all information pertinent to the Initiative will be posted. This will
include articles and comments from consumers and anything else consumers may
suggest through a dialogue with us. The Initiative and our first article are
featured in the latest edition of Voices for Change. After the first of the
year we will begin scheduling Alternative Initiative Forums where there will
be the opportunity for open conversations on what we have learned, what the
consumer survivor community has to offer, and presentations. One Forum will
be held in each DMH area. If you would like to host a Forum please contact
us. By the end of the Initiative there will be at least one Alternative Resource
Directory located in each DMH area. If you would like to be a Directory location
please contact us.
Where?
We are located at:
The Alternatives Initiative
c/o M-POWER and the Transformation Center
98 Magazine Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Contact Info: 617-442-4111
Toll free: 877-769-7693
Fax: 617-442-4005 Email: info@m-power.org
WHY?
Because it's better than sitting on our hands during times like this!!!