It was 40 years ago that a group of foresighted County Mental Health Children’s Coordinators launched CMHACY – California Mental Health Advocates for Children & Youth. Needless to say it was so disappointing for all of us that we were unable to celebrate our founders and CMHACY’s 40-year legacy together, in person at Asilomar because of COVID-19. Instead, we held a virtual 40th conference. It was well attended with a prescient theme – Changing Tides: Voices for Equity, Inclusion & Access – and outstanding keynoters and workshops. As the pandemic rages, the 2021 CMHACY conference in April will also be virtual. But the diminished revenue generated by two years of virtual conferences will put us in a perilous financial position.
In this unprecedented time we are making an urgent request of you. As you consider your year-end contributions, we ask that you consider a gift to CMHACY. Your gift will enable us to continue CMHACY’s amazing legacy by building on its great work; some of which is highlighted below. Indeed, over the last 40 years virtually every significant, relevant policy issue and practice initiative affecting mental health services for children and youth was incubated, vetted or promulgated at a CMHACY conference.
Advocates who made a difference were strong CMHACY supporters, and included:
Looking forward, our 2021 conference builds on last year’s theme and will focus on one of the most important issues of our time affecting our cross-systems work – Non-negotiable: Demanding social justice and racial equity in our systems of care.
We need your help to deliver this conference and continue our legacy of “being in the arena” and making a difference. We receive no funds from the State – all of our annual revenue comes through conference registrations and sponsorships. As we plan for the 41st conference to take place April 28 & 29, 2021 we are carefully stewarding our resources.
For the first time in our history we are asking folks who value the annual CMHACY convening of a wide array of stakeholders and other timely “thought leaders”, to consider a year-end contribution. We are now a 501(c)3 and your donation is tax-deductible. California’s vulnerable children, youth and their families will be grateful for your gift which will support our advocacy efforts on their behalf.
Thank you,
The CMHACY Board of Directors