Strategic Directions for NNMH: Enhancing Employment, Partnerships, and Capacity Building

1. Sharing a Vision NNMH Strategic Plan

2. Strategic Directions • Workplace and Employment • Resource Development and Marketing • Strategic Partnerships and Coalitions • National Capacity Building • Research and Development • International Relations and Alliances • Best Practices and Accreditation • Organizational Capacity Building • Communications • Other Strategic Opportunities

3. Workplace and Employment • Currently the NNMH is completing its work in the arena of self employment… Since the initiation of this project in 1998, we have operated sites in; Vancouver BC, Calgary AB, Brandon MB, St. Catharines ON, Granby QC, Dartmouth NS, and St. John’s Nfld. • We are in the midst of growing our supportive employment “BUILT” program nationally and presently have offices in Winnipeg MB, North Bay ON, St. Catharines ON, and Moncton NB. This project is expected to grow to as many as 5 new sites in 5 new cities in 2005/2006.

4. Resource Development and Marketing • Most Currently, Resource Development has included the “Consumers In Action” materials and Train the Trainer program in partnership with Self-Help Connection of Nova Scotia • Youth In Action • Self Employment Facilitator’s Guide

5. Strategic Partnerships and Coalitions • Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health • Council of Canadians with Disabilities • Active Living Alliance • Canadian Coalition for Senior’s Mental Health • Numerous Others

6. National Capacity Building • National Coalition • Consumers In Action Project

7. Research and Development • BUILT Program • Self-Employment Programs • Consumers In Action Project • Youth In Action Project

8. International Relations & Alliances • Canada – Russia Project • United Nations convention on Disability

9. Best Practices and Accreditation

10. Organizational Capacity Building • Staff Training • Board Development • Face to Face Board Meetings • Face to Face Annual Meetings • Policies and Procedures • Strategic Plan

11. Communications • Web Site • Occasional Material Dissemination • Communications Committee

12. Other Strategic Opportunities • Currently there is an opportunity to create a coalition of National Consumer organizations to compliment the voice of the National Coalition

13. Future Directions As time passes, opportunities arise such as this one, to grow the consumer voice and thus strengthen the NNMH. Like other organizations, resources are very tight, and we strive to offer the best service to Canadians but have to be respectful of our tight restraints at the same time. We are on our way to a brighter future, one issue, and one opportunity at a time…