NAMI NJ Participated in 2014 NAMI National Convention in Washington, D.C.
About 40 NAMI advocates from New Jersey joined 1,500 others from across the country at the NAMI Convention on September 3-6, 2014.

On NAMI's National Day of Action 2014, NAMI NJ members joined the Opening Legislative Plenary where former U. S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, former U. S. Senator Gordon Smith, and NAMI's executive director Mary Giliberti made a rallying call to take NAMI's message to Congress. 


During a reception hosted by NAMI NJ in the Cannon House of Representatives Office Building on Capitol Hill, we met with representatives of the New Jersey Congressional 
Delegation, including Chris Smith (R-4), Frank Pallone (D-6), Leonard Lance (R-7), Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11) and Rush Holt (D-12). We asked Congress to take action, pass legislation and support individuals living with mental illness and their families. No one is more effective at delivering this message to the U.S. Congress than individuals and families with lived experience. Together, we have amplified NAMI's voice on Capitol Hill!

NAMI NJ members met to caucus on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 4 to discuss and interact with candidates who were running for a position on the NAMI Board of Directors. On Thursday night NAMI members attended the screening of the documentary,  Art and Craft, which follows the life and work of Mark Landis, an art forger who wasn't in it for money or fame. The film is "able to showcase how an individual living with mental illness can find meaning and motivation in life, even in unexpected places", said NAMI. 

 

  

 

On Friday evening, members joined the Veterans Suicide Candlelight Vigil hosted by the NAMI Veterans and Military Council to commemorate the 22 veterans, and 1 active duty service member a day who take their own lives. The ceremony helped to raise awareness of the need to prevent suicide. And on Saturday, we joined the Convention Banquet for a joyful evening of fun, fellowship and entertainment.

 

    




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