MindFreedom International Spring/Summer 2025 Update: Advocacy, Engagements, Actions & Exciting Announcements
Dear MindFreedom Members, Supporters, and Allies,
We’ve been incredibly busy laying the groundwork and actively implementing our ambitious 2025-2026 Strategic Plan, and this Spring/Summer 2025 update brings you news of our advocacy, engagements, new partnerships, calls to action, exciting event announcements, resources, and our deep gratitude for this incredible community.
Thanks to your unwavering support and the dedication of our Board members and volunteers, we’ve made significant strides. Beyond our ongoing work responding to requests for assistance and successfully advocating for the release of eleven individuals from involuntary commitment this past year, here are some key highlights of our recent activities:
MindFreedom Advocacy, Engagements, Actions
Peerpocalypse Presentation: MindFreedom International was honored to present at this year’s Peerpocalypse, an event with over 1400 attendees. Our presentation, “OUR TIME IS NOW: Peer Power for Policy & Leadership,” was delivered alongside the following organizations:
National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery
In addition to the impactful advocacy and coalition building presentation at Peerpocolypse, MindFreedom International, in conjunction with MindFreedom Oregon also presented a series of weekly “Legislative Learning Labs’ in order to form an organized opposition to House Bill 2467 which aims to expand involuntary treatment in Oregon. (learn more at Advocating for Choice In Oregon’s Mental Health! – MindFreedom International (MFI)
Cross-Disability Action in Washington D.C
I had the honor of representing MindFreedom International in Washington D.C. during an Action and Advocacy event hosted by ADAPT. My dear friend Nikki from ADAPT stated, ” They may have won this battle, but WE are loud and proud and WILL WIN THE WAR – IT’S ABOUT RIGHTS
Crying, “No cuts to Medicaid!’ protesters, many with disabilities, shut down GOP House hearing – see story below
‘No cuts to Medicaid!’ Disabled protesters shut down GOP House hearing – Raw Story
The PAIMI Empowerment Project Advocacy Update: We wish to thank Rob Wipond and Mad In America for spotlighting the critical fight against involuntary commitment. Check out Mad In America and PsychRights PAIMI Page.
New! Abolish Forced Psychiatry: Endorsement Opportunity: An MFI board member has been collaborating with a U.S.-based group dedicated to abolishing all forms of involuntary psychiatry. This group, composed of people with lived experience, psychiatric survivors, providers, attorneys, authors, and others, advocates for safe, humane alternatives. Recognizing that involuntary psychiatric causes harm and is on the rise, and supported by global movements and organizations like the UN and WHO, they are calling for direct action. We invite you to show your support and connect with others on effective campaigns by endorsing their stance: Abolish Forced Psychiatry Endorsement Form and visit their website: www.abolish forced psychiatry.org.
MindFreedom International Receives Important Appoiintment
MindFreedom International is honored to have been appointed to the National Advisory Council for ADA Watch.
National Advisory Council – ADA Watch
Mindfreedom is excited to announce several NEW Partnerships, Alliships, and Community Collaborations
MindFreedom has partnered with
IDHA’s Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum is a groundbreaking virtual training for anyone interested in gaining tangible skills to transform mental health practice and shift broader systems of care. It provides a grounded overview of skills, tools, and knowledge that are under-represented in most mental health training – directly grounded in the voices and experiences of those who are most impacted by the system.
“This work is about rights and self-determination. But it’s also about finding yourself. Who am I? How do I take these concepts into my own life?”
-Celia Brown, Former President of MindFreedom International
Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum — IDHA
email core-curriculum@idha-nyc.org
Get Involved: Upcoming Events & Resources
Join us for Judi’s Room on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025!
To explore the current status of the protection and advocacy system:
“Building Effective PAIMI–PAC Relationships”
Date: June 4, 2025
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Platform: Zoom
Pre-register HERE
Looking Ahead: Mad Camp 2025!
Mad Camp California: July 31-Aug 4. Visit madcamp.net
Mad Camp Europe – Austria: July 3-July 7. Visit www.madcampeurope.net
Scholarships are available, and applications are open now!
Volunteer Update & Our Mission
MindFreedom wishes to thank all the members who support our mission and the volunteers who carry out our daily operations. We deeply appreciate and value your commitment and enthusiasm! We are very excited about developing a new MindFreedom Advocacy (volunteer) training program – stay tuned for details.
Our Mission:
MindFreedom leads a nonviolent transformation, championing human rights and options in mental health care, uniting psychiatric survivors, consumers, and allies with justice movements everywhere.
Join Our Fundraising Efforts!
Do you have a passion for our mission and a knack for connecting with people? We’re actively seeking dedicated volunteers to join and support our fundraising committee. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a direct impact on our financial sustainability by helping us:
- Develop and implement fundraising campaigns.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with individual donors.
- Research and apply for grants from foundations and other funding sources.
- Organize fundraising events.
If you have experience in fundraising, grant writing, event planning, or simply a strong desire to contribute to our financial growth, we want to hear from you! Your skills can help us secure the resources needed to continue our vital work. Please reach out to volunteer@mindfreedom.org to express your interest and learn more about how you can join our fundraising efforts.
Your support is an investment in a future where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. MindFreedom International operates solely on the generosity of our members and supporters like you. This financial independence is crucial, as we do refuse funding from governments or pharmaceutical companies, ensuring our advocacy remains unbiased and resolute.To join or renew your annual membership you can donate on our website by clicking on the button below
Thank you for being a vital part of the MindFreedom community. Together, we are making a real difference.
In Solidarity,
Sounds good. I created a website to find a nental health lawyer. Very important if involuntarily commmited and injected against my will. Still injected against my will.
https://mentalhealthlawyers.greenrobot.com
Great work And! I hope that we can find someone to call all the attorneys on your list and confirm that they ready and willing to challenge the state’s use of forced psychiatry! It would be nice post a vetted list of attorneys on our website.