MINDFREEDOM INTERNATIONAL

UPDATE: NOVEMBER – DECEMBER, 2024

 

Dear MindFreedom Members and Supporters:

This is my last update as President.  Thanks to your support and the work of Board members, volunteers, our Chief Volunteer Sarah Smith and our part-time Office Manager Cara Venter, we made some progress in fulfilling our mission over the past two years.  During the past year we have freed eleven people from being involuntarily committed to hospitals and forcibly “treated”.  We have held our monthly Judi’s Room webinars which addressed issues of disability rights, advocacy for people whose rights are being violated by the mental health system, harmful guardianship practices and violence perpetrated by police officers in responding to mental health emergencies.  And we responded to the many requests for help we receive every day.

We survive through donations from our members and supporters.  In order to maintain our independence, we don’t accept money from governments or drug companies.  So far, we haven’t received much help from foundations.  So I ask you to continue your support by donating what you can before the end of the year. You can make a secure donation of any size on our website HERE or you can send a check or money order made out to ‘MindFreedom International and address it to the following:

MindFreedom International

PO Box 11284

Eugene, Oregon 97440

Our incoming President Kristina “KK” Kapp will be taking office on January 1.  KK brings a wealth of wisdom and passion to the organization, with a powerful vision, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter under her leadership. Here is a message from KK.

Dear Friends of Mind Freedom,

With sincere honor and gratitude on this new role, as we approach Giving Tuesday – December 3 – and the close of another year, I invite you to join Mind Freedom International on a journey of transformation. This is a pivotal moment in our fight for human rights and self-determination in mental health care. Together, we will amplify the voices of those most impacted by the system – psychiatric survivors, consumers, and allies – and ignite a non-violent revolution for change.

MFI has been a beacon of hope for over three decades, illuminating a path toward humane and effective mental health care that honors individual rights and choices. The MindFreedom board is currently a working board due to our having no funding except your generous support.  We envision a future where forced treatment is replaced by compassionate alternatives, where peer support flourishes, and where everyone has the power to define their own recovery journey.

Your support is vital to fuel this movement. Every contribution, big or small, will make a tangible difference in our ability to:

  • Challenge the status quo: Fight for policies that protect human rights and promote access to compassionate, person-centered care.
  • Empower individuals: Provide the resources and support people need to navigate the mental health system and advocate for their own needs.
  • Build a global community of changemakers: Connect and strengthen grassroots efforts nationally and in the world.
  • Strengthen Our Foundation: Ensure MFI’s long-term sustainability and impact by fortifying our financial stability, streamlining operations, and enhancing governance.
  • Rebuild and Engage Community: Reconnect with our dedicated community, expand our outreach, and revitalize our online platforms to create a vibrant hub of connection and support.
  • Advance Advocacy and Education: Launch impactful campaigns against human rights abuses in mental health care, develop empowering educational resources, and offer training and support to individuals and communities.

Join the Movement:

This Giving Tuesday – December 3, and throughout the year, your support is vital to fuel this revolution. Every contribution, big or small, will make a tangible difference in our ability to:

  • Strengthen Our Foundation: Ensure MFI’s long-term sustainability and impact.
  • Rebuild and Engage Community: Reconnect with our dedicated community and expand our reach.
  • Advance Advocacy, Uniting Allies: Launch impactful campaigns against human rights abuses.
  • Elevate and innovate together through Education: Develop and share educational resources.
  • Expand and Promote Safe, Humane, Life-enhancing Approaches to Helping People – This includes Soteria Houses, Open Dialogue, Hearing Voices Groups, Peer-run Crisis Respite Houses and Supportive Housing.

Together, we are a force for change. Together, we will create a mental health system that truly upholds human rights and empowers individuals to live full and meaningful lives.

Join the movement. Donate today on our website HERE Be a part of the change.

With immense gratitude,

Kristina “KK” Kapp, Incoming President and the Mind Freedom International Team

Here’s wishing you all an enjoyable Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Al Galves

President