Dear supporters, We started this petition in January of 2017 with the hope of building bridges, not walls. As the year progressed it became clear that there was a wall of silence, discrimination, and anger that the families and advocates for serious mental illnesses kept hitting. It also became clear that the pull of the status quo was mighty and we needed to find a way over and around those walls. There is an old Irish proverb that says, “When you come upon a wall, throw your hat over it, and then go get your hat.” So, I hope you will join the new National Shattering Silence Coalition that is being launched today. Let’s throw our hats over those walls and go get our hats, together! Please help us build systems of medically necessary care and recovery supports for people living with and dying too young from serious mental illnesses. We need to shatter the silence and the status quo, together! I will leave this petition open as the new National Shattering Silence Coalition is launched and reassess the need for it in 2018. Please visit the website http://nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org/ , read and complete the membership packet, and join our Facebook Page to show that you #Care4SMI. Thank you, Teresa Invitation to Join NSSC: NSSC is a new grassroots movement that amplifies the voices of advocates and families who care for and support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) and children with serious emotional disturbances (SED). NSSC’s goal is to influence and change federal, state, and local policies that fail those with serious mental illnesses. With respect for all who suffer from mental illnesses, NSSC combines collective visions, principles, and stories, and focuses on the most seriously mentally ill populations from cradle to grave. NSSC’s “Evidence of Need” documents the statistical crisis that demands immediate political attention. With the Points of Unity as its living strategic plan, NSSC takes political actions that influence science and systems. NSSC campaigns shatter silence for serious mental illness #ICare4SMI #ShatteringSilence4SMI.. NSSC is not silent. It doesn’t wait for permission to tell the truth about inadequate and non-existent mental illness care. All organizations and individuals willing to share power, knowledge, a committed work ethic, and are in agreement with NSSC’s Points of Unity, are invited to join. The Coalition assumes best intentions, is grounded in civility, and guided by pledged shared values. Free from organizational constraints and bylaws, NSSC has the flexibility to move in and out of alliances that benefit its mission. NSSC believes we’re on a burning platform that requires all to come closer and unite in disruptive direct action. NSSC harnesses the power of many voices to build trust, leadership, and constancy of purpose on behalf of those living with serious mental illnesses. It unites members in common decency, compassion and moral courage. Please visit our website, read membership packet and complete the membership application. If you have questions, check our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NationalNSSC/ or send an email to info@nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org. Thank you, The NSSC Steering Committee “Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.” ― Mahatma Gandhi