FASMI Award for Outstanding Advocacy

Guidelines for nomination and selection

Purpose of the Award

The purpose of the FASMI Award for Outstanding Advocacy is to recognize and encourage advocates who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and advocacy on behalf of individuals and families affected by severe mental illness and who have significantly strengthened the voice of families within the mental health system.

The award is ordinarily made once each year and confirmed at the Annual General Meeting. In exceptional circumstances, a second award may be made in one year.

Eligibility

Nominees must have substantial caregiving experience, for example as a parent, family member, or primary support person of an adult with severe mental illness. Nominees must also demonstrate outstanding recent advocacy efforts carried out over several years.

Members of the FASMI Board of Directors are not eligible for the award during their terms of office.

Selection

The recipient is selected from the nominees by unanimous consensus of the FASMI Board of Directors. The Board may request additional written or oral information if needed. The Board may also decide not to grant the award in a given year if no suitable nominee is identified.

The recipient receives a certificate of recognition signed by the President of FASMI and public acknowledgement on the FASMI Awards website.

Advocacy Efforts Recognized by the Board

Advocacy efforts that may be recognized positively by the Board in considering this award include:

• Engagement with provincial healthcare providers
• Participation in government committees
• Work with university faculties
• Engagement with professional colleges, including physicians and surgeons, social workers, nurses, and others
• Supporting improved communication between caregivers and the mental health system, including pamphlets and published helpful guidelines
• Contributing to policy discussions, advisory groups, or community initiatives
• Raising awareness through writing, public speaking, journalism, conferences, or peer group meetings
• Directly assisting families in navigating complex systems

Nominations

Nominations are made to, or suggested by, the FASMI Board of Directors.

A nominations, which can be made orally or in writing to the board, should include a description of the nominee’s advocacy work, specific examples of impact, and supporting written statements, which are optional but encouraged.

Calls for nomination will be made on the fasmi.ca website

Consent and Confidentiality

With the recipient’s consent, a summary of their advocacy work may be shared publicly. FASMI will respect confidentiality and sensitivity in all communications.

Family Alliance on Severe Mental Illness