The mission of Recovery In Action International is to eliminate stigma and end discrimination against mental illness by bringing recovery to the community. We achieve this mission by educating community members, mental health professionals and mental health clients about recovery from mental illness, and offering basic principles and strategies for recovery.

RIA has developed a program of education and outreach to the community. We have networked with other individuals in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse, mental health professionals, organizations and community members. Thousands of people have heard RIA presentations and have invited us back to present at conference seminars, workshops, and to do advocacy work.

Some of the places we have presented our mental health education programs include mental health clients, mental health professionals and groups that are part of the general community. Mental health professionals include those in training and after licensure; Social Workers (MSWs), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), Psychologists (PhDs), Psychiatrists (MDs), Substance Abuse Counselors, Administrators, Peer Advocates/Counselors/Coaches/Etc., supervisors, managers and others in the community including faith communities and their leaders, high schools, universities, law enforcement, chamber of commerce, business, general health and other community organizations.

Mental health systems that instill hope about the prospects of client's recovery possibilities and encourage clients to integrate into the community, pursue their goals including education, employment and more independent living are more likely to help clients move further along the path of recovery. The more effective systems and agencies they can provide the necessary support for clients to attain these goals.

Additionally, improving mental health agencies by encouraging the professional development and training of staff, and building an infrastructure and culture of hope and support for the staff will enable mental health agencies to more effectively deliver services that are client driven and recovery oriented. Including individuals with a history of recovering from mental illness in the development, provision and evaluation of services is critical in providing services that are client driven and recovery focused. Building an agency culture that is supportive of professional development and client recovery will help to improve staff morale and reduce burnout.

When mental health clients have a greater belief that they can attain higher levels of recovery, they are more likely to be engaged in responsible activities that are necessary for recovery. People are more likely to seek help for symptoms of mental illness or substance abuse if they are not afraid they will be harshly judged or punished after disclosing their need and desire for help. This is where the reduction of stigma can help in increasing access to mental health services. By reducing the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse, people are more likely to let others know of their need for support and assistance, thus increasing access to needed services. By creating the social environment that improves the chances people will seek the help they need before their problems become severe, a dose of prevention will be added to the mental health system. This includes promoting a more welcoming community environment for those with mental illness.

RIA has been giving presentations and workshops for the purpose of eliminating stigma, ending discrimination and bringing recovery to the community. From 2007-2009, we served the following organizations and venues;

RIA's Community Education is the collective effort of Recovery In Action's Speakers Bureau. We are building an increasing awareness of recovery and encouraging individuals with mental health and substance abuse problems to obtain help and services. The result of our services is the gradual reduction in the stigma of mental illness. We have been developing a curriculum of presentations which consists of a variety of topics to help accomplish our mission. Our curriculum includes interactive presentations and workshops on evidence based mental health interventions to help mental health professionals and organizations deliver more effective mental health services

Because We Care, We Share Our Stories of Recovery In Action......