Frequently Asked Questions
Jump to a question:
What is the purpose of this Coalition?
What is "BIPOC"?
Why race-based affinity space?
Do we need a local community-based coalition in this space of racial disparities in the mental health system?
What is the role of the Lead Agencies?
Do I participate as a individual or a representative of my organization?
How will my participation be supported?
How will you meet?
I am not BIPOC or have no connection to Dane County, Wisconsin. How can I help?
What is the purpose of this Coalition? To gather BIPOC community leaders to advocate for racial justice and the dismantling of race-based disparities in our mental health system. Go to our WHO WE ARE page for more detail.
What is "BIPOC"? BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It is an inclusive and intentional term that highlights the unique historical oppression that Black and Indigenous community have experienced while still being inclusive of all communities of colors (i.e., Asian, Latine, etc.). For more information on the term BIPOC go here and here.
Why race-based affinity space? To advance racial equity, there is work for white people and people of color to do separately and together. Caucuses (affinity spaces) provide spaces for people to work within their own racial/ethnic groups. For people of color, a caucus is a place to work with peers to address the impact of racism, to interrupt experiences of internalized racism, and to create a space for healing and working for individual and collective liberation." Source. Go here for more information.
Do we need a local community-based coalition in this space of racial disparities in the mental health system? Yes, based on the racial disparities in the accessibility of mental health service in Dane County the coalition aims to:
- Create an affinity space addressing mental health disparities among BIPOC individuals. (Year one and two)
- Support and advise agencies in their efforts to address the mental health needs of the BIPOC community. (Create a report for Agencies in Year 3)
- Advocate for system-level changes grounded in belonging, dignity, and antiracism. (ongoing)
Go here and here for more information on data and articles support this work.
What is the role of the Lead Agencies? Lead Agencies develop the mission and structure of the Coalition. They secured funding and will convene, co-facilitate, and coordinate the coalition. Funds will be used to secure addition for administrative functions, coordination, and facilitation.
Do I participate as an individual or a representative of my organization? Yes. Both/And. We come into this collaborative space with multiples hats. Many of us have our own lived experienced through the mental health system. We may also work in an agency or organization that is part of the "mental health system." We also have our own lived experience as people of color--which may or may not be "seen and affirmed" in our places of work. Ideally, your workplace will support your participation (see next question) and be open to the implementation recommendations that emerge from the work of the Coalition.
How will my participation be supported? If you work in an organization that has a connection to this work, we hope that your organization will support your participation by allowing you to do this work within your regular working hours. For individuals who are either not connected to a related organization or prefer to participate as an unaffiliated individual, we have funds to offer a small hourly honorarium. Specific amount will be determined based on interest and availability.
How will you meet? The Lead Advisory Group meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 11:30am to 1:30pm. We meet with a rotation between in-person and virtual sessions.
I am not BIPOC or have no connection to Dane County, Wisconsin. How can I help? Thank you!
Please email us at bipocmentalhealthcoalition@gmail.com and write "BIPOC Coalition Supporter" in the subject line. We will share future opportunities to support our efforts.