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ACMH

ACMH

Phone: 517 372-4016

Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

Amplify Your Voice: Advocacy & Resilience for Parents and Caregivers

Not every parent starts this journey feeling ready. Many of us arrive after a hard meeting, a scary phone call, or a moment we realize, “I need tools—and a community.” That’s why we created Amplify Your Voice—a four-part virtual series shaped with members of our ACMH Parent Advisory Committee.

Across four sessions, families learned practical skills to advocate confidently, communicate clearly, and build supportive partnerships in schools, health care, and community systems—while protecting their own energy and well-being.

🎥 Watch the full series on YouTube

Tip: Open the playlist and start with the session that resonates most. Each video includes a description with any slides or resources.

Your Journey Through the Series

  1. Advocacy 101 – The Basics
    Where we begin: understanding your rights, your child’s needs, and the steps you can take today. Parents leave with a simple plan and words that work.
  2. Self-Advocacy, Balance & Empowerment
    You matter, too. We practice setting boundaries, asking for help, and keeping energy for the long road.
  3. Communication Techniques
    Turn tough conversations into productive ones: framing requests, documenting, following up, and collaborating with school and provider teams.
  4. Navigating Systems & Building Partnerships
    See the “whole map”—how services connect and how to build a circle of support that actually supports.

What You’ll Gain

  • Confidence to speak up for your child—and for yourself.
  • Clear strategies for IEP/504 and care team meetings.
  • Templates and phrasing that keep conversations focused and respectful.
  • Ways to manage stress and protect your well-being.
  • Ideas to grow a supportive network that lasts.

Parent Voices

“I went in nervous and came out with a plan. The language examples for meetings were a game-changer.”

— Michigan parent

“Hearing other caregivers and ACMH’s Parent Advisory Committee made me feel less alone.”

— Caregiver

Next Steps

  1. Open the YouTube playlist and choose a session to start.
  2. Download any linked resources from each video description.
  3. Try one strategy this week—then share what worked with another parent.

Need Support?

We’re here for you. Email [email protected] with questions or to connect with support.

Amplify Your Voice is brought to you by the Association for Children’s Mental Health and the ACMH Parent Advisory Committee.

Videos include captions on YouTube.