Get Involved

Help shape the Commission

The Commission is actively seeking input

The Behavioral Health Services Act envisions a behavioral health system that empowers community voice to drive change, mandating that behavioral health decisions be made with input from community members, and that local three-year and annual plans be formed in partnership with the public. There are many ways for you to get involved.

Ways to get involved

Attend a Commission or committee meeting and make a comment.

We invite public comment on each agenda item at our public meetings held throughout the year. You can click here to learn how to make a public comment.

Public meetings are held in person, and we welcome you to join us in person, but you can also join public meetings virtually, either online or on a phone. Each meeting has a registration link for virtual participants that will provide you with more information. You may also make a public comment ahead of time through email if you cannot attend the meeting virtually or in person. Public meetings are announced – and their agendas are published – at least 10 business days in advance of the meeting.

You can sign up to receive email notifications from the Commission of upcoming public meetings.

Click here to see a list of upcoming Commission meetings and to register for the next meeting.

Committee meetings are held periodically; click here to see a list of upcoming committee meetings.

 

Get involved with a community advocacy organization.

The Commission awards grants to local and state-level organizations to provide advocacy, training, education, and outreach on behalf of nine specific populations: clients and consumers, diverse racial and ethnic communities, families, LGBTQ+ populations, parents and caregivers, transition age youth, veterans, immigrants and refugees, and students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Visit the advocacy grants page to learn more about these organizations and visit their webpages to get involved in advocacy and community impact.

 

Review funding opportunities.

The Commission provides grants and funding for advocacy, technical assistance, and other services to advance change. You can review current and recently closed grant and funding opportunities online, and read about the bidding process.

 

Help shape California’s behavioral health policy.

Part of the Commission’s job is to act as an advisor to California’s governor and Legislature. One of the methods the Commission uses to inform them is policy reports.

“Striving For Zero: California’s Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention 2020-2025” and “Every Young Heart and Mind: Schools as Centers for Wellness” are two of the many examples. These policy reports are enlightened by community members throughout the process, from listening sessions and site visits to input during public comment periods and public hearings.

Sign up to receive email notifications from the Commission to be notified of opportunities to provide your input.

 

Apply to be a Commissioner.

Each Commissioner is appointed by the Governor’s Office. You can apply to be a Commissioner at the Governor’s Government Appointments webpage.

 

Get in touch.

Have a question or an idea? Visit the Commission’s Contact page and send us an email.

 

Look at the map.

Our online Community Engagement Map shows Commission events, independent events attended by Commissioners or staff, and events by organizations funded by the Commission to elevate community voices, reduce stigma, and strengthen advocacy for behavioral health transformation. Listing these events on a map shows where the Commission has been – and where we need to go.

Hosting your own event? Email bhsoac@bhsoac.ca.gov to let us know what the Commission should attend.

 

Follow the Commission’s work on social media.

Stay up-to-date with Commission events and work and follow us on social media.