We're approaching Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on Tuesday, 15 January 2008. (It's observed in the USA on the third Monday, which this year is 21 January 2008.)

Martin in our office has located a brief video clip on YouTube in which MLK talks about how proud he is to be what psychologists call "maladjusted." Thanks Martin. You can view the clip on our site here.

I have a pretty simple 2008 resolution, and that is to help move the nonviolent revolution in the mental health system forward by exploring the "creative maladjustment" MLK talked about. For instance, in MAD PRIDE we've ended up with some amazing "anchor events" such as a big Bonkerfest festival in UK, "bed push" protests in multiple countries (Germany just said they'll do one), a theater in Toronto, an art gallery in Vancouver, an annual encampment in front of the Capitol in Albany.

All of these are great, significant activities, and that's the point. We also need ways for people to hold small, significant events! Even one, two, or three people can at least pose outside with a sign saying "maladjusted" or "mad pride" or something about changing psychiatry... take a digital photo... and upload it. Get it to us! Let's make it easy for hundreds of people to hold MAD PRIDE events in 2008!

Speaking of MLK, I hope readers of this web site know that we are encouraging a dream MLK referred to over and over. He called for the creation of an International Association for the Advancement of Creative Maladjustment (IAACM). A member with a PhD recently e-mailed me and asked how she can "sign up" for the IAACM. Funny. But here's the serious point: The IAACM is MLK's dream. You are a leader in the IAACM, as long as you follow MLK's nonviolent guidelines and you pursue creative maladjustment actions!

I know this is huge, difficult to grasp, let me repeat:

If you take "creative maladjustment" action in 2008, and you're nonviolent, you -- the reader -- are a leader in a dream of MLK, the IAACM. For more about the IAACM click here.

I recently spoke on the phone with long-time friend and supporter "The Real" Patch Adams (who by the way, never uses the Internet). I had the pleasure of informing the amazing Patch, the famous medical clown portrayed by Robin Williams, about the IAACM. He had never heard of it. Of course, Patch has been an unknowing leader in that for year.

And speaking of language, I have modified an essay I wrote about how we all ought to try giving up the use of the term "mentally ill." No, this call is not, I hope, about political correctness, it's about values of inclusion and diversity and empowerment.

Please take a look at my essay on ending the use of the term "mentally ill," and let me know your reaction, click here.

And everyone, let's have a great 2008, with a nonviolent revolution in the mental health system!