How Can I Get Involved?
You've thought about it before; "how can I get involved?".
Most of us probably think becoming involved, becoming an advocate, means taking to the streets holding signs and chanting slogans. Well, you can do that if that's your thing but it can be much simpler than that. But before we get into the advocacy options let's talk about things every counselor should be doing, things that come in very handy if you want to advocate a position. You can jump ahead and begin your advocacy work now but it's a good idea to do some research on the list that follows as you go. (The links below apply to TX but they'll give you a good idea what to look for in your state.)
How Can I Get Involved: Advocacy Pre-Requisites
- Get familiar with your licensing board's website. You'd be surprised what's on there!
- Subscribe to your licensing board's member email so you don't miss meetings and get all of the announcements.
- Get to know the players at your licensing board, who they are and how they work together.
- Get familiar with your state board's rulebook. You'll need to read it.
- Explore any external code (laws) referenced in your rulebook.
- Watch or attend a few board meetings to see how things are done first.
- Learn a little bit about your state licensing agency and how they fit into the bigger picture of your state government.
- Learn how to organize your thoughts and present a cohesive statement. You don't have to be Hemingway, just stay on point.
- Get involved in like-minded social media groups and stay on top of what your peers are thinking.
- Find out who the State Rep is for your district, who your State Senator is for your district.
As you get more involved, find out who your Federal Representatives are from your district and who your State's Senators are. Of course, you want a phone and email contact information for each of these people.
Pick One Thing and Change the World!
Okay, working from that base, here's a few ways you can become involved and earn the title, "advocate!". We'll begin with the easiest and move towards a more committed set of activities:
- Watch your licensing board and council meetings via Zoom and tell them what you think during the public comment segment.
- Attend your licensing board and council meetings in person and tell them what you think.
- Attend and speak up at any online presentations your licensing agency may offer.
- Participate in online groups where the topics of discussion revolve around advocacy for the profession.
- Learn how to write letters or adapt form letters and send them via email or snail-mail to your State politicians.
- Become a phone advocacy warrior and learn to call your political representatives and voice your concerns.
- Become a social media advocate. Pick your platform and open an account. Start talking and begin building a following of like-minded people.
- Write. Post. Promote. Many different ways and places you can do this.
I want you to remember that if we don't speak up and advocate for ourselves then we will never be able to advocate anything for our clients.
The Power of One
One voice crying out in the wilderness is all most people need in order to stand up and join a cause. Be that one voice. When we all stand up and turn on the lights then those that would harm our profession have nowhere left to hide. Pick something and get started. We'll help you.
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About the Author
Kathleen Mills is a fire-breathing, 33+ year veteran of the counseling world. People react in one of two ways when evil touches their lives: some retreat in fear, and some advance without pause to engage it. Kathleen falls firmly in the latter group. She owns and operates Life Tree Counseling in Frisco, TX, possesses a tireless work-ethic, and eagerly awaits your arrival into her growing army of warriors.
