Richard Yep, CEO of ACA
A s We are entering the second month of the very first ACA Virtual Conference Experience. I would like to thank the 5,000+ professional counselors, counselor educators and PhD students who have made this meet in the digital world for this event. The fact that we have had more attendees than any other ACA conference in the last 20 years speaks volumes. It tells me that counselors continue to strive to constantly improve what they do for so many people and communities.
The amazing keynote speakers, which included over 300 content sessions and the "break room" which included activities such as yoga, coloring and listening to music, demonstrated the profession's ability to adapt to changing situations while delivering important (and) relaxing ones ) Information to all participants.
But we're not done yet! The ACA Virtual Conference Experience will remain available “on request” throughout May. All keynotes, content sessions, and other fun stuff will still be available to registrants. This means you can earn a large number of continuing education credits – all on your schedule. If you haven't already registered, you can do so now by visiting Counseling.org/conference.[19459003besuchen]
We also need to remember what moved us to create the ACA virtual conference experience – the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand that as vaccination becomes more available in the US and around the world, travel and meeting restrictions will be relaxed, schools will reopen, and the size of conventions will increase. Even if the proverbial “finish line” is in sight, we are not there yet.
With all the sacrifices that so many have made to stay safe for so long, why not stay there a while longer? The amount of pent-up energy and the desire to be with others, hugging loved ones, and getting back to some sort of pre-pandemic routine is understandable. However, we are encouraged to continue masking, washing our hands, and respecting physical distancing even when fully vaccinated. These are reasonable guidelines.
The other main problem we have faced is racial injustice. It was unfortunately part of our history from the start, but recent events have raised it to become part of our national dialogue. Much has been written and discussed about the many facets of oppression and discrimination, the abusive practices of some law enforcement agencies, and the utter expressions of racism. As I've said before, and I'll say it again, the need for professional advisors has never been greater.
What does this mean for you as a professional advisor, aspiring advisor, advisor in training, or as someone responsible for teaching, monitoring and training doctoral students in advisor training? It means taking what you know and engaging in discussions that lead to greater knowledge of the many complexities of race, ethnicity, bias, and discrimination.
I am incredibly proud of the courageous steps our ACA Governing Council has taken to discuss and address many elements of systemic and institutional racism. In addition to drafting letters of solidarity and compassion, the Governing Council has approved a multi-tiered anti-racism plan that includes developing resources, creating spaces for dialogue and setting up a commission to deal with the actions we have taken, an organization. Rather than just putting words in a report, our Governing Council has allocated more than $ 100,000 in reserves to implement components of the work of the Commission and staff.
As a society we have to learn a lot. As a profession, consultants have a lot to do. The path includes the following: asking, discussing, reflecting, advising, growing. If this can be done with patience, respect, grace, and openness, I think the importance and influence of the counseling profession will continue to flourish.
As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Call me at 800-347-6647. 231 or email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter: @Richyep.
