Richard Yep, CEO of ACA
H How many of us are so happy that 2020 is coming to an end and hope that we can "start over" with a new year? I know that I am one of those people. The last year was marked by surprise, worry, worry, anger, sadness and willingness to make sacrifices. It was just so hard to figure out what was going to happen next. In my opinion, many of you and your clients and students have experienced the same emotions. While I consider myself an optimist, I think 2021 could be a year of uncertainty due to the events in 2020.
Despite the fact that vaccines against COVID-19 should be available to millions of people by the first months of 2021, ACA made the decision to hold its annual conference in a "virtual room" this spring. For more information on the 400+ training sessions and special presentations, visit Counseling.org/conference. All sessions are offered at different times in April and May and can also be viewed "on request". This means that those who register will not only receive a significant discount on registration rates compared to the traditional ACA conference, but will also have the option to attend for sessions that can be viewed from April 5th to May 31st to receive a significantly higher number of training credits.
We hope that the discounted rate and the opportunity to attend so many more sessions will receive a positive review, but as this is our first of its kind we must also acknowledge some degree of uncertainty about whether people are ready to take part in a virtual event and whether the expectations are met.
With the changes to come at the national level of public policy, the very robust legislative agenda of ACA in 2021 could be very well received by elected officials. Given all the issues that Congress and the new Presidential Administration have to deal with – based on what happened in 2020 – it is uncertain whether we will be able to get our very important legislative agenda off the ground. While I know we need as many ACA members as possible to participate in our political goals, I also understand how incredibly busy you all are, both professionally and personally.
Now let me share what I am sure about this new year. I am sure that professional consultants will continue to reach unexpected levels when it comes to representing, supporting, and helping their clients and students. It is who you are, it is what you do, and it is something that gives me great hope. Professional consultants do incredibly important work.
To be honest, in uncertain times I cannot think of a better group than professional advisors. In return, ACA members and non-members should know that they can rely on ACA for products, services, resources, advocacy and professional recognition.
Let's be hopeful for 2021. Let's be happy that we are entering a new year. And let's make sure that communities, the media and policy makers really understand the important role professional counselors can play in the lives of those seeking help.
All of you from the ACA staff, Happy New Year.
As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Call me at 800-347-6647. 231 or send me an email at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter:
@Richyep.
Be healthy.