ASCA Delegate Assembly
By Diana Mach, SDSCA Past President
President Andree Johnson and I attended the ASCA Delegate Assembly and Conference in Orlando, Fla. this year. It is extremely helpful to attend these trainings because it gives one exposure to ASCA and emphasizes what we, as leaders, must be responsible for the following year. Delegate Assembly consists of representatives from each state debating and voting on issues that will then reflect ASCA’s official position on various things such as the school counselor’s role, ethics, by-laws, etc. Each state is allowed so many delegates according to membership. South Dakota is allowed two.
This year there was quite a debate on increased ASCA membership dues and whether or not the ASCA board alone should be allowed to make this decision or continue to allow the delegate assembly to make this decision. The votes were extremely close. Some states felt that in order to receive the benefits and services that ASCA provides, we must be willing to pay the price. Others, especially the smaller states, felt that a $25 increase was too high and recommended a smaller increase. This, was, however, defeated, by only two votes, and the dues for ASCA will increase next year. Andree and I discussed the importance of us representing our state. Had we not been there, our two votes would not have been accounted for and with controversial topics such as these, South Dakota certainly wants a voice. Delegate Assembly also voted to leave the decision in the hands of the delegate assembly to increase or decrease membership dues.
The conference provides excellent speakers, content sessions, and the chance to network with other state leaders. Keep in mind that the conference will be held in the Midwest in 2006 (Chicago) and 2007 (Denver). If you have the opportunity, I would encourage all of you to attend. One of the highlights of this year’s conference was Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees Wanna Bees. I am sure many of you have read her books; however, if you have not, I would highly recommend it. She educates and provides great tips for adults working with the topic of relational aggression; commonly known as female bullying, but certainly not limited to just females.
Just briefly, I would like all of you to start marking your calendars for this year’s pre conference. Dr. Ed Jacobs will be presenting: Counseling Should Never Be Boring.-- Creative Counseling Techniques. He is the founder of impact therapy. He comes highly recommended by many state leaders. I have read his book and listened to two of his tapes already and I kid you not; he is awesome!! He is just what the school counselors are looking for. He is a school counselor himself and recognizes the need for brief sessions that make an impact. More on this subject later but mark it on your calendars today.