WHAT MAKES YOU COME ALIVE?
By Shelly Lammers, SDSCA President-Elect
I will begin this article with a quote from Harold Whitman. "Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Most school counselors chose their profession because they felt they were good at helping others. Most of us are compassionate, empathetic, and have a willingness to listen. Many school counselors "come alive" when they enter their buildings at the beginning of the year. I would encourage you, if you are one of these counselors' to consider a leadership position in SDSCA, SDCA, Area of Specialty or your Chapter. There are a variety of levels of involvement and all can be very rewarding.
Positions open on the SDSCA Board for next year include:
President Elect – This is a three year commitment. The first year is to serve as President Elect where your main function is to learn how to assume the role of president the following year. The second year is as President, where you preside at all of the meetings of the executive committee and Governing Board. The third year is as Past President and the main function is to serve as advisor to the president and governing board.
Elementary Vice President – This is a two year commitment. The purpose is to represent Elementary school counselors on the board and to serve as a resource to activate and implement state concerns to meet the needs of counselors.
Secondary Vice President - This is a two year commitment. The purpose is to represent secondary school counselors on the board and to serve as a resource to activate and implement state concerns to meet the needs of counselors.
We also have several committees which include: Advocacy, By laws, membership, research/data, counselor educator, counselor supervisor, ethics, government relations, human rights, mentoring, special projects, technology and graduate student. The chairpersons of these committees are always looking for counselors to be part of their committee.
I have heard the comment over and over again that "I just don't have the time" to be involved. It really does not take that much time to be involved on the board. All board members are encouraged to attend the Summer Leadership retreat which is held over two days, usually in June. The board members create the strategic plan for SDSCA during the retreat. There are three other board meetings during the year, one is held via DDN, in the fall. One is held during Day on the Hill in January and one is held during the SDCA conference in the spring. The President and President-elect have the opportunity to be involved on the ASCA board and are provided leadership training on the national level.
I would encourage you to consider seeking a position on the SDSCA board of directors. The experience, leadership training, and relationships you build with other professional counselors across the state will definitely help you to "come alive" both personally and professionally.