A Message from the President...

 

Hello Counselors!

 

I hope this message finds everyone in good spirits and doing well! Amid the stress of our jobs and life, let us focus on whatever it is that makes us happy. For me, it is the upcoming Spring season, better weather (I mean, it’s still SD, so this can really vary!) lighter days and thinking about my garden.

 

This week, I will be traveling to Orlando with a group of SD counselors to the American Counseling Association Conference. If you are going and would like to connect with the SD group, please let me know! I am looking forward to several days of learning and networking. I am especially proud that SDCA’s very own Rebecca Christiansen was elected to the Midwest Region Governing Council. Having representation at the national level is invaluable and I am thankful that Rebecca is willing to be involved and represent us. This is a huge asset to our organization!

 

Our willingness to be involved in planning, advocating, educating, and networking (to name a few) is what makes SDCA strong, and it takes all of us to make it work. We all have something to offer, whether it be ideas, organizational skills, creativity, knowledge, or comic relief. All our unique experiences and journeys contribute to the strength of SDCA. This is OUR organization, and we can make it what WE want.

 

Some of the things that are happening behind the scenes right now in SDCA in each of the committees:

 

Education and Ethics:  Monthly webinars with CE’s continue to be offered. This group is also busy planning and preparing for the conference from breakout sessions to snacks to entertainment and everything in-between. Please join us for the SDCA Conference in Sioux Falls May 1-3rd at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. We are trying some new things and look forward to a wonderful conference and time to learn and reconnect!  There will be two preconference options this year:

 

SDSCA will be sponsoring: Academic Counseling: Enhancing Motivation to Achieve presented by Kathy Biles, Ph.D., NCC and Gene Eakin, Ph.D.

 

SDMHCA will be sponsoring: Eating Disorders 101 presented by Tanja Haaland, MA, LPC-S

 

Professional Leadership: This group has been meeting and discussing ideas to enhance options for our members in terms of access to leadership training and growth opportunities. They focus on Emerging Leaders, Graduate Students, and the Leadership Academy and other trainings. This group is vital to the sustainability of our organization.

 

Operations: The Operations Committee includes Finance, Technology, and By-laws. They are currently working on modifying the by-laws to fit with the board restructuring. They maintain contact with ACA regarding the process and make sure our by-laws meet the ACA requirements and are in compliance. This is a group that pays attention to details!

 

Government Relations and Advocacy: The legislative session is winding down, but this committee has been meeting weekly to keep track of bills and stay on top of state and national bills that might impact our profession and those we serve. They work all year to keep up on legislative impacts to our profession.  We had a successful Day on the Hill this year at which many of us testified against HB 1201. We made an impact! The bill passed Committee but was ultimately defeated in the House.  

 

Membership: This committee is being totally revamped, and they have some big ideas! From a re-fresh including a new logo and marketing campaign, to changes regarding growing and sustaining membership, this group is working to move SDCA forward and keep it going strong. Stay tuned for more updates!

 

Thank you to our Executive Director Sadie Hanson for making sure things get done and keeping track of everything that I and the committees throw at you. And THANK YOU to the many people who have reached out and offered ideas, volunteered to be on committees, and offered feedback. You can do as little or as much as you want. With the restructuring, the focus is on many of us doing a small part, rather than a few doing everything. Once again, this is OUR organization, and we can make things happen. So far, this has been a year of changing and learning. Change can be hard, but also hopeful, exciting, and rejuvenating. SDCA has a bright future if we continue to work together for our profession.

 

Let’s finish this year strong!

 

 

 

Stephanie Lund, MS, NCC, LPC-MH

 

[email protected]