ACAeNews is a biweekly electronic newsletter of the American Counseling Association.
In this edition readers will find:
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~ Television Family Hour Under Assault ~
A new study just released by the Parents Television Council states that children watching the first hour of prime time television are assaulted by violence, profanity or sexual content every 3.5 minutes of non-commercial program time. Of 208 programs monitored on the six major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CW and MyNetworkTV), almost 90% contained some form of objectionable content.
In reviewing programs, PTC watched specifically for instances of foul language, violence, and sexual content during the "family hour" during three separate two-week "sweeps" periods throughout the 2006-2007 television season. The "family hour" time slot includes programs with a start time between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sundays. To review the press release and full report, including the offending television programs, go to:
http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/release/2007/0905.asp
~ FYI - Latest Substance Abuse and Mental Health Report Available ~
In association with National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Month, the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMSHA) Office of Applied Studies (OAS) has released the 2006 report on substance use, abuse, and dependence prevalence data, mental health measures, and additional related variables for the nation. Mental health measures included in this report include depression, serious psychological distress, co-occurring depression and substance use, treatment for mental health problems, reasons for not receiving mental health treatment, and unmet treatment need. Counselors in mental health and related settings can access the report by going to: http://oas.samhsa.gov/nsduhLatest.htm
~ Fast Fact - Wireless Numbers Skyrocket ~
Haven't gotten your personal cell phone yet? You are clearly bucking the US trend. According to CTIA - The Wireless Association, more than three-fourths of all Americans now have a cell phone. In 2007, CTIA estimates the number of wireless telephone users to be approaching 243 million. Wireless telephone users can obtain valuable answers to consumer questions by going to http://www.ctia.org.
~ Worth Reading - Annual Labor Day Report of USDL ~
Released to coincide with the annual celebration of Labor Day,America's Dynamic Workforce: 2007, offers the perspective of the US Department of Labor regarding the labor market and economy. Relying heavily on trend data, the report offers a view of work in America today and the critical challenges that must be addressed if employment and the economy are to continue to grow.
Some of the highlights of the 2007 report include:
- Employment in America has reached record heights.
- Technology remains a strong influence and significant challenge to future growth.
- Americacontinues to transition to a "knowledge-based" economy.
- Recent job growth has been in occupations with above-average compensation.
- Education (preparation and continuing) represents the key to individual success in a dynamic labor market.
America's Dynamic Workforce - 2007 points to two trends---the growth of the aging populations and our evolving racial and ethnic diversity---as influences on how the US workforce will be constituted during the first half of this century. The report, including data, analysis and discussion, can be found at:http://www.dol.gov/asp/media/reports/workforce2007/ADW2007_Full_Text.pdf
~ Conference Clipping # 1 - Graduate Student Volunteers Needed in Hawaii ~
Here's an opportunity to meet and interact with leading counseling professionals, learn about cutting edge research, find information regarding future career choices, and become a part of ACA's graduate student volunteer staff at the 2008 annual convention in Hawaii (March 26-30).
ACA is seeking 120 graduate student volunteers willing to work a minimum of 12 hours during the convention. In exchange for this commitment, ACA will reimburse volunteers for one-half of the conference registration fee. ACA is also pleased to offer graduate students who have previously volunteered in this program full reimbursement for their registration fee. For more information about this program, please go to www.counseling.org/Students/GetInvolved, or contact Janice Macdonald at 800-347-6647, ext. 204; email jmacdonald@counseling.org.
~ Relevant Research - Depression Leading Cause of Global Disability ~
Mental disorders rank among the top ten illnesses causing disability-more than 37 percent worldwide-with depression being the leading cause of disability among people ages 15 and older, according to the Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors published in 2006. Yet, the world's mental health care needs are largely going unmet, especially in less developed nations (but also in high- income countries), according to results from a new survey of 17 countries conducted as part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Mental Health Survey Initiative. To access the full press release, go to: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/wang_globalhealth.cfm
~ House Education Committee Releases Draft NCLB Bill ~
Congress returned from its month-long August recess this week with a busy agenda. Near the top of the agenda appears to be the renewal of the 5-1/2 year-old No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. On August 28, the House Education and Labor Committee released a preliminary proposal to reauthorize Title I of NCLB, providing assistance to education agencies serving high numbers or percentages of underprivileged children. ACA joined other education groups in scrambling to read the 435-page draft bill and respond to the Committee by its September 5th deadline for submitting comments.
Both House and Senate members are trying to revamp the NCLB accountability system and increase support for struggling schools. The House Education Committee's draft legislation would maintain requirements on states to assess students in reading and math in grades 3-8 and in high school, but would authorize states to use new methods of tracking progress toward subject proficiency goals required to be met by the end of the 2013-14 school year. The House Education Committee followed up last week's release of the Title I draft legislation with similar drafts for the remaining parts of NCLB. The additional draft provisions address a myriad of programs in the rest of the NCLB law, including teacher quality and professional development, Safe and Drug Free Schools, and the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program.
According to House staff, the Education Committee is scheduled to mark up a bill to renew NCLB the week of September 24, with a vote on the floor later in the fall. On the Senate side, lawmakers worked on an NCLB bill throughout the August recess and are aiming to have their bill win the Senate's approval by the end of the year. For more information, contact Chris Campbell with ACA at 800/347-6647 Ext. 241, or by e-mail at ccampbell@counseling.org.
~ AMCD Counselor Southern Africa Experience Successful ~
This past summer a group of counselor educators, practitioners, and students participated in a 23 day outreach trip in southern Africa. As a continuation of a disaster relief outreach trip to New Orleans in August 2006, this trip promoted culturally competent mental health disaster outreach in order to help meet the increasing need both nationally and internationally. Through the lens of HIV/AIDS as trauma, participants had the opportunity to work with counselors and provide services in South Africa and Botswana.
The first ten days were spent in cultural immersion, touring South African sites and meeting with people. Following the tour, outreach participants met and consulted with various agencies working with people affected by HIV/AIDS. An international global outreach conference, organized by outreach participants, was conducted and a ceremony was held at the University of Botswana where $7,000 worth of donated books were presented to augment the counseling/psychology section of their library.
The goal of establishing relationships with agencies in southern Africa was successful. In fact, Dr. West-Olatunji, president of Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) and organizer of this outreach endeavor, is already planning a study abroad program in Botswana for students to participate in next summer. To view photos from the trip visit: http://education.ufl.edu/Counselor/MeetingUs/Files/AMCDSouthernAfricaOutreach.ppt
~ ACA National Awards Nominations Now Open ~
The ACA Awards Committee announces the start of the nomination process for the 2008 ACA National Awards. The awards will be presented at the ACA National Convention in Hawaii in March 2008. An ACA member can submit a nomination of one or more ACA members who have made a noteworthy contribution to the counseling profession at the local or state levels. ACA Divisions/Organizational Affiliates, Branches, Chapters, Regions or Committees can also submit nominations.
There are 19 annual awards. Complete information, including criteria for each award is available on the ACA web site at www.counseling.org under 'Resources'. ACAeNews readers may request a 2008 National Awards Packet by calling ACA Member Services at 800/347-6647, Ext. 222. Nominations should be submitted by mail to ACA 2008 National Awards, c/o Janice Macdonald, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304.
~ Conference Clipping # 2 - ACA Travel Service and Discounted Hotel Information ~
Members planning their 2008 trip to the Aloha State can use the new ACA Travel Service available at www.acatvl.com. This service will help the counselor-traveler to and from the Hawaii conference and then be available for other professional or leisure travel.
The Ala Moana Hotel still has rooms available for the ACA 2008 at the discounted rate of $149 single/double. Just .43 miles from the Hawaii Convention Center, the Ala Moana Hotel is a delightful walk to ACA events and tourist attractions alike. Get hotel details at www.alamoanahotel.com or call toll-free: 800/367-6025. Each additional adult is an additional $40 per person, plus taxes. Deadline: February 26, 2008. (Mention group code: D0622326)
~ Reliable Resource - Web Site Addresses Cancer Issues in Children and Families ~
At a time when an estimated 40,000 children return to school after battling a pediatric cancer, a new web site now makes it possible for students, counselors and teachers to welcome these young survivors back to the classroom. Inspired by the critically acclaimed "A Lion In The House" documentary, www.mylion.org connects the Internet visitor to information about pediatric cancers and service-learning projects where classmates can learn and better understand their peers still engaged in cancer treatment. The web site suggests student learning activities and references curricular tools. Go to:www.mylion.org
~ Are You Getting The Most Bang for Your Dues Buck? ~
There are a host of benefits and services ACA offers members. Take a new quick online tour to make sure you're taking advantage of them! Go to counseling.org/Resources.
~ What's New At ACA? Now You Can Find Out Online in a Flash! ~
A new page on the ACA website gives you all the updates you need in one place! Find out about latest news, services and other information by visiting www.counseling.org/whatsnew
~ Events - Fall Opportunities for Professional Development and Networking Abound ~
State Level Counseling Conferences
In addition to the national ACES and ARCA conferences, the autumn months will provide a fantastic array of professional development opportunities for counselors in sixteen locations:
September 23-25, 2007
Event: Nebraska Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Information: kschink@inebraska.com
September 25, 2007
Event: Maryland Association for Counseling and Development
Location: Loyola College, Columbia, Maryland
Information: Kbarrett@aacps.org or 410/757-2806
September 30-October 1, 2007
Event: Texas Counseling Association Directors of Guidance Conference
Location: Austin, Texas
Information: Jennifer@txca.org
October 4-6, 2007
Event: Minnesota Counseling Association Annual Fall Conference
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Information: http://www.mncounseling.org/
October 6-10, 2007
Event: Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Information: http://www.lacounseling.org/conference.htm
October 10-14, 2007
Event: Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Annual Conference
Theme: Vanguards of Change and Social Justice
Location: Easton Center, Columbus, Ohio
Information: http://www.aces2007.net
October 12-13, 2007
Event: West Virginia Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: South Charleston, WV
Information: http://wvcounseling.org/WVCAFallConference.htm
October 12-13, 2007
Event: Washington Counseling Association Fall Conference
Location: Seattle, WA
Information: http://wacounseling.org/
October 17-19, 2007
Event: Puerto Rican Professional Counseling Association Annual Convention
Location: Ponce, PR
Information: Maribel Perez Mercado: 787/758-2525, Ext. 4000 or Nelson Vazquez 787/993-0000, Ext. 4094
October 18-20, 2007
Event: Wyoming Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Casper, WY
Information: http://www.wyoca.org/conference.htm
October 18-21, 2007
Event: Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Tinley Park, IL
Information: http://www.ilcounseling.org/
October 19-20, 2007
Event: Oregon Counseling Association Fall Conference
Theme: Our Cultures and Communities - The Ties That Bind
Location: Best Western Ocean Vie Resort, Seaside, Oregon
Information: www.or-counseling.org or Dina Yerex at 971/226-4040 or dinayeres@or-counseling.org
October 19-21
Event: Pennsylvania Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: State College, PA
Information: http://www.pacounseling.org/fallconf.htm
October 23-26
Event: Kentucky Counseling Association Fall Conference
Location: Louisville, KY
Information: http://www.kyca.org/online/
October 25-27
Event: New York Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Rochester, NY
Information: www.nycounseling.org
October 31-November 2
Event: Ohio Counseling Association Conference
Location: Columbus, OH
Information: http://www.ohiocounseling.org/aocc.htm
November 8-10, 2007
Event: American Rehabilitation Counseling Association 50th Anniversary Educational Conference
Theme: Counseling & Crisis Interventions for Individuals with Disabilities in Critical Times
Location: Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, Tampa Florida
Information: patricia.nunez@cna.com;mpointer@coppin.edu
ACA divisions and branches are valuable sources of learning and professional development and ACAeNews readers will find relevant future meetings and conferences posted here regularly. Information of this nature will be posted approximately 8-10 weeks before the conference is held. This information is made available to ACAeNews via the ACA master calendar and the various organization web sites. Calendar additions should be directed to jmacdonald@counseling.org. Please provide the sponsor, dates, site and contact person information. Information posted here is restricted to that sponsored by ACA divisions, branches, regions and related organizations.
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About ACAeNews
ACAeNews is published biweekly by the American Counseling Association for the benefit of members and the counseling profession. Any reference to a product, service or activity or listing of a web site in ACAeNews does not imply endorsement by ACA. Any views and opinions are those of the sponsoring organization and may or may not be shared by ACA.
Direct comments, questions and submissions to fburtnett@counseling.org. All submissions will be subject to review by ACA for accuracy, timeliness and relevance to the readership and may be edited to meet space parameters.
Brian Canfield, President
canfield@sandiego.edu
Richard Yep, Executive Director
ryep@counseling.org
Brandt Heatherington, Director of Marketing
bheatherington@counseling.org
Frank Burtnett, ACAeNews Editor
fburtnett@counseling.org
ACA Web site: www.counseling.org
© 2007, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone: 703/823-9800. Email: fburtnett@counseling.org. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce anything contained in this newsletter as long as the American Counseling Association is identified as the original source of the information.