ACAeNews is a biweekly electronic newsletter of the American Counseling Association.
In this edition readers will find:
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~ Advocacy Matters: Counselor Voices Needs to be Heard on Veto Override ~
There's some good news out of Washington: Congress has passed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and extend the federal children's health insurance program, to attempt to provide health insurance to some of the estimated nine million children in the United States who don't have health insurance. There's also bad news: Amazingly, President Bush has vetoed the legislation. There's even more good news, though: Congress will attempt to override the president's veto in a vote in the House of Representatives on October 18, 2007
Although the legislation was passed by a wide vote margin in both the House and the Senate, a few more House votes are needed to make this work. Counselors are strongly encouraged to contact their Representatives by the October 18, 2007 to ask them to vote for kids and against the veto. For more information, including a state-by-state list of how members of Congress voted on the legislation, visit the ACA web site at www.counseling.org/publicpolicy or contact Scott Barstow at 800-347-6647 Ext. 234 or by e-mail:sbarstow@counseling.org.
~ Relevant Research - Psychotherapy and Medication Combination Most Effective with Teens ~
A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication appears to be the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder-more than medication alone or psychotherapy alone, according to results from a major clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study was published in the October 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
The long-term results of the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS) found that when adolescents received fluoxetine (Prozac) alone or in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over the course of 36 weeks, they recovered faster than those who were receiving CBT alone. To read the full press release, go to: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/depressed-adolescents-respond-best-to-combination-treatment.shtml.
~ Fourth Annual Ross Trust Scholarship Competition Now Open ~
In early 2008, 15 ACA student members (ten Masters level and 3 doctoral level) will become the fourth group of Ross Trust Scholarship recipients. Designed to recognize academic excellence and volunteerism among counselors aspiring to work in educational environments, nominations are first made by member counselor educators. Once nominated, the student completes the remainder of the scholarship application.
Complete eligibility and guidelines can be found at: http://www.counseling.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases.aspx?AGuid=94198bcc-4300-45db-b0ae-9a67b8079726, as well as links to the electronic nomination/application forms. All forms must be completed and supporting documents filed by November 16, 2007.
~ Fast Fact - Nine Million US Children Considered Overweight ~
Nine million children over the age of six are considered overweight in this country. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Heart Association suggest that children and teens need 60 minutes of physical activity daily to avoid the risk of becoming overweight and developing a greater risk for some chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition to putting their health at risk, overweight children are often subjected to exclusion by their peers, which can affect their emotional well-being.
A new campaign involving the National Football League (NFL), Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and DreamWorks studios has been created to teach kids the importance of eating well and being physically active at a young age. The campaign will use the television, radio and print media to advance a series of "Be a Player" public service announcements aimed at American youth, ages 6 - 11. To learn more and preview campaign resources, go to: http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?id=45
~ Conference Clipping - Hawaii Advance Registration Brochure Mailed to Members ~
The 2008 ACA Annual Conference & Exposition registration brochure was mailed to all members in early October. Use this or the online registration form to reserve your spot at the annual conclave in Honolulu, Hawaii during March 26-30, 2008. To access conference details and registration forms, go to: http://www.counseling.org/Convention/About/TP/Home/CT2.aspx.
~ Reliable Resource - Center Tracks School Counseling Research ~
The Center for School Counseling Outcome Research at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is dedicated to improving the practice of school counseling by developing the research base that is necessary for responsible and effective practice. The center disseminates regular research briefs and communiqués designed to keep practicing school counselors, counselor educators and researchers abreast of "what works" in counseling in educational environments. ACAeNews readers concerned with the improvement and extension of school counseling programs will want to become subscribers at: http://www.umass.edu/schoolcounseling/brief_subscribe.htm
~ Worth Reading - Work Readiness Report Challenges Education As Usual ~
The most vital course of action currently needed on workforce readiness is for business, education and community groups to work together toward developing a shared sense of responsibility. This conclusion is from a preliminary report released by The Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and the Society for Human Resource Management, based on a stakeholders meeting which focused on the problem of poor workforce readiness held this past summer. Among the very inclusive suggestions made by the conference participants are the following:
- Mere competency is not the ticket to success in the workforce; rather it is just the price of admission.
- Applied or "soft skills" (e.g., the ability to communicate, to think creatively) are now considered essential. The basics of the "three Rs" are necessary, but not sufficient to succeed on the job.
- School success must be redefined to include assessments for teamwork, civic involvement, professionalism, communication, and analytical thinking
- The 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and off-for-summer school schedule is an artifact of the agricultural economy and is no longer in sync with household or business schedules. It must be complemented by other educational experiences such as community service and work experience, as well as after-school activities.
- Parents must be given the support they need to provide early and continuing support for their learning and development. Cognitive, social and emotional development in years 0-5 provide the foundation for future achievement.
Counselors will find the full report worthy of their attention and will find it at: http://www.conference-board.org/publications/describe.cfm?id=1363
~ ACA Legislative Institute - Opportunity for Advocacy Involvement by Members ~
Registration is now open for the ACA Legislative Institute, to be held February 23-26, 2008 in Alexandria, Virginia. The Legislative Institute gives ACA members a unique opportunity to become involved in advancing the counseling profession, to gain a better understanding of how Washington, DC works, to connect with colleagues from across the country and to earn continuing education credits in the process.
Advanced registration is available at $100 off the standard registration fee of $339 until November 15th, and student members of ACA will receive an additional $40 off the registration fee.The Institute is open only to ACA members and any counselor interested in learning about the policy making process is encouraged to attend. Go to the www.counseling.org/publicpolicy for additional information.
~ US Department of Education Introduces College Navigator ~
Since its creation in 2001, the US Department of Education College Opportunities Online (COOL) web site has helped hundreds of thousands of students and families learn about colleges and universities. Now that service has been refurbished and expanded.
In early October ED launched College Navigator, a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, secondary school counselors and others get information about nearly 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States. ACAeNews readers can go to: http://collegenavigator.ed.gov to access the new web site.
~ Renewing Your Commitment to ACA - Easy as 1-2-3! ~
Renewing your commitment to ACA has become easier on the wallet! Members can now renew their commitment in three easy financial installments instead of all at once. To take advantage of this member benefit, contact Member Services at 800/347-6647, Ext. 222 (M-F, 8 am - 7 pm, ET).
Renewing your commitment with one payment? The fastest and easiest way to renew your commitment to ACA is to renew online at www.counseling.org through the ACA Login box on the right side. Members who have forgotten their username and/or password can contact Member Services at the toll free number above or send an email request to membership@counseling.org.
~ ACA People To People Delegation to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia ~
The next ACA sponsored People To People Ambassador Programs Delegation will visit Vietnam and Cambodia in May of 2008. Leading the trip will be past ACA President Courtland Lee. Questions about the trip and travel details should be direct to a PTP delegate specialist at 877/787-2000, Ext. 8100 or via email at professionals@citizenambassadors.org
~ Start Your Holiday Shopping Early With Amazon and Help Your ACA Too! ~
Don't forget that when you shop at Amazon.com, make sure you log on to the Amazon site by clicking on the Amazon logo at the bottom right of the ACA home page at www.counseling.org. This ensures that ACA gets a financial benefit each time you shop. You are getting great Amazon products and helping to strengthen your professional organization at the same time!
~ Events - Autumn Opportunities for Professional and Leadership Development ~
In addition to the national ARCA conference, the fall months offers an incredible calendar of professional and leadership development opportunities for counselors:
October 18 - 20
Event: Wyoming Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Centre, Casper, WY
Information: http://www.wyoca.org/conference.htm
October 18 - 21
Event: Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Select, Tinley Park, IL
Information: http://www.ilcounseling.org/
October 19 - 20
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 dinayerex@or-counseling.org
October 19 - 21
Event: Pennsylvania Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Penn Stater Conference Center, State College, PA
Information: http://www.pacounseling.org/fallconf.htm
October 19 - 21
Event: Southern Region, ACA
(AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, Lat. Am.)
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Information: Jeff Siskind, Chair, JeffSiskind@scps.k12.fl.us
October 23 - 26
Event: Kentucky Counseling Association Fall Conference
Location: Executive West Hotel, Louisville, KY
Information: http://www.kyca.org/online/
October 25 - 27
Event: New York Counseling Association Annual Conference
Location: Clarion Hotel, Rochester, NY
Information: www.nycounseling.org
October 31 - November 2
Event: Ohio Counseling Association Conference
Location: Hilton Columbus at Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH
Information: http://www.ohiocounseling.org/aocc.htm
November 1 - 3
Event: American Counseling Association of Missouri Fall Seminars
Location: Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis, MO
Information: http://www.counselingmissouri.org/
November 2
Event: Oklahoma Counseling Association Fall Conference
Location: Moore - Norman Technology Center, Moore, OK
Information: http://www.fotizo.net/oca/single_event_popup.tcl?event_id=11
November 7 - 9
Event: Virginia Counselors Association
Location: Portsmouth Renaissance, Portsmouth, VA
Information: http://www.vcacounselors.org/displayconvention.cfm?conventionnbr=3684
November 7 - 9
Event: Mississippi Counseling Association
Location: The Golden Moon/Silver Star, Choctaw, MS
Information: http://www.mscounselor.org/2007conference.htm
November 7 - 9
Event: 62nd Arkansas Counseling Association Conference
Location: Arlington Hotel, Hot Springs, AR
Information: nolac@suddenlink.net or http://www.arcounseling.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=69
November 8 - 10
Event: Texas Counseling Association 51st Annual Professional Growth Conference
Location: American Bank Center, Omni Bayfront Tower, Omni Marina Tower, Corpus Christi, TX
Information: http://www.txca.org/tca/TCA_PROFESSIONAL_GROWTH_CONF.asp?SnID=1405211932
November 8 - 10
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
November 8 - 11
Event: Western Region, ACA
(AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, Philippines, UT, WA, WY)
Location: Burlingame, CA
Information: Sharon Bowles, airshay2@cs.com
November 14 - 16
Event: Alabama Counseling Association
Location: Birmingham/Jefferson County Convention Center Sheraton and Birmingham Civic Center, Birmingham, AL
Information: http://www.alabamacounseling.org/annualconf.html
November 28 - 30
Event: Florida Counseling Association Annual Convention
Location: Plaza Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach, FL
Information: http://www.flacounseling.org/
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.
~ Tell a Professional Colleague or Counseling Student About ACAeNews ~
ACAeNews is disseminated by subscription only. If you believe a colleague would like to receive this electronic newsletter, they can send an email to listserv@listserv.counseling.org and leave the subject blank. In the body of the email, type the following: Subscribe aca-enews First Name Last Name. Counseling students can also keep abreast of important professional information by reading ACAeNews regularly and grow more knowledgeable about the important worked being performed by ACA.
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.