Leadership and Advocacy
a. Theories and skills of leadership
Personal philosophy of leadership paper. This paper highlights, on page 1 & 2, my understanding and integration of theory, specifically that of being a servant leader, into my own leadership style.
b. Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations
I am the secretary/treasurer for my regional CSI chapter Rho Eta Rho Mu. This artifact is a newsletter I helped to create for our members. I am featured on page one, noting my position. On page 4 I wrote the section on membership dues as well as the 'Warms My Heart' article, also on Page 7 I am featured for a presentation I did with a colleague I met through our chapter.
c. Leadership in counselor education programs
This is a discussion post focused on leadership in counselor education programs and my thoughts on how to engage students.
d. Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
This artifact is a syllabus I created; on pages 1-3 I articulated the CACREP standards this class would meet, and which assignment corresponds to which standards.
e. Leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions
Personal philosophy of leadership paper. In this paper, on page 3, I highlight my engagement with the counseling office where I work part-time and how I have accepted the leadership position of developing an internship program.
f. Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
I took three courses, that together were called "mental health coach first responder training" provided by the American Association of Christian Counselors. I then trained lay leaders and coaches at my local church on these topics, as they went through the training. I co-taught this material with the pastor of care and counseling at the church, we provided teaching as well as did roleplay with the attendees. On March 6, 2021, our training was all about suicide and crisis. The artifacts show the schedule of our meetings and an email from the pastor letting the participants know we would be talking about suicide;
g. Strategies of leadership in consultation
This artifact is a reflection paper I wrote after interviewing a leader in the field. Under the section "Leadership Traits and Skills" I reflect on Dr. Dedigo's emphesis on being available to the community as a resource as well as maintaining relationships within the field to conslut with.
h. Current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of counselors and the counseling profession
This artifact is a presentation given virtually by myself and a group of colleagues at the America College Counseling Association conference in 2021. It focuses on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on college students and provided ideas and tools for counselors and counselor educators.
i. Role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity
Discussion post I wrote around the topic of leadership and advocacy for the profession.
j. Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
Discussion post focused on advocating for clients and helping supervisees advocate for clients.
k. Strategies of leadership in relation to current multicultural and social justice issues
This artifact is my reflection on multicultural and social justice issues. I explore my personal experiences and beliefs and how they influence my views (and thus my leadership) on the importance of welcoming, accepting, and including others.
l. Ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices
This is a presentation I prepared with two other colleagues addressing invisible disabilities within counselor education. On slide 12 we address some ethical considerations. Throughout the presentation, we address cultural components that impact those with invisible disabilities
Reflections
1. Reflect on the process of developing leadership-level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
The most impactful part of developing as a leader has been the realization that the leaders whom I admire and deeply respect are just people like me who took advantage of opportunities as they were presented and did the best they could with integrity with each task they were given. After a lifetime of that, they are seen as a great leader to be admired. This realization has given me hope and motivation to do the same; do the best with the opportunities I have, and act with integretiy.
2. Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?
One strength I have developed is my conviction in the importance of good servant leadership. This conviction is deep and I find I have a lot of passion about it. When I see others in leadership roles for the wrong reasons or with misguided motivations I see the damage they are doing to those they lead. As the person developing and implementing an internship program at my place of work, I plan to utilize my servant leadership style to serve and lead our interns while also, bringing this philosophy to the leadership team of the organizaiton.
3. Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
The most challenging area of leadership and advocacy for me is advocacy. I do not engage in campaigns or community activism; I prefer to be one-on-one with people. That said I do understand that advocacy is a very important part of being a leader. I have recently noticed that within my organization my interns need an advocate. One way I can see to develop my advocacy skills is by advocating for the interns to the owner and other team members where I work.
4. Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency
In my personal philosophy of leadership I make the clear case that my leadership style of being a servant leader is directly connected to my faith. I believe that one should only step into a leadership position if they are called to it by God; the motivation of power or recognition, in my opinion, should have no place in leadership. Also, just as God values each person as his unique creation, created as one part of the larger body of Christ; a good leader should value each of those they lead, honoring their individual contribution to the team as a whole.