Introduction to ACA Leadership Shana Schnaue Member, Leadership Task Force Holly Clubb Director, Leadership Services ACA: The Big Picture for Leaders MISSION To enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity. VISION The American Counseling Association is the publicly recognized organization to which all professional counselors belong. BYLAWS AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE ACA Membership 53,300+ Branches (56) Divisions (20) Regions (4) Standing Committees & Task Forces Governing Council Executive Committee & President Executive Director Headquarters Staff Special Interest Networks Corporate Partners • • ACA Foundation Council for the Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs REGIONS AND BRANCHES ACA has 56 branches, including each state, plus the District of Columbia, Europe, Latin America, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and the Philippines. The branches are organized into four regions: ACA Midwest Region, ACA North Atlantic Region, ACA Southern Region, and ACA Western Region. MIDWEST REGION Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Michigan Minnesota (inactive) Missouri Nebraska North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma South Dakota Wisconsin NORTH ATLANTIC REGION Connecticut Delaware (inactive) District of Columbia Europe Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire (inactive) New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island (inactive) Vermont (inactive) Virgin Islands REGIONS AND BRANCHES SOUTHERN REGION Alabama Arkansas Florida Georgia (inactive) Kentucky Latin America (inactive) Louisiana Maryland Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia West Virginia Idaho Montana Nevada (inactive) New Mexico Oregon Philippines Utah (reforming) Washington Wyoming WESTERN REGION Alaska Arizona California Colorado Hawaii American Counseling Association Divisions Name of Division Date Chartered AADA Association for Adult Development and Aging 1986 AARC Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling 1965 ACAC Association for Children & Adolescent Counseling 2010 ACC Association for Creativity in Counseling 2004 ACCA American College Counseling Association 1991 ACEG Association for Counselors and Educators in Government 1984 ACES Association for Counselor Education and Supervision 1952 ALGBTIC Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling 1996 Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development 1972 AMCD American Counseling Association Divisions Continued Name of Division Date Chartered AHC Association for Humanist Counseling 1952 AMHCA American Mental Health Counselors 1978 ARCA American Rehabilitation Counseling Association 1958 ASCA American School Counselor Association 1953 ASERVIC Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling 1974 ASGW Association for Specialists in Group Work 1973 CSJ Counselors for Social Justice 1999 IAAOC Intl Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors 1974 IAMFC Intl Association of Marriage and Family Counselors 1989 NCDA National Career Development Association 1952 NECA National Employment Counseling Association 1966 ACA STANDING COMMITTEES 2013-2014 • Audit Committee • Awards Committee • Branch Development Committee • Bylaws and Policies Committee • Compensation Committee • Ethics Committee • Financial Affairs Committee • Graduate Student Committee • Human Rights Committee • International Committee • Nominations and Election Committee • Professional Standards Committee • Public Policy and Legislation Committee • Publications Committee • Research and Knowledge Committee TASK FORCES 2013-2014 • Ethics Revision Task Force • Leadership Development Task Force • Leadership Recruitment Task Force • Member Benefits Task Force • National Institute for Counseling Research (NICR) Task Force • School Counseling Task Force SPECIAL INTEREST NETWORKS • ACA Ethics Interest Network • International Counseling Interest Network • Multiracial/Multiethnic Counseling Concerns Interest Network • Network for Jewish Interests Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Interest Network • Sexual Wellness in Counseling • Children’s Counseling Interest Network • Sports Counseling Interest Network • Forensic Counseling Interest Network • Traumatology Interest Network • Grief and Bereavement Interest Network • Veterans Counselors Interest Network • Historical Issues in Counseling Network • Wellness Interest Network • Interest Network for Advances in Therapeutic Humor • Women’s Interest Network • • • ACA Interest Network for Integrated Care ACA Interest Network for Professional Counselors in Schools CORPORATE PARTNERS American Counseling Association Foundation Created by ACA in 1979, the American Counseling Association Foundation’s (ACAF) purpose is to enhance excellence in human development through strengthening the counseling profession, developing human and material resources, supporting innovative research and services, and fostering collaborative efforts in response to societal needs. ACAF is supported by gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations as well as ACA divisions and branches. As a 501(C)(3) corporation, donations to ACAF are tax deductible. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an independent council, created by ACA in 1981, to accredit the counseling profession’s graduatelevel preparation programs. As a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), CACREP promotes the development and implementation of preparation standards; provides for rigorous and objective program review; and works with other credentialing organizations to ensure quality training in the counseling profession. Importance of Leadership Organizations receive their strength and dedication from their leaders. Importance of Leadership The impact of leadership is significant both positively and negatively. Great leadership drive high performance and productivity. Poor leadership can cause low morale, increase absenteeism and poor performance. Attributes of Great Leaders 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Treats others with respect Leads by example Keeps the negative out Is easy to access Makes decisions Effective Leadership Skills • A Leader is the organization’s biggest fan. A leader should feel strongly and model the mission and purpose of the organization. • Provide consistent strategic guidance. • Possess strong decision making skills. • Strong relationship management skills Effective Leadership Skills • A good leader is able to keep a finger on the pulse of the membership – doesn’t get out of touch or too far out in front. • Understands the roles and responsibilities of officers and volunteers. • Builds future leadership. Effective Leadership Skills • Listens well – possess a willingness to listen to input with an open mind. • Communicates effectively with officers, boards, members, and national organization. • Conflict resolutions – ability to transform problems into creative opportunities. How do you recruit new volunteers/leaders? Why Do People Volunteer? • Give back / make a difference • Try new things • Connect with others • Personal growth Why Do People Volunteer? • Self-serving • Build up their resume • Relational • Be an advocate Three Categories of Volunteers 1. 2. 3. Those who are always ready to volunteer. Those who are busy but will do specific tasks. Those who would like to volunteer but don’t know how to begin. Three Approaches to Recruiting 1. Warm Body Recruitment 2. Targeted Recruitment 3. Concentric Circles Recruitment Recruitment Tips • What’s in a name? • Tell me more • But why? • Sorry, I’m busy Recruitment Tips • Alternative opportunities • Be professional • Other options How can you get what you need from your new volunteers/leaders? Building Your Team • Each member has something to offer (talent or skill in a given area, experience, connections) • Many members are not aware they have something to offer or are not confident in their ability to contribute. Building Your Team • Members want to help the organization, and they want to make sure that their experience is gratifying. • Members want to be successful in their efforts on behalf of the association. Building Your Team • Level of member involvement will vary depending on each member’s experiences, obligations, desires, and objectives. • Members need direction and resources to achieve the association’s goals and to feel good about their contributions. Building Your Team • Some members may seek a position that doesn’t suit their talents. They may not have the skills to accomplish the task or the time to devote to it. • Leaders should broaden their ideas on what types of contributions are valuable. Building Your Team • Leaders should strive to build a team that includes all types of members. • Recognition of team members is essential. Member contributions should never be recognized as favors to leadership. What do volunteers/leaders need from you? Volunteers Needs • They want you to prepare them. • They want to feel welcome. • They want good training. • They want to do interesting work. Volunteers Needs • They want to know up front how much time the job will take. • They want to be appreciated. • They want you to communicate with them well and often. • They want to know that they are making a difference. What are the different roles volunteers can play in your association? How do you mentor new members/leaders? Questions? Thank You!