"Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
CACREP Leadership & Advocacy Competencies
a. Theories and skills of leadership
b. Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations
c. Leadership in counselor education programs
d. Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
e. Leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions
f. Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
g. Strategies of leadership in consultation
h. Current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of counselors and the counseling profession
i. Role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity
j. Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
k. Strategies of leadership in relation to current multicultural and social justice issues
l. Ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices
Artifacts
A Professor’s Acknowledgement
“You brought out the reality of the inequities faced by Black women in leadership opportunities, which in turn is going to impact your philosophy of leadership. It was impactful.
I would like to discuss this paper with you rather than communicate in depth via comments. My words seemed insufficient given the strength of the research material on inequities for Black women in leadership that you were bringing in. This is a really important area of research, one that is very close to my heart as well. So let's set up a time to discuss this more fully.”
Dr. Mary Deacon
Reflections
What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
Strategies of leadership-multicultural/social justice: I have found the most growth in working with my peers in school, and within my state counseling association. I am a member of various chapters, as well as a leader in one. I do not consider myself as the “take charge” type of leader, so I focus on assisting, helping, community-based and field work.
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?
Strategies of leadership-multicultural/social justice: In working with different people, I notice my strength in being a “body.” I am the person that will set the tables up, wait to answer questions, assist participants or clients, drive conference materials to the destination. Not every person is meant to be up on a podium, so I plan to continually show up in meaningful ways to help.
Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
Strategies of leadership-multicultural/social justice: There is a changing landscape within multicultural/social justice, which has become a challenge, as well as a growth point. I am rethinking leadership in more meaningful ways, which includes staying abreast of practices and regulations that may influence how leadership is expressed.
Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.
Jesus had 12 main disciples, and each one had a duty. There are many people whose role in the gospel of Christ were more center stage, and there were others with smaller but meaningful roles. Leadership is not about being the one on the podium, sometimes it’s about being the person that ensures the podium is ready to be stepped on.