Problem:
Professional organizations work to support the needs of school counselors. Membership benefits within relevant counseling professional organizations is vast and provide school counselors with access to resources, support, and professional development. Further, joining professional counseling organizations provides information about current trends and research in the field of school counseling and offers information about the job market and available openings. ASCA is the flagship organization for school counselors; however, there are other counseling professional organizations that match the needs and professional goals of the individual counselor. Although many professional organizations have student options, joining these organizations can be costly due to annual fees and liability insurance costs. Please review membership costs and benefits for ASCA and one professional counseling organization at the state and/or local level. Next, imagine a school counselor and/or SCIT asking you about the benefits of joining and involvement in professional counseling organizations. In-text citations and references
Brief 'elevator speech' in one to two pages addressing the following:
- Outline the cost and terms of membership in counseling professional organizations.
- Describe the benefits of membership in counseling professional organizations.
- Analyze how involvement in a professional organization can support the professional development of school counselors. Specify a minimum of two upcoming events sponsored by the counseling professional organization.
- In-text citations and references