Assignment
LBGTQ+ population (that is, banning conversion practices, if still permitted in your state). Older adult population (that is, work force discrimination). Low socioeconomic status families (that is, lack of resources to assist the homeless population in your state). Individual living with a disability (that is, lack of equitability in the workplace for adults living with a disability). Racial inequity (that is, disciplinary disparity with racially diverse youth in the school setting).
How do I construct a letter emphasizing evidence and research-based reasoning to support your platform. However, you should not completely disregard the use of anecdotal evidence of patients to emphasize the human and emotional elements of the issue you are addressing. While, keeping in mind that you are advocating from your role as a counseling professional on behalf of the clientele that you serve, so your voice is that of your counseling specialization. You are representing the profession, so you will want to make sure that your letter is based on research and facts rather than solely personal opinions.
1. Presenting counseling specialization (for example, CMHC or SC), your ethical obligation to advocate for marginalized populations, and scientifically grounded practice.
2. From what counseling specialization are you approaching this issue?
3. How does profession and ethical code guide you toward advocacy for marginalized populations and scientifically grounded practice?
4. Explain the risks to the identified population for which you are seeking legislative protection.
a. What are the risks facing the identified population?
b. How do these risks endanger or negatively impact individuals from this population?
c. Why do these risks warrant legislative protection?
5. Describing therapeutic interventions grounded in best practices promote help seeking and optimal development among individuals and families.
a. What are examples of therapeutic interventions grounded in best practices?
b. What is the evidence that these interventions promote help seeking and optimal development among individuals and families?
c. How is this relevant to the population and issue you are writing about?
6. Advocating for specific legislative or policy action on the grounds of its benefits for a specific population.
a. What is the specific legislative or policy action?
b. What are its benefits for a specific population?
c. Why are these benefits worthy of the time and resources to create new legislation or policy?
d. What are the risks of not taking legislative or policy action?
7. Communicate an argument regarding an advocacy issue that is persuasive, respectful, and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between counselors and relevant governmental offices.
a. Apply the principles of effective composition.
b. Determine the proper application of the rules of grammar and mechanics.
c. Apply a persuasive technique to your writing.