Hello School Counselors and Advocates:

I am writing to introduce you to the AMSC Public Policy Committee as well as seek your participation in our advocacy efforts. The single purpose of this working group will be to prepare and promote legislative efforts in reducing the student to school counselor ratios in Michigan while mandating K-12 developmental guidance and counseling.  It is our hope that this committee will also spearhead grass roots efforts with a) inspiring supporters of school counseling services toward action, and b) educating legislators and other decision makers toward the critical importance that school counseling services impart toward the learning and success of all students.  As an initial introduction to myself and the upcoming legislative session, I will present a few principles of action as well as an initiation to participate.

Principles of Action

Principle One: First and foremost we are counseling professionals.  Although our cause is noble and we seek to address the question, “to what level of education are we willing to settle for,” our advocacy efforts will be defined more by the process of our efforts rather than the nobility of the cause we stand for. The legislative process essentially functions to wean “bad bills out”, rather than to always serve to keep “good bills in”.  Therefore, opposition and adversity are expected traveling companions and approaching such with the professionalism and optimism that defines our profession will have a tremendous influence on the final outcome.

Principle Two: It is essential that all legislative efforts for promoting K-12 Developmental Guidance and Counseling in the state of Michigan be conducted with transparency and invited inclusivity.  Members and stakeholders have a right to not only understand the mission and the committee’s efforts, but to be invited to participate as well.  A characteristic of inspired leadership is the willingness to invite others in promoting change together.  This does two things; a) it provides a function of outreach that can transform interested observers to become active participants, and b) it prevents volunteer “burn out.”  Far too often in state PPL committees a select few are burdened with the multitude of tasks necessary for taking a bill through the legislative process.  Therefore, through the use of newsletters, emails, organizational webpage & blogs, and open meetings, this committee will seek to include, invite, and hopefully, inspire colleagues to join us in a call to action to see Michigan children and families better served.  As a first step, please visit the AMSC legislative page at http://www.michiganschoolcounseling.org/

Principle Three: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  As a profession we have, at times, lacked a unified voice; undermining our efforts at advocacy.   The increased presence of school counselors and school counseling programs at all educational levels makes a difference for all of us.  It cuts across specialties and disciplines and has the potential to bridge a diverse group of individuals into a powerful and singular voice of change.

An Invitation

Prior to moving to Michigan, I had been fortunate to be part of a successful legislative team in Minnesota.  Of the many things I take from those experiences, building a cohesive grassroots structure was the single most important factor related to the governor’s signature that made our bill into legislative law.   Therefore, an essential goal for the upcoming year will be to establish regional school counseling advocacy groups to educate area stake holders, decision makers (e.g. legislators and school board members), and the public to the importance of school counseling services to the overall academic health of students.  Please email me at ward1cc@cmich.edu as to your willingness to volunteer and the state region you represent (East, West, South, North, and UP). Once established, AMSC and the PPL Committee will offer the necessary support and guidance needed to develop grassroots advocacy campaigns in your areas.  To be effective in Lansing, a strong grassroots network to mobilize support is critical.

Thomas Jefferson wrote that, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be” (1816).  I look forward to sharing a vision of what can and will be for the climate of schools and the overall health of our communities. Thank you again for all that you do and please let me know if you have any questions or comments as our efforts gear up for the upcoming legislative session.

Best wishes,

Colin Ward, AMSC PPL Co-Chair