President’s Letter: 10 Years of Commitment and Progress

As we begin a new year, it’s a perfect time to look back at where we’ve been in order to get a sense of where we’re headed. As a marker for perspective, let’s take a look at where ISCA was approximately 10 years ago: We knew that advocacy was important, but lacked a presence at the Capitol. We discussed the importance of being “at the table” instead of “on the menu.” We had 276 attendees at our conference. We juggled the business side of managing association memberships and running a conference while also working to uphold our mission of advancing the academic, career and social/emotional development of all students through excellence in school counseling.
 
Fast forward 10 years to the present, and let’s consider what we’ve accomplished:

• We employ lobbyists who assist us with our advocacy. We have identified legislative positions and priorities that are aligned with key partners and stakeholders, and we are poised and ready for the next legislative session.
• We utilize the services of our management company for the business side of the association, freeing us to focus on our mission, but also allowing us to ensure that ISCA is fiscally responsible and solvent for the future.
• We boasted attendance of 673 at our most recent conference, in a beautiful, newly remodeled and updated venue.
• We have created a pilot for the District of Distinction Award, which recognizes K–12 ASCA National Model programs, serving to promote school counselors and their appropriate roles within their schools.
• We enjoy representation by school counselors on a variety of committees and groups statewide, ensuring that our voice and perspective is represented.

This has only happened with the vision, hard work and commitment of those who have served on the ISCA board throughout the years. Thanks to their dedication, school counseling in Iowa continues to move forward. An example of this enthusiasm and devotion was evident on a recent Saturday when an ISCA board meeting was scheduled. While Iowa weather threw its usual January wrench into the works, board members gathered in person or via video conference, committed to the work of the meeting on behalf of their colleagues in Iowa, regardless of the hurdles. I am honored to be a part of such a committed group, and school counselors in Iowa are fortunate to have this ISCA board working on their behalf.
 
Although we certainly have come a long way, there is still much to be done. Fortunately, with the dedication of the board and their passion for school counseling, I feel hopeful for the future. I can’t wait to see where we go from here.