From the Chair: The Many Ways We Give

As school counselors, our jobs are often not limited to the school day. We spend time planning, attending to students who may need our help beyond the school day, and volunteering for numerous school activities. Sometimes we end up at school later than usual with student crises. Often we wonder when our free time begins! However, regardless of how much time we devote to our profession, it is so important that we take time for ourselves, our interests and hobbies and other activities that help us lead a fulfilling life.
 
For some of us that includes volunteer opportunities. Whether volunteering for our child’s sports team as a coach, giving back and spending time at the local children’s hospital or nursing home or raising money for your favorite charity, many of us feel most fulfilled when we are able to give back to others in some way. Given that we work in a helping profession, finding a way to give to others, even in our personal time, seems only natural.
 
The Connecticut School Counselor Association is proud to be walking in our second American Foundation for Suicide Prevention “Out of the Darkness” walk on October 22 in Westport. Last year we walked in the East Hartford walk and were able to raise about $3000 for suicide prevention. As a school counselor association, we are always trying to find ways to give back to organizations or causes that are near and dear to our profession. We would love to have you join us!
 
Another way that many of our members give is by serving on our governing board. CSCA is run by school counseling professionals who volunteer their time to plan professional development events, social events and our annual conference, and conduct the day-to-day business of running an organization. The work that your board members do is instrumental to the school counseling profession. For example, we have a Government Relations committee that works to advance our legislative agenda, which includes mandating school counselors at all levels with appropriate ratios. Our scholarship committee is busy reading through many applications to award our high school and graduate student scholarships to further their education. Our regional vice presidents work to bring each region quality professional development. All of our volunteers work full time and then spend some of their own time giving back to our organization.
 
We are always looking for new members for our committees and our governing board. If you are interested in joining a committee, please reach out to me at cscachairman@gmail.com. In the spring we will be seeking nominations for our open governing board positions and holding elections – we would love for your name to be on the ballot.
 
Whether you give back to your profession or volunteer your time in other avenues, the volunteer work that you do is important. If you haven’t ever volunteered and are looking for something fulfilling, consider spending some of your time outside work volunteering for something you love.
 
Contact Virginia DeLong, CSCA chair, at cscachairman@gmail.com.