Our Choices When We’re Vulnerable
By Vince Walsh-Rock | August 2020
This pandemic experience is a massive experiment in collective vulnerability.
We can be our worst selves when we’re afraid, or our very best and bravest selves.
In the context of fear and vulnerability, there is often very little in between
Because when we are uncertain and afraid our default is self-protection.
We don’t have to be scary when we are scared.
Let’s choose awkward, brave, and kind.
- Brené Brown
And so we come together: a collective group of Illinois school counselors who support each other, advocate for our students and actively stand against racist policies in our schools. But doing so is not an easy path previously charted by others. All of us are creating new ways to engage with students and families with the hope of fostering relationships similar to those we had when our schools met fully in person. Even though this is our goal, we have come to realize that relationships are different and as a result, require different thought and consideration. This work will require innovation, creativity, commitment and bravery unlike what we may have experienced before.
I feel so very fortunate to be the executive director (ED) of the Illinois School Counselor Association during this time. We were bravely led during the past two years by ISCA presidents Leslie Goines and Matt Liberatore in the absence of an executive director. During their leadership, the ISCA Board created professional development opportunities for school counselors, identified new school counseling leaders and responded proactively to the challenges of the global pandemic and the immediate call for equity and racial justice. I have been inspired by their commitment, passion and dedication of countless hours to ISCA, benefiting its members.
As the ED, I have been charged with developing the role to become an influential voice for ISCA at the state and national level. Since beginning in June, I have connected with other state ED’s, participated in legislative planning, written an advocacy letter on behalf of ISCA and other state student support organizations, and reached out to lapsed ISCA members to share the benefits of being a member. It is only through our collective voices am I able to increase ISCA’s presence and influence. Know that your membership matters! If you have ever considered participating on an ISCA initiative or taking on a leadership role, please let us know. We know there are school counselors across Illinois that are doing amazing things and we want others to know about your great work. This is how ISCA has become a great organization and will continue to grow and develop. It takes all of us collectively working together, supporting each other and standing as advocates for students.
Brené Brown put forth the challenge in the opening quote to be “awkward, brave, and kind.” I know I have awkward down, and continue to stretch myself into brave spaces, hopefully leading with kindness and empathy. How will you choose to enter into a brave space with kindness? How will you encourage and challenge your colleagues to do the same?
If I can ever be of assistance to you in your role as a school counselor, please let me know, I am always honored by the connections I make with school counselors and the support I am able to provide.
Contact Vince Walsh-Rock, Ph.D., LCPC, ISCA executive director, at executivedirector@ilschoolcounselor.org.
We can be our worst selves when we’re afraid, or our very best and bravest selves.
In the context of fear and vulnerability, there is often very little in between
Because when we are uncertain and afraid our default is self-protection.
We don’t have to be scary when we are scared.
Let’s choose awkward, brave, and kind.
- Brené Brown
And so we come together: a collective group of Illinois school counselors who support each other, advocate for our students and actively stand against racist policies in our schools. But doing so is not an easy path previously charted by others. All of us are creating new ways to engage with students and families with the hope of fostering relationships similar to those we had when our schools met fully in person. Even though this is our goal, we have come to realize that relationships are different and as a result, require different thought and consideration. This work will require innovation, creativity, commitment and bravery unlike what we may have experienced before.I feel so very fortunate to be the executive director (ED) of the Illinois School Counselor Association during this time. We were bravely led during the past two years by ISCA presidents Leslie Goines and Matt Liberatore in the absence of an executive director. During their leadership, the ISCA Board created professional development opportunities for school counselors, identified new school counseling leaders and responded proactively to the challenges of the global pandemic and the immediate call for equity and racial justice. I have been inspired by their commitment, passion and dedication of countless hours to ISCA, benefiting its members.
As the ED, I have been charged with developing the role to become an influential voice for ISCA at the state and national level. Since beginning in June, I have connected with other state ED’s, participated in legislative planning, written an advocacy letter on behalf of ISCA and other state student support organizations, and reached out to lapsed ISCA members to share the benefits of being a member. It is only through our collective voices am I able to increase ISCA’s presence and influence. Know that your membership matters! If you have ever considered participating on an ISCA initiative or taking on a leadership role, please let us know. We know there are school counselors across Illinois that are doing amazing things and we want others to know about your great work. This is how ISCA has become a great organization and will continue to grow and develop. It takes all of us collectively working together, supporting each other and standing as advocates for students.
Brené Brown put forth the challenge in the opening quote to be “awkward, brave, and kind.” I know I have awkward down, and continue to stretch myself into brave spaces, hopefully leading with kindness and empathy. How will you choose to enter into a brave space with kindness? How will you encourage and challenge your colleagues to do the same?
If I can ever be of assistance to you in your role as a school counselor, please let me know, I am always honored by the connections I make with school counselors and the support I am able to provide.
Contact Vince Walsh-Rock, Ph.D., LCPC, ISCA executive director, at executivedirector@ilschoolcounselor.org.