Advocacy Committee Report for TCA        Fall 2007        (November 17, 2007)

     As chair of the Advocacy Committee, I will be making contact with members who are interested in being pro-active with legislative and current issues that effect counselors.  I am doing an interest session presentation along with Randy McPherson at our annual state conference in which information will be provided regarding updated and current information for counselors on National Board Certification for school counselors, legislative issues to continue to pursue support and passage of legislation that would provide for annual state supplement for counselors who have National Certification through NBCC.  I am staying abreast of current legislation on a national level that involves counselors.  Many issues on the national level involve financial support and funding for programs that involve counselors—mental health, community based, rural health, and school counselors.  Legislation also provides or limits the pay structure for reimbursement and/or access to services.  We need to make sure that when issues come up for legislation that we have a grassroots team of folks who will make the phone calls, send emails, and or letters to promote the counselor needs in the issues.  Our listserve serves to provide update information to our members who are on the listserve contact.  ACA provides information of issues that need to be addressed with legislators in Washington, D.C.  MaryNell Bryan serves as our consultant in working with state legislators on counseling issues.  She provides information to TCA and we correspond with her on important items that we need attention given to in the legislature, as well as, assistance with any bill proposals that we support. 

Submitted by:  Debra Watson, Advocacy Chair