CSCA Advocacy Committee
The Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA) Advocacy Committee, formerly known as “Governmental Relations” plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the interests of school counselors across our state. We work tirelessly to ensure that the voice of school counselors is heard in policy discussions and decision-making processes that affect our profession and the students we serve. Additionally, we aim to provide resources to empower members to advocate in their own communities for issues that impact the professional and our students.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance the school counseling profession in Colorado by:
Educating policymakers about the vital role of school counselors with the help of our team of lobbyists
Promoting policies that support comprehensive school counseling programs
Removing barriers that hinder effective school counseling practices
Empowering Colorado school counselors to become effective advocates in their respective schools and communities
Committee Structure
The CSCA Advocacy Committee is composed of dedicated professionals from across Colorado:
Representatives from various regions of the state
Members from elementary, middle, and high school levels
School counselors passionate about specific advocacy topics
A team of experienced lobbyists monitoring potential legislation, attending hearings on our behalf and working with the State Department of Education on important issues
We strive to ensure diverse representation to address the unique needs of all Colorado school counselors.
Our Initiatives
The Advocacy Committee engages in various activities to further our mission:
Public Meeting Attendance: We encourage members to attend public meetings with their local legislators to build relationships, voice concerns, and share insights related to our role and impacts for students.
Policy Analysis: We review and provide input on proposed legislation that impacts school counseling.
Collaboration: We work closely with other education organizations to strengthen our collective voice.
Legislative Monitoring: Our team of lobbyists actively tracks and analyzes potential legislation that may affect school counseling in Colorado.
Meeting with Legislators: We arrange meetings with state legislators to discuss issues affecting school counseling.
Providing resources to members who feel like advocacy is necessary but do not know where to begin
Resources for Members
We provide our members with valuable resources to support their advocacy efforts:
Legislative Updates: Regular briefings on current policy issues affecting school counseling in Colorado.
Advocacy Toolkit: A comprehensive guide to effective advocacy techniques and strategies.
Communication Templates: Sample letters and talking points for contacting legislators.
Developing a message on the fly: Workshops and webinars on advocacy skills and current issues.
Our Successes
We're proud of the positive impact our advocacy efforts have made:
Increased Funding: In 2021, we successfully advocated for an additional $2 million for the Counselor Corps Grant Program, bringing the total annual budget allocation to $12 million.
Policy Influence: Our input has shaped numerous education policies, ensuring the perspective of school counselors is considered.
Raised Awareness: We've significantly increased policymakers' understanding of the crucial role school counselors play in student success.
Get Involved
Your voice matters! Here's how you can participate in our advocacy efforts:
Attend a public meeting with your local legislator
Respond to our action alerts
Share your advocacy experiences with us
We recognize and celebrate members who actively engage in advocacy efforts. Your involvement makes a difference in shaping the future of school counseling in Colorado.
Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date with our advocacy efforts:
Follow us on social media for real-time updates
Check our website regularly for new resources and information
Contribute to the resources available to other counselors!
Together, we can ensure that school counselors in Colorado have the support and recognition they need to effectively serve our students. Join us in making a difference!
To contact the advocacy committee please click here