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Advocacy Tips

Please join your ISCA Governing Board in advocating for all of us. Major issues include honoring the recommended counselor/student ratios as stated in Indiana Student Services Rule and the placement of a licensed Professional School Counselor in every school building in our Hoosier state. Are these lofty goals? Indeed, they are. However, they are also goals worthy of our attention and our efforts.

Advocacy Tips for Professional School Counselors

1. Display Your Credentials
2. Gather and Share Data- Document Your Activities, Share These Activities with Your Supervisors
3. Use Your Local Media as a Public Relations Tool
4. Enlist the Support of Your Union
5. Create, Distribute and Display a Brochure Describing Your Program
6. Join ISCA and ASCA, Your Professional Organizations
7. Participate in Relevant Professional Development – Stay Sharp and Informed
8. Take an Active Role – Vote, Contact Local, State and National Government Officials Regarding Your Professional Concerns
9. Maintain Contact with Education Policy Makers –

Indiana Education Roundtable Indiana Department of Education State Board of Education

Local School Board

1. Recruit and Utilize a Local School Counseling Advisory Committee
2. Set Personal and Departmental Goals –
   • Review and Revise on a Regular Basis
   • Conduct a Needs Assessment – Survey Your Students, Staff and Parents
   • Apply for Relevant Grants
3. Support Elementary School Counselors/ Purchase the Garfield/Education License Plate
4. Express Your Appreciation to Those Who Support Your Work
5. Take Good Care of Yourself – Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually
6. Know you are NOT alone!

ISCA continues to actively solicit support and understanding of the Professional School Counselor’s Role. ISCA representatives have met with the Governor, State School Superintendent, and State Education Committee Chairs, made presentations at the Indiana Principals’ Conference, contacted Hoosier principals and superintendents, and have ongoing, frequent interaction with other education professionals. ISCA employs an Education Advocate to assist us in keeping informed about Indiana legislative developments that effect school counselors. Please join us in advocating for Professional School Counselors in Indiana.

National School Counseling Week 2025 (#NSCW25) is Feb. 3-7, 2025, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.