Artifact V. a. - Theories and skills of leadership
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Philosophy of Leadership and Advocacy
In this artifact my personal philosophy towards leadership and advocacy is developed. Some of the key features of this philosophy is authenticity, preparation, flexibility and integrity.
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Artifact V.b. - Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations
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Discussion Thread on Professional Identity
This artifact demonstrates a class discussion thread that described how important it was for counselor educators to hold leadership positions within organizations in the profession. This way, we can efficiently advocate for the profession.
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Artifact V.c. - Leadership in counselor education programs
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Philosophy of Leadership and Advocacy
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Discussion Thread – Leadership in Counselor Education Programs
These artifacts all demonstrate ways to cultivate leadership with future counselors in the classroom and ways for myself to engage in leadership roles.
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Artifact V.d. - Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
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The Advocacy Project is an artifact that was completed in the class. The topic was designed by faculty and groups were given various projects to develop. Our project advocates for a research learning center for CES students. Understanding the CACREP standards helped to guide our suggestions and recommendations.
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Artifact V.e. - Leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions
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This artifact demonstrated collaboration with my classmates who created a project and presented it to the administration for the CES program.
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Artifact V.f. - Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
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Philosophy of Leadership and Advocacy
This artifact embodies my philosophy of servant leadership and my commitment to attending to all situations with a calm, and composed posture. Amidst crises, and disasters, a clear approach will foster safety and safe space.
Artifact V.g. - Strategies of leadership in consultation
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Artifact V.h. - Current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of
counselors and the counseling profession
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In this artifact, I describe how I advocate for my clients in the high school system to ensure that they have access to what is needed for them to be successful.
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Artifact V.i. - Role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity
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In this artifact, I describe how I can advocate for the profession. Many individuals on my island do not understand what the profession is and it is my privilege to educate them about the profession.
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Artifact V.j. - Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
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The high school population where I work is largely from a low socioeconomic status. One of the programs that I am in charge of is constantly advocating for enough lunches to be delivered for the students. This artifact describes several ways that I am advocating for my students.
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Artifact V.k. - Strategies of leadership in relation to current multicultural and social justice issues.
In this artifact, I describe how students from different cultural backgrounds attend the local high school and require extra support. This demonstrates how I pay close attention to the needs of those who are from a different culture.
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Artifact V.l. - Ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices
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In this artifact, I am clear that when injustices arise I will address them. My intent is to strive to be aware as possible and do what I can to promote equity for individuals who are within my sphere of influence.
Reflection:
Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency.
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1. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
Learning about Leadership and Advocacy has heightened my awareness. It has increased my sensitivity to my clients, and I have observed opportunities where I can encourage them to use their voices.
2. Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency.
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What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?
There were times throughout my counselling journey that circumstances required leadership and advocacy, and I rose to the occasion. However, it was not a skill set that I gravitated toward, my preference was to stay in the background and work in the quiet of my office with clients. This program has helped me to see the power of advocacy, the necessity and importance of leadership in the counselling field. As I grow in this field, I am interested to pursue leadership positions and develop this critical skill.
3. Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
Advocacy has definitely been a challenge! The discussions in the leadership and advocacy class inspired me to believe that advocacy makes a difference, and it is something that we can do for ourselves, the profession and others. My awareness of advocacy has certainly grown and I can see the benefits of practicing advocacy for myself and my clients. I am grateful for learning about the importance of advocacy and plan to continue practicing this necessary skill.
4. Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.
Proverbs chapter 31: 8-9 describes speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves. To do good and judge situations fairly. My faith in action has to help those who need help, advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves and serve in leadership positions to help where necessary.