Happy New Year! 

       The beginning of a new year is a natural time for reflection.  Reviewing where you’ve been, what you’ve done, and even what you haven’t done is a good start for setting goals and considering where to focus your energy in the new year.  I had the opportunity to spend some time in reflection as I spent the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in service to the community.  I assisted Urban Ministry clean out their third floor as they prepare to move forward with their goals.  As I arrived at the worksite, I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the project because it seemed that I would be the only volunteer there that day.  Things began to look a little more manageable when six other volunteers showed up at the worksite.  I believe in the power of one, however, on that day my thoughts went to belief in the power of many when focused on a common goal.  We were able to remove trash, knock down cobwebs, sweep up some of the dust, and load the trash into the facility’s van to be taken to the dump.  All in all we accomplished the majority of the task that was before us. 

As counselors we unite through professional organizations for a common purpose – to advance our profession.  We can do that in many ways.  Some of us choose to get involved in leadership positions, some of us facilitate educational workshops, some of us volunteer, some of us mentor younger professionals, and some of us contact our legislators to advance the status of counselors.  By joining professional organizations we take our “one” and join with “many” to influence public policy and societal change, thus strengthening the public’s understanding of our profession.  I challenge you to spend some time in reflection to consider where you would like to see your career go and how you can be an advocate for the profession.  On a personal level, I would like to thank each of you for what you have done, for what you are currently doing, and for what you will do to strengthen our profession. 

In this newsletter you will find information on the many activities that AlMHCA has coming up over the next couple of months, legislative updates, and opportunities for service.  As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions or comments on ways for AlMHCA to improve its services to its members. 

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                             Kassie Doggett

                                                            AlMHCA President

                                                                         kadoggett@gmail.com