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Join a Committee
Professional involvement isn't limited to the Board! WVCA has plenty of opportunities for members to get involved by participating in one (or more!) of our committees. Committee participation is a great way to gain leadership experience, build your CV, and contribute to the counseling profession. Take a look at the list below, and let us know which committee(s) you might want to join by emailing admin@wvcounseling.org. Graduate students are also welcome and encouraged to participate! You must have an active WVCA membership to participate in committees. |
AWARDSThe Awards Committee is dedicated to recognizing the outstanding achievements of counselors in West Virginia. Each year, this Committee collects nominations, selects winners, orders the awards, and organizes the awards ceremony, which takes place at the fall conference. Join the Awards Committee to help celebrate the hard work of your peers and contribute to a meaningful tradition of excellence in our profession! Committee Chair: Dr. Michelle Smith | BUDGET/FINANCE/FUNDRAISINGThe Budget/Finance/Fundraising Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of WVCA. This Committee reviews financial goals, explores fundraising ideas, and develops plans to bring these ideas to fruition. Join the Budget/Finance/Fundraising Committee to help secure the resources necessary for the continued growth and success of WVCA! Committee Chair: Tenikka Phillips | BYLAWSThe Bylaws Committee ensures that WVCA's governing documents remain current and relevant. Tasked with reviewing and updating the bylaws as needed, this Committee provides essential guidance to ensure adherence to these foundational rules. The Committee is also responsible for periodically submitting the updated bylaws to the American Counseling Association (ACA) for review/approval. Join the Bylaws Committee to help maintain the integrity and functionality of WVCA! Committee Co-Chairs: Amy Kennedy-Rickman and Dr. Brandon Waggoner |
COMMUNICATIONSThe Communications Committee is the voice of WVCA, charged with keeping members and the public informed. This Committee is responsible for maintaining our website and social media presence, distributing our newsletter, generating email blasts, and keeping the membership up-to-date on upcoming events and other topics of interest. Join the Communications Committee to help enhance our information and marketing efforts and keep our community connected and engaged! Committee Chair: Dr. Brenda Everett | CONFERENCEThe Conference Committee is at the heart of WVCA's professional development efforts, organizing our two main events: the spring workshop and the fall conference. This Committee is responsible for recruiting presenters, securing venues, managing registration, and running the events. Join the Conference Committee to play a vital role in planning these large-scale events that educate and inspire counselors across the state! Committee Co-Chairs: Dr. Kari Mika-Lude and Amy Kennedy-Rickman | ETHICSThe Ethics Committee helps ensure that WVCA members uphold the highest professional standards. This Committee stays current with the ACA Code of Ethics, fields ethical questions from members, and organizes ethics trainings to help meet the continuing education requirement for licensure in West Virginia. Join the Ethics Committee to help promote ethical excellence within our profession! Committee Chair: Dr. Brandon Waggoner |
LEGISLATIVE/ADVOCACYThe Legislative/Advocacy Committee ensures that the interests and concerns of the counseling profession are heard and addressed at the state level. This Committee collaborates closely with the West Virginia Licensed Professional Counseling Association (WVLPCA) and lobbyist Juliet "Julie" Terry to advocate for policies that support our profession and the communities we serve. Join the Legislative/Advocacy Committee to make a significant impact through advocacy and policy work in West Virginia! Committee Co-Chairs: Sarah Baumgardner and Dr. Kari Mika-Lude | MEMBERSHIPThe Membership Committee focuses on recruiting and engaging members, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated. This Committee is responsible for member recruitment, highlighting the benefits of membership; member appreciation initiatives; and fostering a sense of community within WVCA. Join the Membership Committee to help grow our association and enhance the member experience! Committee Co-Chairs: Christie Hill and George Grover | NOMINATIONS/ELECTIONSThe Nominations/Elections Committee oversees the election process for the WVCA Board. This Committee is responsible for eliciting nominations, communicating about the election process, determining the winners, and announcing the results. Join the Nominations/Elections Committee to help oversee the fair and transparent election process for our leadership! Committee Co-Chairs: Amy Kennedy-Rickman and Dr. Kari Mika-Lude |
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThe Professional Development Committee is dedicated to organizing a range of learning opportunities for counseling professionals. In addition to assisting with the planning of the spring workshop and fall conference, this Committee also coordinates other events that support ongoing professional growth and development. Join the Professional Development Committee to help shape impactful training opportunities for our profession! Committee Co-Chairs: Dr. Brenda Everett and Amy Kennedy-Rickman |
| SOCIAL JUSTICEThe Social Justice Committee focuses on integrating social justice considerations into our profession. This Committee stays informed about social justice issues that may impact the profession, the communities we serve, and/or legislative/advocacy efforts. Additionally, this Committee organizes training opportunities on topics related to social justice. Join the Social Justice Committee to contribute to the continuous pursuit of equity and inclusivity in our profession! Committee Chair: Dr. Jerica Wesley |
