As counselors, we spend a great deal of time with people who are suffering from consequences of society. Some of them may rely on public aid, such as food stamps or Medicaid. Others may be feeling stress from being disenfranchised because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. And to be true, effective counselors, we have to be willing to fight for our counselors’ rights.
What does this look like? It means paying attention to what laws are being passed, both at the federal and local level, and finding out how they affect your clients. It means writing to your lawmakers, or speaking at hearings, to tell them why certain proposed legislation is harmful. It means helping your clients navigate systems set up to push them further down. It means voting and educating your friends and family. It means showing up and doing what you can to help your clients.