Expanding Social Respect and Relational Consciousness

The theme of the ACES 2009 conference is one that invites a holistic consideration of informative policies and practices that enhance transformative changes that ultimately benefit the greater society. Our conference theme has at its heart an interest greater than academic or curricular experience alone and speaks to the heretofore-unmet needs that our collective past and rapidly changing times calls forth. Thus, the theme centers upon the social commerce of our organization at its most fundamental level, the authentic relationship. By placing our focus upon the development of relational competencies we truly increase the likelihood that our aspired efforts, in what we hope to accomplish as an association, will reach fruition. Such is the power of relationship where no one person can bring to realization transformative change unless it is through an expanded social respect and elevated relational consciousness.

In keeping with the mission of ACES we welcome proposals that will address and broaden the perspectives of counselor education and supervision. Priority will be given to proposals that move beyond an informative presentation to emerging transformative practices in these areas. Thus, we are soliciting innovative and quality programs that:

• Promote an understanding, appreciation for the need, a continual mentorship, and sensitivity to a culturally diverse society by increasing the diversity of emerging leaders within ACES.
• Advance transformative pedagogy related to the education, supervision, preparation and training of counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators.
• Provide innovative curricular activities aimed at advancing issues of advocacy and social justice both in - and outside of traditional classroom experiences.
• Encourage training efforts that address the importance of preventive and cultural strength based approaches.
• Focus on lifespan development viewed through the lens of prevention, collectivism, and meaningful relationships.
• Affirm the need for respect in education and supervision related to counseling in a culturally diverse and global society.
• Provide avenues for premier research and scholarship in all areas related to the implementation of transformative practices.
• Actively identify and champion innovative and successful efforts and methods that recruit and retain diverse student and faculty populations for counselor education programs.