Greetings Members of DCCA!

As I embark on this new and challenging journey, there are several goals I propose to focus on during my term as DCCA President to  build a responsive and inclusive administration. They include the following:

Clear Communication
As counselors and without a doubt, the way our membership connects and communicates must change fundamentally. Therefore, we must also embrace technology and implement a process that is open, progressive, authentic and meaningful to all members. We will be looking at ways to use our Internet presence more effectively as well as develop strong interpersonal relationships and technology to build and secure our membership.

Transparency and Inclusivity Initiative
My foray as Program Chair was both challenging and frustrating. After careful examination, I surmised that for many different reasons, some members do not always feel welcome to participate or that they're being heard. First, I am deeply committed to fostering a spirit of transparency and inclusivity within DCCA and beyond. Whether online or in-person—all are welcome to join our efforts! I look forward to working together to design the change that DCCA needs.

Advocacy for a DCCA Mandate
In preparation for this administration, I have taken at look at the membership and prospective leadership to propose that DCCA’s activities and positioning align with current trends in the counseling profession. As a result and in accordance with DCCA Bylaws Article VII Committees, Section 2. (a) Composition and Tenure of Standing Committees. “…Appointments to all standing committees shall be made by the President.” Moreover, In accordance with DCCA Bylaws Article VII Committees, Section 2. (b)  “All appointments shall be for one year with option to reappoint.”  Thus and with permission of those selected, I appoint the following members as chairpersons to the following, unfilled standing committees, effective July 1, 2015 and they will remain so for one year. These Committee Chairs are as follows:

Professional Preparation and Standards: Dr. Terry Satterfield
Licensure: Ms. Bettye Felder
Ethics: Mr. Anthony Moore
Bylaws: Mr. Brenson Long

Brenson Long, Immediate Past President and as Chair of the Nominations Committee has sent out information regarding elections! Moreover, I am pleased to continue working with Brenson and whole-heartedly congratulate him in his new role as Chair Elect, North Atlantic Region, American Counseling Association (ACA).

In closing, these are the first of my appointments to secure the future of DCCA and are an enthusiastic endorsement of a new “mandate” for DCCA —in effect, a roadmap for the organization's progression over the next year (and beyond) that will support the counseling profession's aspirations for relevance, leadership and opportunity in Washington, DC.

I am thrilled to be working on behalf of this incredible organization and its extraordinary members. Moving forward, I will be report back to the membership regularly in an effort to record our interim steps and accomplishments. I encourage you to reach out, to contribute, to volunteer and to get involved. Your voice is important to me, as it is to all of DCCA. We operate best with you and your participation! Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity.

Neilabh Avashti, President, 2015-2016
District of Columbia Counseling Association