Creating a Shared Vision

The Minnesota School Counselor Association (MSCA) builds toward an affirmatively inclusive future.

Even before the country faced heightened racial tensions last summer, the Minnesota School Counselor Association (MSCA) has been answering a call from its members to focus on diversity and become a more proactively anti-racist organization. Trauma and the oppression of people of color have a long history in the US. The MSCA is steadily working to deepen thoughts and processes surrounding anti-racism, which in turn transforms communities.

“School counselors are passionate about their students,” MSCA President Tanis Henderson said. “When they work with all students, they want to make sure they’re working with them in as many ways as they can, and that includes being champions for students of color and making sure they are equitably represented.”

Comprised of school counselors in 10 divisions around the state, MSCA members mostly work in K-12 schools, though some post-secondary institutions are included. Since 1952, the association has aspired to elevate school counselor voices in areas such as the political arena, as well as offering professional development opportunities. “The MSCA has been vocal about advocating for policies that positively impact students of color. We want to make sure we’re not only talking the talk but walking the walk”

Several years ago, the MSCA started to receive feedback from members that the association needed to engage in racial equity, with a focus on making sure its actions aligned with the vision of who they are. The MSCA conducted listening sessions, which are now a regular part of their annual conference, to gather ideas. A Counselors of Color affinity group was formed to discuss members’ common experiences and determine areas for support and solidarity. In addition, an antiracism committee was created in July 2020, the association’s government relations platform became more equitable, and training was offered to learn more about diverse cultures.

“The MSCA has been vocal about advocating for policies that positively impact students of color,” said Henderson. “We want to make sure we’re not only talking the talk but walking the walk.”

Often a good first step in committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is recognizing that systemic racism has been present in an organization’s history. Then conversations and practices moving forward can begin to reframe the narrative. The MSCA now ensures there is a DEI track at its fall conference. Board members have participated in DEI training, with an open invitation for other members to join them. The training used by the MSCA is designed to help members enter into conversations about race with curiosity and compassion while acknowledging confrontation and resistance that may arise. The MSCA is also examining its bylaws and other governing documents to ensure that they align with the association’s vision for the future. in schools throughout the state. School counselors share an important responsibility of figuring out how to continue these conversations and make them relevant to students, even in majority white schools. They are uniquely situated to examine a school’s educational programs, such as advanced classes or College in the Schools opportunities, to determine if there is equitable representation in those classes. If not, they can help figure out why.

Even after an organization has committed to investing time and resources in DEI initiatives, it can be a slow process. Addressing systemic racism and the legacies of trauma in school institutions takes time and input from all voices. The MSCA knows it has a long way to go, but its board and members are committed to moving toward the ultimate goal of creating a new vision for the association that includes everyone.

“My great-grandpa went to a residential Native American boarding school, and an experience like that can impact generations in the future,” Henderson explained. “School counselors see that trauma in our students, and part of the healing is acknowledging it.”

Any organization can benefit from implementing DEI initiatives. For those who have no idea where to start, the MSCA recommends hosting member listening sessions to help determine your association’s direction for the future. Although they may be uncomfortable, these are important conversations. For the MSCA, they have helped begin a transformation in school communities around Minnesota, creating more equity and finding solutions that are inclusive of everyone.

To learn more about the MSCA, check out www.mnschoolcounselors.org.