1. Advocacy, Public Policy, & Social Justice: Implications for Practitioner Training Sylvia Nassar-McMillan, NC State University Sylvia_nassarmc@ncsu.edu Spencer Niles, Pennsylvania State University sgn3@psu.edu

2. Abstract Advocacy, public policy, & social justice are key counselling competencies; yet, educators and thus, practitioners, may overlook them, in favor of more “relevant” or traditional course content. U.S. examples of educational & career inequities include underrepresentation of specific groups within both of these arenas – probably similar to those in other countries. We will: – state the problem/s; – define key terms; – provide information about our preliminary study; – identify gaps & implications; – present strategies for application in cross-cultural contexts.

3. Examples of Representation Issues Women – Overrepresented Biological science (67% of bachelor degrees) (NSF, 2004) – Underrepresented Computer science (25% of bachelor degrees), physics (21.5%), electrical engineering (14.2%), and mechanical engineering (13.6%) (NSF, 2004) 11% of employed engineers (NSF 2003) African Americans – Well-represented Computer science (10.3% of bachelor degrees), social sciences (10.3%), and psychology (9.7%) (NSF, 2004) – Underrepresented Engineering (5% of bachelor degrees), mathematics (5.7%) and physical sciences (6.7%) (NSF, 2004) 5% of scientists, 3% of physical scientists, and 3% engineers (NSF 2003)

4. Definition: Advocacy (CACREP) ADVOCACY — action taken on behalf of clients or the counseling profession to support appropriate policies and standards for the profession; promote individual human worth, dignity, and potential; and oppose or work to change policies and procedures, systemic barriers, long-standing traditions, and preconceived notions that stifle human development.

5. American Counseling Association Code of Ethics A.6.a. Advocacy When appropriate, counselors advocate at individual, group, institutional, and societal levels to examine potential barriers and obstacles that inhibit access and/or the growth and development of clients.

6. Definition: Multicultural (CACREP) MULTICULTURAL — term denoting the diversity of racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage; socioeconomic status; age; gender; sexual orientation; and religious and spiritual beliefs, as well as physical, emotional, and mental abilities.

7. Definitions: Public Policy Public policy is the body of fundamental principles that underpin the operation of legal systems in each state. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_policy_(law) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_policy_(law) The set of policies (laws, plans, actions, behaviors) of a government. en.wiktionary.org/wiki/public_policy en.wiktionary.org/wiki/public_policy

8. Definition: Social Justice Social justice, sometimes called civil justice, refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world that affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society.societyjustice It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society.

9. Relevant CACREP Content Areas SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY—studies that provide an understanding of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural society CAREER DEVELOPMENT—studies that provide an understanding of career development and related life factors

10. We wondered: Whether counselor educators infuse content related to advocacy, public policy, and social justice into career development courses If they do, how do they do it?

11. Our Study: Methods Participants – counselor educator members of National Career Development Association (NCDA) Instruments – respondent/participants’ career counseling course syllabi Procedures – we obtained a membership list from NCDA and contacted/solicited participation from all counselor educator/members

12. Our Study: Results 79 syllabi from 63 universities were content analyzed for the terms: advocate/advocacy, social justice, diversity/diverse, multicultural/culture. CO = Course Objectives; CA = Course Assignments; Other AdvocacySocial JusticeDiversityMulticultural CO 1 2 36 23 CA 1 2 9 9 Other 8 3 13 8

13. Discussion Key terms most prevalent in course objectives Most prevalent key terms were diversity and multicultural (vs. advocacy and social justice) Most course assignments are papers; a few presentations (pertaining to multiculturalism & diversity)

14. Implications Possible barriers – more traditional topics are implemented more frequently in career training courses – out of comfort zone (multiculturalism and related movements, esp. advocacy/public policy, are relatively recent – still developing/evolving) – one can’t teach what one doesn’t truly know Best practices –autobiographical papers; case studies; experiential activities Perhaps educators need to draw on (or develop) their personal experiences related to social justice and advocacy