*Required in person live Zoom sessions: Module 1 (Saturday, May 13, 9-10am) & Module 6 (Saturday, July 15, 9-10am)

Overview

The OCA Leadership Certificate Program (LCP) is designed for any graduate student, new professional, or seasoned professional, who is either a current or discerning future leader and registered member within our association. This free and practical membership benefit offered to OCA memberships allows them to experience equips leaders with the most important tools and information they need to successfully hold an OCA leadership position in OCA. Participants learn how to strengthen the effectiveness of a division, chapter, or committee by applying best practices and important information related to OCA executive goals and plans. They also benefit from meeting and networking with their fellow participant leaders and receive mentorship and guidance for getting involved and helping to move the work of OCA forward. 

As an alternative to attending a traditional one-time leadership conference, LCP utilizes a virtual and pre-recorded learning video approach that allows participants to explore and learn about OCA leadership at their own pace. Modules are taught by past and present OCA leaders who share their experiences and insights related to some of the most significant aspects of being a leader in our association. Topics include membership growth, servant leadership, OCA history and governance, finances, legislative advocacy, the CE approval process, and mentorship (see chart below). Attendance at both one-hour live Zoom sessions is required for certification.

Click here to download an overview handout. Questions? Contact Laura Lewis, OCA Leadership Committee Chair laurajlewiscounseling@gmail.com

Time Commitment

The total time commitment is approximately 4.5 hours. Participants must attend both Modules 1 & 6 in person Zoom sessions, but all other pre-recorded video modules can be watched when desired during the two to three-month time frame. All modules must be completed within the same series for which the participant is registered.  

Registration

You must be a paid OCA member and register in advance using your OCA membership email address (the event sign up page will prohibit you from registering otherwise). Participants choose a series in which to complete all six modules:

• Fall Series (August through October)
• Winter Series (January through March)
• Summer Series (May through July)

Recognition

After completing all six modules participants will receive an official OCA certificate presented in person at either the All Ohio Counselors Conference or the OCA Spring Conference. Participants will also be added to the “Leadership Certificate Program Hall of Fame” (see below) recognized on OCA social media.

Learning Modules, Topics, and Presenters

Modules are taught by past and present OCA leaders who bring their latest insight to some of the most significant aspects of being a leader in our association. Topics include membership growth, servant leadership, OCA history and governance, finances, legislative advocacy, the CE approval process, and mentorship. Presenters currently include Dr. Tom Davis, Dr. Sean Gorby, Dr. DoHee Kim-Appel, Laura Lewis, Hannah Lowe, Dr. Jason McGlothlin, Dr. Alma Moore, Dr. Martina Moore, Dr. Yegan Pillay, Staci Tessmer, and Bob Thomas.

Modules	Topics
Module 1: Introduction to OCA Leadership   (LIVE SESSION via Zoom & additional RECORDED)	Welcome, community building, orientation to certificate program, survey results; OCA presidential leadership and vision; Reflections from a past president
Module 2: History of OCA & Current Governance (RECORDED)	History and development of OCA; Current governance and structure
Module 3: Legislative Advocacy & Government Relations (RECORDED)	Legislative advocacy and government relations
Module 4: Budgets, Finances, and CE’s (RECORDED)	Managing budget & finances; Professional development/CE submission and approval process
Module 5: Servant Leadership (RECORDED)	Servant leadership style
Module 6: Growing Your Membership; Successful & Successive Leadership (LIVE SESSION via Zoom & additional RECORDED)	Growing membership; Community building, tips for successful successive leadership, role discernment and mentorship, next step