I would very much like to thank each of you for your continued membership, & the opportunity to serve as President of the Ohio Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (OAMCD). 

OAMCD values the commitment of energetic, determined, & professional individuals.  Therefore, I would like to thank our most recent Past-Presidents, Dr. Denise Lewis, Dr. Rhonda Norman, & Carmella Hill for their leadership in previous years.  I would also especially like to thank Victoria Sepulveda and Dr. Jean Roberts for their multiple efforts, as their collective work has been invaluable to my transition! 

OAMCDs mission is to promote culturally competent counselors who provide culturally effective counseling. We are committed to work with    parents, schools, agencies, & other community bodies who serve varying ethnic groups.  In efforts to engage in work that addresses our mission it is imperative for OAMCDs leadership to maintain consistent dialogue with our membership.  This in mind, following are goals for this upcoming year:

*New Leadership Elections (position fulfillment thru the 2010-2011 election year).

*Membership Increase

*Personalized OAMCD Logo

*Updated and interactive OAMCD Website

*Unity Newsletter (Fall & Spring Editions)

*Annual General Body OAMCD Meeting (at AOCC)

*At least one (1) event/workshop to provide an opportunity to obtain CEUs.

Minorities, and multiple other underrepresented populations in the U.S. include persons of diverse races, ethnicities, ages, genders and more.  The American Counseling Association’s (ACA) 2005 Code of Ethics states that counselors have an ethical responsibility with regard to multicultural awareness in the following areas: Respecting Client Rights; Diversity in Assessment; Diversity in Supervision; Multicultural Competence in Counselor Training; Multicultural Considerations in Research; and the Infusion of Multicultural Issues (i.e. coursework and professional development –workshops/training). 

Upon reflection on these areas and the mission of OAMCD, it is not only important for OAMCD to maintain consistent dialogue with our membership, but to also open dialogue with the diverse minority and ethnically/culturally diverse populations that all counselors serve.  One way to accomplish this goal is for OAMCD to become a more consistent and visible organization in these communities.  This year OAMCD seeks to participate in at least one community-wide event that promotes emotional wellness among diverse minority and ethnically/culturally diverse populations.  This may be through a community wellness walk, fair, and/or festival in the State of Ohio.

The history of multicultural counseling efforts in Ohio inspires a determination of commitment to its mission of service and partnership.  OAMCD needs you as an active member to assist in the achieving of its goals, and I encourage you to express your level of commitment and partnership in the success of this organization by joining!  In addition to this, if you are interested in serving OAMCD in a position of leadership either this year or in upcoming years please email me at ohioamcd@gmail.com

Finally, OAMCD is committed to making consistent efforts that continue to shape our identity as it has been thoughtfully executed in years past.   In combination with the endeavors we seek to participate in, your input in the success of this professional organization is welcomed and appreciated, as we embark upon a new year.  I look forward to our upcoming opportunity’s to connect and work together.

Sincerely, 

Ameena S. Mu'min
OAMCD, President, 2009-2010