Ways and Whys: Advocating for Queer Youth through the Theory of Change
Conference Strand
Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy
Abstract
Queer-identifying individuals are constantly under the scope of the public eye; having informed services, resources and accurate representation are crucial to the overall health of queer youth. This presentation will define important topics/terminology, provide an overview of the Theory of Change in relation to population needs; and offer counselors/educators suggestions and tools for helping queer youth thrive.
Evidence
Below, we have provided a list of resources that support the components of this presentation.
McAuliffe, G. J. & Eriksen, K.P. (2011). Handbook of counselor preparation: Constructivist, developmental, and experiential approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Barker, M.J. & Scheele, J. (2016). Queer: A graphic History. London, UK: Icon Books Ltd.
Why Wraparound Works. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from http://www.vroonvdb.com/about-wraparound/why-wraparound-works/
Format
Individual Presentations
Biographical Sketch
Ashley A. Delgado, B.S.
Ashley Delgado is currently a Master's-Level Student within the Holistic Counseling Program at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. Within this program, she enjoys courses towards attaining her CAGS in Expressive and Creative Arts. She earned the title of Ms. Lesbian Rhode Island 2017 and uses this platform to engage and empower the local queer community. Her specific focus is on queer youth, community building, advocacy and legislative change. She is also interested in the intersectionality between race, gender, sexual orientation, and power and works to create opportunities to have these necessary conversations daily.
Amanda J. Minor, PhD
Dr. Amanda Minor has been a Counselor Educator for six years. She is currently an assistant professor of Counselor Education at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. Her clinical experience is related to working with individuals, couples, families, and specifically survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Dr. Minor teaches courses in clinical work, ethics and professional identity, cultural awareness, and multiple theories courses. She is actively involved in the campus community related to issues around race, gender, and sexuality. She also serves as the co-P.I. for a Davis Foundation Grant related to civic engagement. She is an active member of the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) and serves as the secretary-elect for the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES). She has presented nationally and internationally.
Start Date
2-9-2018 1:00 PM
End Date
2-9-2018 2:15 PM
Recommended Citation
Delgado, Ashley A. and Minor, Amanda Dr., "Ways and Whys: Advocating for Queer Youth through the Theory of Change" (2018). National Cross-Cultural Counseling and Education Conference for Research, Action, and Change. 6.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ccec/2018/2018/6
Ways and Whys: Advocating for Queer Youth through the Theory of Change
Queer-identifying individuals are constantly under the scope of the public eye; having informed services, resources and accurate representation are crucial to the overall health of queer youth. This presentation will define important topics/terminology, provide an overview of the Theory of Change in relation to population needs; and offer counselors/educators suggestions and tools for helping queer youth thrive.
Description
The presenters will explore and seek to define what it means to be a “queer youth” in America and how understanding the Theory of Change can help to make an important impact on the queer community. The presenters will include the attendees in formulating their definitions, along with providing statistical information and narratives to identify queer youth needs.
Through explaining the Theory of Change, the presenters will make suggestions as to how counselors and educators can be better advocates to queer youth, thus articulating the newly added fourth element (action) of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (2016). They will include literary resources, local government policies, and suggestions for improving access to necessary resources.
Implications for counselors, educators and the queer community will be explored in an open discussion highlighting the appropriate competencies to effectively support the queer community. Presenters will provide insight through personal experiences and encourage attendees to contribute.