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Spring 2020

Advocacy
Perhaps advocacy could be construed as the hallmark of CSI’s success as an organization. It
came into being because there was a need for clarity and pride in our identity as a profession. From
its inception, our Bylaws incorporated language that supports professional preparation standards
and accreditation, inclusiveness of specialties in counseling, both state and national credentialing,
participation in counseling associations, and high standards of academic and ethical performance. We
were quietly modeling social justice initiatives before most other efforts were labeled as such. Within
our leadership are many of the finest scholars and mentors of social justice efforts within the counseling
profession. Of course, we still have a long way to go and that leads us to CSI’s newest advocacy
initiative outlined in greater detail elsewhere in this issue.
We are a profession now, but are we realizing our potential as a profession? We have a history
of services in schools, colleges, community mental health, and private practices. Not unlike other
fields, the health of the economy, government priorities, global events, and other influences beyond our
control have a profound effect upon our collective destinies individually and as organizations. What can
we manage and initiate to help further our value and opportunity for the future? CSI leaders think that
rediscovering and promoting our developmental, wellness-focused approach to helping is a promising
way to address this question.
As will be noted elsewhere in this issue, CSI is uniquely positioned to be prime advocates for
wellness counseling research and practice that refines and highlights the counselor’s role and value in
settings wherever counseling is practiced. Be sure to study the wellness initiative adopted by the CSI
Executive Council in December 2019! Then imagine what you could do to help your colleagues and
counselees come to you for assistance that transcends just coping with life circumstances. Educate,
encourage, inspire, and celebrate other’s progress by example and deliberate application of proven
wellness-based principles and practices. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world!”
(Mahatma Gandhi).

CSI Symbols

The Greek letters for Chi Sigma Iota were selected to denote that we are the Counseling Society
International.
The wreath was chosen to encircle the Greek letters as a symbol of honor earned and promise for
continued commitment to high ideals.

Chi Sigma Iota’s mission is to promote excellence in the profession of counseling on a truly
international scope.

CSI Colors
White for Virtue - goodness; general moral excellence; right action and thinking.

Blue for Trustworthiness - honesty, integrity, reliability, and justice toward others is affirmed.

Integrity is implicit within these as well.

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