SDCA Leadership Workshop
Thursday February 19, 2026
&
Day on the Hill
Friday February 20, 2026
**Please attend events you are able to attend as both can be attended separately.

 

Thursday February 19 Leadership Workshop Schedule of Events:

2:00pm Ct - 6:00pm Ct
4.0 Contact Hours
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 110 E Stanley Rd Fort Pierre, SD 

 

 

Exploring Leadership Opportunities, Big and Small!
presented by Rebecca Christiansen, MS, LPC-MH, LPC, NCC, QMHP

The counseling profession advances through those who choose to lead. What does this mean? Leadership can be exercised in various ways across multiple levels. This presentation will focus on leadership opportunities, from grassroots volunteerism to serving on boards at the state or national level. We will discuss how to tap into your personal strengths and passions, as well as ways to find the best leadership for you. The presentation will also explore the benefits of leadership, both personally and professionally.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will discuss the skills required to be a leader and engage in self-reflection on what leadership qualities they possess.
  2. Participants will learn about the structure of SDCA and ACA, including the various leadership positions within each.
  3. Participants will learn about the benefits of leadership.

 

Day on the Hill Presentation:
presented by Ashley Seeklander, MS; and Duane Kavanaugh, MS, NCC, CCMHC, LPC/MH, QMHP

This presentation will go over what to expect when you attend Day on the Hill on Friday, February 20, 2026. Learn what your expectations are for Day on the Hill, the committee hearing schedules, and how to advocate for your profession. 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to describe the purpose, structure, and expectations of Day on the Hill, including participant roles and professional conduct during legislative engagement.
  2. Participants will be able to identify committee hearing schedules and legislative processes relevant to Day on the Hill in order to effectively plan and participate in advocacy activities.
  3. Participants will be able to apply ethical and professional advocacy strategies to communicate with legislators in support of mental health and school counseling services and the populations they serve.

Advocacy Presentation:
presented by Ashley Seeklander, MS; and Duane Kavanaugh, MS, NCC, CCMHC, LPC/MH, QMHP

Why advocate? Because your profession depends on it. This presentation will go through the ins and outs of Legislative session, how to use the sdlegislature.gov site and the MyLRC+ site, and how to contact your elected officials. You will get practical and hands-on ways to advocate for mental health, counseling, school counseling, and the populations we all serve. 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to describe the structure and timeline of the South Dakota legislative session and identify specific opportunities for professional advocacy related to mental health and school counseling.
  2. Participants will be able to access and use the SDLegislature.gov and MyLRC+ platforms to locate, track, and interpret legislation impacting counseling practice and the populations served.
  3. Participants will be able to apply ethical and effective advocacy strategies by identifying appropriate elected officials and selecting methods for professional communication to support mental health and school counseling initiatives

Partnerships in Leadership
Presented by Stacy Solsaa, PhD, LPC-MH, NCC, NCSC

The counseling profession provides many opportunities for leadership and within these opportunities are various partnerships that enhance the profession.  Advocacy continues to be at the forefront of supporting the counseling profession and continuing to help the public understand what we do.  Partnerships between other counselors, other professionals, and mentorship are all important in advocacy and leadership. 

 Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will discuss the types of partnerships that can be helpful in advocacy.
  2. Participants will learn how to reach out in regard to partnerships.
  3. Participants will learn about mentoring and it’s role in developing new leaders.

 

 

 Members: Free Attendance
Non Members: $35.00 Fee
Register has closed for this event.

 

Friday February 20 Day on the Hill Schedule of Events:

Thursday February 19th:
Evening Meeting with Dianna Miller & other Attendees for Planning  Holiday Express & Suites 110 Stanley Rd Fort Pierre, SD **Time TBD

Friday February 20th:
6:15 am Arrive At the Capital for Event
10:30am Group Picture and Debriefing

Reservation Time has Elapsed but we encourage you to still attend Day on the Hill at your own expense. Thank You.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Participate?

  • Learn about Issues and Legislation affecting our profession, clients and students, and what YOU can do.
  • Become a better leader and advocate for our profession.
  • Familiarize yourself with the legislative process.
  • Network with your colleagues.
  • Be a voice! 
 
What is Day on the Hill?
Day on the Hill is a day of legislative advocacy that assists with our visibility as an organization.  Even if there aren't specific issues concerning us at the time of the event, we are there to remind the legislators who we are as constituents, who our organization represents and who our clients are, and that we can be a resource to them. 
Why is it important to attend Day on the Hill?
Day on the Hill is a day of advocacy, where members of SDCA are able to advocate on behalf of the counseling profession. Being an advocate does not mean you have to be a political expert, but you are an expert in counseling, and that is what is important. Attendees have the opportunity to observe committees who may be hearing proposed bills that could impact our profession.  During the committee meeting, attendees are able to observe the protocol of testifying, who makes up the committee, which types of testimony seems effective, etc.  SDCA members can use this experience if they are ever compelled to testify on a certain topic.

Steps to Effective Meetings with State Legislators from ACA

What if I am unable to attend Day on the Hill?

If you cannot make it to Pierre to meet with your representatives, there are other things you can do to connect. 
  • Reach out via email. Outline the specific issue and why it is important to counselors, include a personal story, data, or something relatable (for example: "As a veteran, I know you see the need..") Then clearly state what you would like them to do.
  • Make a phone call. If you are polite and reasonably informed, you may learn things from the staffer you are talking to while getting your message 

Let You Voice Be Heard Social Media Tips-ACA

Know who your legislators are. Find them on the SDLRC website HERE