UTSA, American Counseling Association’s Impact Project shares individuals’ positive impact stories
(Image courtesy: The Impact Project)
(Image courtesy: The Impact Project)
Share this Story(Dec. 9, 2015) -- -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Department of Counseling is teaming up with the American Counseling Association (ACA) for a national social media campaign aimed at combating bullying, interpersonal violence and suicide. The partners are encouraging people to share stories about others who have had a positive impact on their lives.
Dubbed “The Impact Project,” the campaign is the brainchild of Thelma Duffey, chair of the Department of Counseling and President of the American Counseling Association and counseling faculty members Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, assistant professor, and Allison Pow, assistant professor.
“The Impact Project was created to foster dignity and empowerment by bringing attention to the often unacknowledged ways that people influence, inspire and encourage each other,” Duffey said.
The Impact Project’s name comes from its motto: “I hope you know your impact.” It’s meant as a way for people to publicly acknowledge the positive but often unrecognized effects that others have on their lives via social media and at special events. Through positivity, Duffey, Lloyd-Hazlett and Pow hope to change the way people perceive their roles in each other’s lives.
“People don’t always know their impact on others,” Duffey added. “In fact, when people are bullied or mistreated, they may not have a clear idea of the difference they make in people’s lives. This project is intended to bring attention to the difference that people make in the lives of others, and it serves as a reminder that what we do and how we are with those around us matters.”
Duffey was elected to serve as president of the ACA, the nation’s largest association for counseling professionals last year. As one of Duffey’s first presidential acts, she launched the ACA Presidential Initiative on Anti-Bullying and Interpersonal Violence. The yearlong initiative aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for all communities. The Impact Project is a response to this initiative and its mission.
The ACA will be formally launching the Impact Project in January 2016. In preparation for the national online campaign, Duffey, Lloyd-Hazlett and Pod are gathering and sharing dozens of “impact stories” from around the community, including many from UTSA students, faculty staff and students, on social media. These stories describe the positive impact that someone has had on the storyteller’s life. They can be anonymous or credited.
“In the short time since we initiated the Impact Project, we have heard some amazing stories of people supporting one another,” Pow said. “It’s been heartening to know that, given the opportunity, people aren’t shy about thanking those who have helped them in some way.”
The Impact Project and the UTSA Department of Counseling recently hosted several local advocacy programs across San Antonio, in collaboration with the Sigma Alpha Chi, the local chapter of the national counseling honor society, Chi Sigma Iota. Faculty and student volunteers hosted information tables about the Impact Project, its goals and how to participate. Community members had the opportunity to tell their stories through signed or anonymous signs.
The Impact Project is an ongoing campaign. The ACA will be officially launching the program during January. ACA will provide information on how community members can share their own impact stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the following hashtag #KnowYourImpact.
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Learn more about the Impact Project on Facebook and YouTube by contacting Allison Pow at allison.pow@utsa.edu, or by tracking #KnowYourImpact on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Learn more about the UTSA Department of Counseling.
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North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
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Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
