"We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color."

Maya Angelou

Greetings AMCD Members!!!!!

Striving for excellence has always motivated me to become a successful counseling professional! I believe in honesty and hard work. I also believe in being conscientious, ethical, dedicated, organized, and a man of my word. This I believe has been the cornerstone of my service, enthusiasm, and commitment to AMCD’s mission. The leadership AMCD has provided the counseling profession is undeniable. I want to extend this legacy - a legacy that continues to promote cultural sensitivity and social justice; a legacy that inspires hope in many of us counselors who continue to believe in the inalienable rights of all people to be validated for their life experiences and worldviews.

"A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons."

Bishop Desmond Tutu

As President of AMCD it is my desire to continue and expand upon already established efforts as well as create several new initiatives:

• that support MENTORSHIP of student members and our burgeoning new colleagues!!!!!!!
• that increase AMCD membership and participation;
• that provide new members with greater exposure to the affiliates of our extraordinary association;
• that create a consortium/network for junior faculty to provide opportunities for collaborative writing projects and grant writing initiatives;
• that facilitate mentorship through the tenure and promotion process;
• that continue the energies put forth by the Leadership Development Institute;
• that open the door to partnerships with divisions such as ACES, ALGBTIC, ASCA, ASERVIC, ASGW, and CSJ; providing ACA membership with an unswerving, cognizant, and sound multicultural and social justice agenda;
• that continue to increase internal and external communications;
• that offer members additional outreach experiences similar to AMCD’s phenomenal 2007 & 2009 outreach efforts in South Africa and Botswana; and,
• that ensure that all conference attendees of ACA Conventions come away from the experience energized and eager to return to their individual communities ready to make meaningful impacts on the lives of those they touch.

OUTREACH * OUTREACH *OUTREACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This year starts off with much excitement and enthusiasm. I look to make it one of AMCD’s best. We will tackle low membership and explore magnificent opportunities to spread our mission to the world. My desired agenda for this year is "OUTREACH!" Motivating our membership to maintain their personal wellness while reaching out to others, who may be disenfranchised, marginalized, or for whatever their reasoning, are disengaged from the world. I invite you all to move forward with me. I do not expect anything but success and prosperity for AMCD, JMCD, and our membership 2011-2012 and beyond!

"You must judge a man by the work of his hands."

African Proverb

Let our good work commence!

S. Kent Butler