How to find an advocacy role in preparation for genetic counseling grad school? скачать в хорошем качестве

How to find an advocacy role in preparation for genetic counseling grad school?

Check out Katie Lee's website and genetic counseling-related digital downloads here: https://www.katieleecgc.com/shop You can find her relevant blog posts here: https://www.katieleecgc.com/blog I'm Katie Lee Hornberger, a multi-state licensed, certified genetic counselor with 7+ years of reproductive genetic counseling experience. I've worked in a clinic setting, a lab setting, and in multiple industry roles including a start-up and a small business where I was the first and only GC on staff. I love the field of reproductive genetic counseling and helping people grow their families, but beyond that I also enjoy teaching and training current GC students. Advocacy experience is required by almost all Genetic Counseling Programs (GCPs). Volunteer or paid advocacy experiences help applicants appreciate and develop interpersonal skills, gain different perspectives, and have a better understanding of the healthcare system or other public service system. Every application season I review dozens of CVs and I often see the same advocacy roles application after application. One way you can set yourself apart is by finding an advocacy role you are very passionate about and that is a bit harder to come by than the obvious advocacy experiences like volunteering with Planned Parenthood. So what actually qualifies as advocacy? In the scope of gaining experience for GC grad school, I define advocacy as: Working or volunteering for, with, or on behalf of individuals/groups who have different experiences or backgrounds than you or supporting a marginalized group or cause. Advocacy experiences typically give the applicant sufficient opportunity to work with a variety of individuals seeking information, resources, guidance, counseling, or other support services made available through the sponsoring agency or organization. How do you find a unique advocacy role? 1. Spend 5 minutes brainstorming causes or groups of people you are passionate about. Are you passionate about abortion access? Transgender youth? People with bipolar or major depression? Teen parents? Donor conceived people? Seniors? Health insurance access? People with Ring Chromosome 18? Any other genetic disorder or medical diagnosis? Bereaved families? I list many other examples in my video. Brainstorm and list out a few causes or groups. 2. Google the cause/group + your city/state. Research local opportunities. If you find an organization that sounds rad, but the website lacks a "Volunteer with Us" section, send a cold email to a contact you find on the site. Introduce yourself, your interest in the org, and your availability. 3. If there are not local opportunities, search more broadly. Look for organizations that you would be proud to give your time to. Email out-of-state organizations to determine whether you can help with administrative tasks, social media, marketing, etc remotely. 4. Proximity: Do you regularly drive/walk by any support organizations? Halfway houses? Senior centers? Use google to see what's around and stop in to introduce yourself if any hyperlocal opportunities sound appealing. 5. VolunteerMatch.org helps people connect with volunteer opportunities. It's constantly being updated so be sure to check out this website to find organizations that are actively seeking volunteers.