Waynesburg U. Issues Call for Proposals for Regional Counseling Symposium

Waynesburg University will host a regional symposium focusing on ways to foster connections among behavioral health and social service agencies Friday, March 21, 2025, in Canonsburg.

The symposium, "Fostering Connection: Addressing the Needs of Marginalized Groups," is free to attend and will be comprised of a series of round table discussions, clinical workshops and informational presentations covering current and relevant information on the impact of health inequities and innovative practices in the behavioral health workforce.

Waynesburg University is seeking current and relevant information on innovative strategies promoting mental health, personal wellbeing and social justice for individuals in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Essentially, we hope to partner with community stakeholders to explore ways in which we may creatively navigate challenges while enhancing service delivery and treatment outcomes that combat health inequities.

Health inequities arise when our most vulnerable and underserved populations experience inequitable distribution of a wide array of healthcare services. By leveraging the best available evidence and innovative practices, we can empower marginalized groups to reach their full potential. It is our hope that this conference will serve as a common area where we can all come together for a day of learning from one another, processing our experiences and networking to foster the sustainability of the behavioral health workforce.

Proposals are now being accepted for agencies or individuals interested in presenting. Licensed professional counselors, psychotherapists, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, community stakeholders, human resources professionals and other members of the behavioral health workforce are encouraged to submit a proposal by Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Presenters will be notified of selection by Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Interested parties can submit a proposal at waynesburg.edu/regional-counseling-symposium.

Agencies can help make this conference a success by sharing the knowledge they have about working with marginalized groups. Agencies are encouraged to share their expertise by participating in a round table discussion with other providers and stakeholders or presenting a workshop or paper pertaining to behavioral health interventions, social service initiatives and advocacy efforts promoting social justice for underserved groups. In addition, agencies can use this symposium as an outreach and networking opportunity by setting up an informational table.

The purpose of the symposium is twofold: to provide a forum for treatment providers, agencies and policy stakeholders to share their successes and challenges while fostering connection as an act of social justice; and to provide information regarding the current impact of health inequities among underserved groups by highlighting innovative behavioral health interventions and social service activities that target early intervention and prevention of health disparities.

The keynote speaker and agenda for this event will be announced in spring 2025.

Conference Awards

This year, awards for Outstanding Change Leadership will be awarded. Nominations should include name and short paragraph about the person/agency that best represents an Outstanding Program or Outstanding Change Leader. Individuals can submit nominations at waynesburg.edu/regional-counseling-symposium.

About Waynesburg University

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.

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