Membership
SAIGE of Ohio welcomes you!
By becoming a member of SAIGE of Ohio you have the opportunity to work with counselors throughout the state on improving the counseling services provided to members of the LGBQ+ and Trans communities and their allies. We work not only to address the needs of counselors on becoming more equipped and knowledgeable on how to work effectively with their clients but also advocate for the LGBQ+ and Trans communities. Members also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the organization by joining one of our sub-committees as well as receiving a reduced rate for any SAIGEO sponsored workshops.
To join SAIGE of Ohio, you can select our division membership when you join OCA, or renew your OCA membership. SAIGE of Ohio yearly membership dues is $10.00 (USD). See the link below for more information.
- Go to the home page of the OCA website.
- Click on "Join OCA here" on the left-hand side.
- On the application page, under “OCA Division Membership”, check the box for SAIGE of Ohio.
- Enjoy your membership and stay informed on what is happening in Ohio!
Already an OCA Member and wish to add SAIGEO as a divisional membership? Email the OCA Executive Director by clicking here.
Why join?
10 Reasons to Join SAIGEO
- Annual “Agent of Change” Conference (CEU’s Offered!): SAIGEO rotates an annual conference related to LGBTQ+ best practices and new research each year in a different part of the state. This allows for SAIGEO to provide information to professionals that may not have otherwise been able to have access. Look to the spring of each year for our “Agent of Change” workshop to see if it’s in your area.
- Regional Resources: Each year, SAIGEO corroborates with several regional organizations to provide better access to services for the LGBTQ+ populations we serve around the state. By coordinating with organizations like suicide prevention coalitions and equality organizations, SAIGEO is able to create and refine a professional resource list that can be printed from our website and provided for professional counselors to have access to friendly organizations that can assist their clients that identify as LGBTQ+. If you have questions or want more information about either contributing or being listed on the resource list, please contact us.
- Access to SAIGE National Resources: SAIGEO takes pride in being a branch of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities of Ohio. This allows us to disseminate information being developed at a national level and provide our members with innovative ways to become involved that align with our mission statement and purpose.
- Access to Professional & Clinical Connections: Becoming a member of SAIGEO provides unique ways to meet and become involved with different counselors across the state. Our organization not only provides social media but also connections to regional representatives that can get in touch with different professional counselors that may be helpful for expanding your counselor expertise or for consultation opportunities.
- Specific Trainings related to LGBTQ+ information: SAIGEO board and regional representatives are always looking for opportunities to connect with institutions, organizations, and agencies that request specific trainings related to LGBTQ+ areas. If you are unable to make our annual conference, contact us directly through our regional representatives to set up something for your organization.
- Professional Leadership Service Opportunities (Great for Mentorship!): Have a passion for these areas and interested in serving as a member of the board or as a regional representative? Become a board member of SAIGEO and help influence current SAIGEO functions and assist in improving access to LGBTQ+ resources in your area.
- Social Justice Opportunities: While SAIGEO is unable to take a definitive position on different political policies, SAIGEO's mission statement and purpose allows the organization to “identify develop, implement, and foster counselor-related charitable, scientific, and educational programs that further human growth and development.” LGBTQ+ initiatives and social justice events that fall within this realm can be helpful for organizations, clinicians, or clients who are interested in pursuing these functions in their area.
- Connection to like-minded individuals: Have ideas for cultivating partnerships, yet not feel up to shouldering all the responsibility to organize them? In SAIGEO, you have access to an established support system of experienced people who are motivated to get things done. This allows support and encouragement from individuals across the state to assist you with providing services for LGBTQ+ populations across the state.
- Essay Scholarship Competition to AOCC (Look for future competitions!): SAIGEO wants to assist you with attending the All Ohio Counseling Conference! When applicable, the board can assist a predetermined number of students/clinicians with their registration fees by having potential applicants submit an essay response to a topic developed by the board related to an LGBTQ+ specific topic. Look for future contests to come to your area before AOCC!
- Education Committee (Coming Soon!): SAIGEO will soon be able to offer an extensive bibliography of resources for professional counselors working with LGBTQ+ populations on our website. The resources will range from specific journal articles, movies, educational worksheets, programs, and workshops that are a perfect compliment to any affirmative counselor toolkit. Several topics will be provided from specific population needs to specific areas of interest such as LGBTQ+ Parenthood, Coming Out, HIV:AIDS, Parents & Families of LGBTQ+, Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community, and Homelessness: Poverty to name a few.