Listserv Guidelines and Submissions
Important Information Regarding the ALCA Listserv
Please be reminded that the ALCA Listserv is a moderated communication channel. This means that only the Listserv Manager is authorized to post messages on behalf of senders. This approach ensures that all messages distributed through the Listserv are relevant and appropriate for our counseling community.
Messages are reviewed to ensure they are of general interest to a broad cross-section of ALCA members. If you receive a message that is not applicable to your region or area of practice—such as Chapter Y news when you are part of Chapter X—simply delete the message. Due to system limitations, we cannot segment messages by chapter or individual preference.
Please understand that it is not feasible to tailor messages to each member's specific interests, values, or philosophical perspectives. While we strive to be considerate of the diversity within our membership, you may occasionally receive a message you do not find relevant or with which you may disagree. In such instances, we encourage the appropriate use of your "delete" button.
While we welcome member feedback and always value your input, the listserv must function in the best interest of the overall membership. It cannot be managed based on the preferences of individual users.
Responding to Messages
Please do not use the “Reply” function when responding to a message received through the Listserv. Replies will only be directed to the Listserv Manager, not the original sender. To respond or inquire further, please use the contact information provided within the message itself.
Submitting an Announcement
To submit a message for consideration, email it to the ALCA Office at [email protected]. We have been entrusted to use our best judgment in determining whether a message is appropriate for the entire membership. As a general rule, we do not promote announcements that primarily benefit the sender or include advertisements for private practices or unrelated events. See below for instructions on submitting.
Message Format
All messages should be submitted in plain text format and included in the body of the email. Many member servers automatically block attachments for security reasons or flag them as spam. Plain text ensures easier distribution and accessibility for all members.
If you believe you are not receiving Listserv announcements, please check your spam or junk mail folders. It may also be necessary to whitelist the ALCA email address or coordinate with your IT department to ensure proper delivery.
Announcement Policy Updates
- Non-ALCA Events: Only events that offer potential value to members and do not conflict with ALCA programming will be considered for distribution. We refrain from promoting events that may detract from participation in the ALCA Annual Conference (typically held October–December), which is our primary professional development offering.
- Office Space & Counselor Requests: As of March 1, 2013, we no longer publicize office space listings or distribute individual requests for counselors by specialty or location. Instead, members should use the ALCA Counselor Locator Service on our website.
- Listserv Submission Turnaround: As of February 16, 2024, please allow 1–2 business days for the ALCA Office to process and distribute your announcement.
To better prioritize key organizational updates, we are adopting a new distribution format:
- Individual Emails will now only be used for messages from the ALCA Office, ALCA Chapters, Divisions, or Affiliates.
- All Other Announcements (e.g., job openings, professional development, supervision opportunities) will be compiled into a Weekly Newsletter, distributed every Wednesday.
- To be included in that week’s newsletter, your announcement must be received by Monday at 10:00 AM. Late submissions will be held for the following week--no exceptions.
- Professional development announcements are also posted on the ALCA Calendar on our website.
- Each weekly newsletter will be archived on the Members-Only section of the website. Log in to view current and past issues.
The ALCA Listserv is a member-exclusive benefit. Only active ALCA members receive Listserv communications. If membership is not renewed, access to the Listserv will be removed 30 days after expiration.
Thank you for helping us maintain a professional and effective communication platform for all ALCA members.
Disclaimer – This below disclaimer will be added to every Listserv email/newsletter
PERFORMANCE DISCLAIMER: The ALCA listserv is intended simply as a service and convenience to our membership. Information is posted on the listserv at the request of members and others who have information that it appears would be of interest to our members. Inclusion on the listserv should not be viewed as an acknowledgement or endorsement of the accuracy of the information being provided. This is simply an information venue. ALCA assumes no liability resulting from the use of this service. Consumers are advised to screen information as they would any other information source. ALCA reserves the right to determine which items will/will not go out on its listserv.
ALCA Listserv Announcement Submission Process
Content Criteria
All submitted announcements must relate directly to:
- ALCA or ACA activities,
- The counseling profession,
- Or counseling-related issues and concerns.
How to Submit an Announcement
- Email your request to: [email protected]
- Subject Line: Please include a clear, concise, and descriptive subject line that accurately reflects the content of your announcement. The ALCA Office will not create or edit your subject line for you.
Example: Chapter IV Ethics Workshop – April 20
Email Format Guidelines
At the beginning of your message, include the line:
“Please post to Listserv/Newsletter.”
Specific Formatting Instructions by Announcement Type
1. Job or Supervision Opportunities
Include the following:
- Title and description of the opportunity
- Location
- Contact information
- Any relevant attachments (if permitted) or links
2. Professional Development Opportunities
Please format your announcement as follows:
- Name of Event: Clearly state the title of your event.
- Hosting Organization/Individual: Identify who is sponsoring the event (e.g., private practice, chapter, division, affiliate).
- Message: Provide a brief, clear, and complete summary of the event. It may include promotional language, but please avoid excessive detail.
- Date, Time, and Location: These must be included to qualify for placement on the ALCA calendar.
- Registration Deadline: This is one of the most frequently asked questions—please include it.
- CE Information: Clearly state whether continuing education (CE) credits are available, and specify the issuing organization/provider.
- Contact Information: Include the name, email, and/or phone number of the primary contact person. This is essential, as ALCA cannot respond to inquiries on behalf of event organizers.
- Additional Details: Include any other relevant information such as:
- Cost
- Registration instructions
- Session titles
- Guest speakers
- Special features
- Directions, parking information, accommodations
- External links (e.g., website, flyer, registration form)
Please ensure your submission is complete and formatted appropriately to expedite processing. Incomplete announcements may be returned for revision or may not be posted.
For questions, contact the ALCA Office at [email protected].
