Raices Unidos is a compassionate and empowering counseling group dedicated to supporting Latino students as they navigate the unique challenges posed by immigrating to the US as a teen. The mission is to provide a safe and nurturing space where Latino students can openly express their thoughts and feelings while building resilience, coping skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

Group norms will be a collaborative process, working together to bring awareness to the need for confidentiality, respect, active participation, and support. Reaching a consensus will help group members feel a sense of ownership over the norms and more likely to adhere to them.

Each group session will be started by explaining the concept of confidentiality and how important it is to our group. We will discuss the limits of confidentiality, including safety concerns, legal requirements, or a shared issue. Confidentiality is an established group norm, but it will be explained that it cannot be guaranteed due to limitations. It will be emphasized that group members have a responsibility to keep shared information within the group.

Stage 2: 
To help the group work cohesively towards learning outcomes, the group will be presented with clear objectives each session, and goals will be outlined. We will maintain a structured format for each session, with an agenda and activities that align with the group goals. As the leader of the group, I will also help make sure that everyone is encouraged to participate.

Progress throughout the group will be monitored throughout counseling, conducting brief progress assessments. I will ask open ended questions about how members are feeling, what they’ve learned, and if they have any concerns or suggestions. We will also use anonymous surveys as a tool for group improvement if that seems appropriate.

Stage 3:
I would like to dedicate a session for group reflection about our sessions together. Emphasizing achievements, personal growth, and sharing meaningful experiences could be very beneficial. This could be done over an activity, such as creating art together. We will also discuss future goals and aspirations individually. I would like to obtain feedback about the student experiences in the group. Confidentiality will be addressed in the closing group, reiterating the ongoing nature of confidentiality. Students will be reminded that they can apply the skills of holding respect and trust within group to life with family and friends for healthy relationships.

(Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2015)

Altruism: Group members may have opportunities to support each other, creating a sense of altruism and empathy.

Cohesiveness: As members connect over shared experiences, they can build a sense of belonging, trust, and safety.

Interpersonal Learning: Students may gain insight into their interpersonal patterns and communication styles through their interactions with peers. They may also become more aware of cultural differences in communication and learn how to navigate them.

Development of Social Skills: This group of teens will be able to develop and practice social skills, including effective communication, conflict resolution, and assertiveness. 

Self Understanding: Students may gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their cultural identities through group discussions and feedback from peers.

Instillation of Hope: By witnessing the progress and achievements of of their peers, these students can develop hope for their own future.

(Yalom ID, 1995)

D.11. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Group specialists practice with broad sensitivity to client differences, including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual identity, social class, immigration status, and geographic location. Group facilitators seek awareness and knowledge of personal, professional, and societal structures that limit equity and inclusion for diverse group members. They continuously seek information regarding the cultural worldviews, traditions, and experiences of the diverse populations with whom they are working. 

This principle supports the work in this group because diversity, equity, and inclusion are the backbone of, and reason for the group. I will always seek information and understanding on cultural worldviews. I will always listen to the experiences of others, particularly in this group, to guide us through this group, to be the most relevant and impactful experience for the students.

(Association for Specialists in Groupwork, 2021)

I have always felt that advocacy is an important part of my work as an educator, and this will continue as a counselor for this underserved group as well. I will be happy to advocate for these students in school and work with the families as needed as well. I will use all of the resources that I have to be able to assist to the best of my ability. As a librarian, finding resources comes naturally to me, so all of my abilities will be coming together to help our students.

(Association for Specialists in Groupwork, 2021)