Microaffirmations: Small Gestures Toward Equity and Advocacy

Abstract

The practice of using microaffirmations enables positive outcomes through small acts of active listening that encourage feelings of inclusion and shared cultural intimacy. Microaffirmations can be intersectional and are beneficial to a wide range of populations, including people of color, LGBTQIA + individuals, and people with disabilities. School counselors are trained and positioned to have knowledge of practical, evidence-based interventions to help school communities process the negative impacts of microaggressions and daily racism. This article describes the benefits of implementing microaffirmations in school settings and proposes a layered framework for implementation within school communities. We discuss recommendations for training faculty and staff on using microaffirmations and implications for school counselor practice. We also address the importance of using evidence-based school counseling practices as part of framework implementation.

Continual Evolution in Evidence-Based School Counseling: Proceedings From the 2022 Conference

“…When schools and students have multiple challenges, change can feel overwhelming. Identifying one topic, and then noticing and celebrating success, paves the way for subsequent shifts (Boyce-Rosen & Mecadon-Mann, 2023). 2.…”

“…What are the possibilities for student resiliency, growth, and development—more than just coping (Ermis-Demirtas et al, 2023)? What do small daily gestures of affirmation and support look like (Boyce-Rosen & Mecadon-Mann, 2023)? What do well-being and health, as well as love and joy, look like in schools (Love, 2019; Mayes & Byrd, 2022; Mayes et al, 2022)?…”