ICF Leadership

Interested in serving in a leadership role with the ICF? There are many positions where volunteers are needed, both on the local and global level. Volunteer leadership roles in the ICF provide members a change to develop both personally and professional while also giving back to their member association and the profession of coaching as well. Learn more by reading overviews of several opportunities below.

Global ICF Board of Directors
The governing body of the ICF is its Board of Directors. The responsibility for overseeing the management of the affairs, funds, and property of the ICF is vested in the Board. The Board has full power and authority to put into effect the resolutions and decisions of the ICF and determines its policies and interprets its bylaws. The Board supervises the direction and control of the ICF and its committees and publications, and may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as is deemed advisable. It may in the execution of its powers, delegate certain of its authority to the Executive Committee. See more information on the Board here.

Global Committees/Taskforces/Core Teams
This year, 2012, will be a transition year for volunteer engagement. With the adoption of our new Strategic Plan, it is clear that ICF needed to engage volunteers in a different manner-one tailored toward the new ICF strategic goals and more suitable to the busy schedules of our members.

With this in mind, the Board of Directors decided to formally change the way ICF engages volunteers and dissolve all Committees except the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Independent Review Board. Going forward, it was decided that using smaller groups with extended teams and "consultants" would allow for bringing true expertise to the mix and ensure a more effective and efficient decision making process. This model will ensure all of the work volunteers do throughout the year is tied to the objectives of the strategic plan.

Three core teams have been created to address the following priority strategies:

• Building High Performing Organizations;
• Creating World Standards (to include sub-team on Ethics and Regulation); and
• Becoming a Preferred Resource for Business.

The Board will continue to, based on the need, create more taskforces, panels, and focus groups. Watch for more information on how ICF will continue to engage volunteers and use our members to assist in the important work of the organization.

Special Interest Groups 
ICF Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide members with the opportunity to discuss specific aspects of coaching. Nearly 30 SIGs meet monthly through teleconferencing, and are open to ICF members at no additional cost. See a current list of SIGs.

Each SIG is hosted and/or co-hosted by ICF members. If you are interested in being involved in a current SIG, contact its current leader and ask how you can help. If there is a topic not already supported by a SIG that you are interested in providing to the membership, contact ICF Headquarters.

Chapter Regulatory Liaisons Network
Chapter representatives all over the globe volunteer to be a part of this network, which it tasked with monitoring and discussing regulation issues that could impact the coaching profession. If you are interested in being a part of the liaisons network, please contact ICF Headquarters at icfheadquarters@coachfederation.org.

ICF Annual International Conference
Planning on attending the next conference? If you are and you're interested in volunteering while you are there, there are several roles where the ICF can use your help. Information on conference volunteer opportunities is posted on the conference website each year. Volunteer roles may include leading first-time attendee tours, room hosting and more. Look for additional information each year prior to conference here.

Local ICF Chapters
ICF Chapters are led by local ICF members. Volunteer opportunities vary between chapters but may include serving on the local chapter Board or Committee, assisting with local public relations/marketing efforts, and much more. Please contact local ICF Chapters directly to see how you may be of service.

ICF Foundation
Founded in 2004, the ICF Foundation is a separate nonprofit entity from the ICF that exists exclusively for education, research and charitable purposes in professional coaching.

Current work of the Foundation includes drafting ideas for pro-bono coaching, creating plans for future sustainability of the Foundation, leadership development, and discussions of the possibility of scholarships for individuals unable to pay for coach specific training. For more information, including a list of the Board of Trustees, please visit the ICF Foundation website.