4 Meaningful Focus Areas

Diversity. equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are the foundation of ICF’s values. Everything we build — from relationships to policies to practices — is grounded in fairness and respect. Our four meaningful focus areas, which resulted from deep introspection through a diversity audit, help guide us to create a more inclusive, equitable world for professional coaches and clients alike. 

Learn More About the 4 Focus Areas

Expand global representation for underrepresented communities to ensure inclusion and belonging throughout our ecosystem.

Invest in education to increase diversity intelligence and provide professional development opportunities for leaders, volunteers, staff, ICF members, and other stakeholders.

Create an accessible environment for all stakeholders.

Establish policies that reinforce equity throughout the coaching profession and ICF community.

Member Resource Groups (MRGs)

Together, we are an unstoppable force overcoming obstacles and barriers that limit growth and inclusion opportunities.  Join us in fostering inclusivity in the professional coaching community through ICF Member Resource Groups (MRGs). MRGs are a space of growth and understanding for underrepresented ICF members, stakeholders, and allies to share, develop, and celebrate.

MRGs are a free ICF Member Benefit, and participation takes place within ICF Engage, our members-only online discussion platform.

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BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)

This community of diverse coaches from all ethnic and racial backgrounds share their experiences inside and outside the coaching community to cultivate a deeper understanding of equity in our profession. This group is not exclusively for those who identify as BIPOC. Anyone interested in a more inclusive and equitable coaching world is welcome.

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International Military Veterans

Transitioning from military service to a coaching career can be both rewarding and challenging. The Veterans MRG provides a supportive community for veterans from any background, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This group is open to all who are interested in supporting veterans and the advancement of the coaching profession.

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Kaleidoscope 

This group brings together coaches who represent a broad range of identities and lived experiences related to gender and sexuality. It encourages dialogue, connection, and allyship to foster a more inclusive coaching profession. Open to all, Kaleidoscope welcomes those who want to support and uplift this vibrant community.  

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Persons with Disabilities

Coaches, clients, and allies who have experiences with disabilities, are invited to join us in creating a more inclusive coaching community. Whether your experience is with physical, cognitive, sensory, psychological, developmental, and acquired disabilities, or chronic health conditions we offer support, resources, and a space to share experiences.

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Young Professionals (40 and under)

Young Professionals are the future of the coaching profession. This MRG is open to anyone who is interested in building a community of tomorrow’s coaching leaders focused on generational diversity and advancing our profession.

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Chapter Diversity Training

ICF chapters are not only helping to guide the future of coaching but also shape the values and culture that define our profession. Together, we are nurturing the roots within local communities to ensure DEIB blossoms all over the world.

Training for Chapter Leaders

One of the most powerful ways to lead is by deepening your commitment to DEIB.

Your growth in these areas is not just a leadership responsibility — it’s an opportunity to inspire lasting change. That’s why ICF Global offers four diversity workshops each year specifically for ICF chapter leaders.

  • Creating a Diversity Mission and Vision Statement and Values*: Gain the skills necessary to establish DEIB guiding principles for your chapter.
  • Chapter Data Collection and Reporting*: Understand how to collect and share the data needed for the chapter diversity tracking tool.
  • Setting Chapter Diversity Goals: Learn how to develop and track strong DEIB goals and initiatives.
  • DEIB and Change Management: Gain the techniques needed to implement a change management methodology into your ICF chapter and DEIB strategy.

*Training topics have pre-work in the form of a self-paced course, which is available in the ICF Learning Portal.

DEIB Resources

Our passion for change is more than just words on a page.

We actively demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by identifying our DEIB strengths and pain points, asking you for input, and providing resources to support you in your DEIB journey.

 

Find DEIB Resources
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Volunteer Opportunities

At ICF, we are dedicated to creating a more diverse, equitable, and just coaching profession for professional coaches and clients worldwide. We’re counting on you to help us. 

Volunteers contribute to our work by sharing their diverse perspectives and valuable insights to guide our decision-making. Meet the leaders from across the ICF ecosystem, helping us ensure we are creating an inclusive and equitable coaching community in ICF operations and for stakeholders.

At the heart of ICF’s DEIB initiatives are dedicated volunteers. These passionate individuals are leading the charge to ensure DEIB is woven into every aspect of our work — from training and development to community engagement and beyond.