Social Impact at International Coaching Week
The ICF Foundation was excited to participate in this year’s International Coaching Week (ICW) held from May 17-23, 2021. ICW is an annual, weeklong, global celebration of the value of working with a professional coach, while acknowledging the results that the coaching process can bring. ICW 2021 was tremendously successful, featuring more than 1,200 virtual events in 27 languages, reaching more than 35,000 participants around the world.
The ICF Foundation has always held the stance that coaching has the power to transform individuals and mission-driven organizations, reflecting the passion and commitment of coaches to make a difference. We work to equip social impact leaders, coaches, chapters and the entire ICF ecosystem. In coaching, we know that the right questions in the right place can change conversations and make an impact. The ICF Foundation helps coaches identify the insertion points within a mission-driven organization, and understand where coaching can be applied in order to bring the greatest impact and ultimately accelerate and amplify the strategic framework of the organization.
During ICW, ICF Foundation’s Council of Ambassadors presented in partnership with several chapters on coaching for social impact in areas including diversity and inclusion, climate, education, fair and just societies; and understanding the power of coaching for social impact leaders. From Nigeria to Puerto Rico, the conversations spanned the globe, inspiring coaches to embrace and share the power of coaching with social change organizations.
ICF Chapters and Members enthusiastically committed to get involved in new Ignite Initiatives within their community. Coaches experienced insightful breakout room discussions which created awareness of social impact work and how it could be incorporated for them individually, in their network and in their communities. From our partnership with ICF’s Academic Research department and the data gathered around the impact of the Ignite Initiative, we know that 76% of mission-driven organization leaders who received coaching saw a ripple effect of their gains. Specifically, 70% of them saw it impact operational efficiency and employee engagement in their organization.
Given the social, economic and environmental challenges globally, the coaching modality may be of use in efforts to positively impact social change. * In this research partnership, we have begun to identify the ripple effect that coaching can have from a sociological perspective at a micro-, meso- and macro-level.
Join us in making an Impact
Around the world, ICF Chapters and Members have launched many great initiatives, some with the ICF Foundation’s Ignite Initiative and others through local pro bono initiatives. Consider reaching out to the affiliate chapter nearest you to get involved. ICF offers a listing of its chapters around the world, which can be found here. If your chapter has not established a pro bono project, consider volunteering to lead an Ignite Initiative.
At the global level of ICF, Ignite: Engaging Coaching for Humanity and the Planet focuses the collective power of ICF Chapters, Members and Credential-holders into the work you do within your network and community! It only takes one coach to provide for one social impact organization to begin the ripple effect!
Share your social Impact Story
There are many amazing stories of how coaches and coaching make an impact on social change organizations. If you have a story like this to share, we want to hear it! Consider sharing t your story on our ICF Foundation Blog. If interested, contact us via email at information@foundationoficf.org.
Engage in the dialogue
Making an impact starts with one person’s desire. And with a growing urgency around societal issues, this will mean different things to different people. Some may choose to engage in activities as an individual and others will bring social progress goals and impacts to their clients. ICF’s recently updated Code of Ethics, section IV speaks to the coach’s responsibility to Society, noting that a coach is “aware of my and my clients’ impact on society. I adhere to the philosophy of ‘doing good’ versus ‘avoiding bad’. Join us in coaching for good!
Would you like to have a member of the ICF Foundation’s Council of Ambassadors present to your chapter or network? If so, consider hosting it with your chapter or sharing the message within your network.
*Source: DiGirolamo, J.A., & Joanes, T. (In press). Coaching, climate change and the evolution of society.
ICF Foundation
Established in 2004, the ICF Foundation (one of the International Coaching Federation’s six family organizations) connects and equips professional coaches and organizations to accelerate and amplify impact on social progress through coaching. The ICF Foundation's programs include our Social Impact Pilot Project, ICF Coaches for Good and Ignite: Engaging Humanity Through Education is part of the ICF Foundation’s long-term strategy to advance social progress through coaching by aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. To learn more or to get involved with Ignite, please contact the Foundation’s staff at information@foundationoficf.org
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