ICF Global’s strategic plan includes a provision for us to pursue an enhanced global media strategy that ensures that ICF has the strongest global brand and promotes professional coaching worldwide. To this end, in 2015 ICF Global partnered with a public relations firm, Stanton Communications. In collaboration with its global network of partner agencies, Stanton will help us gain access to major media outlets and position ICF—through the promotion of our activities, research and other accomplishments—as a true global leader for the coaching profession.
Stanton will be providing the following communication tools and guidance:
We welcome encourage Chapter Leaders to bring projects that may benefit from additional public relations support to our attention. If you would like to connect with Stanton’s local partner in your area, please contact Michael Voss (michael.voss@coachfederation.org) or Amy Bowman (abowman@stantoncomm.com).
Examples of a Chapter project or initiative that might benefit from additional PR support include:
It is important to note there are some areas of the world where a local partner is not in place at the moment. However, we are resourceful. If the need and opportunity are great, we can almost always identify a point of contact.
If a request for support from a Chapter or RAC is forwarded to one of Stanton’s local partners, the partner will share a recommended plan of action and a proposed budget with ICF Global and Stanton for consideration and approval.
If your Chapter wishes to engage a local partner individually using Chapter funds or the marketing stimulus, please contact Michael Voss and/or Amy Bowman to facilitate the dialogue.
While we acknowledge the effort that many Chapters engage in to promote the ICF Credential and assist members in their Credentialing journeys, ICF Global believes this is something that Chapters should be engaging in on their own and should not be an effort tied to receiving a rebate.
ICF is launching a pilot installment payment program for some countries due to their currency devaluation versus the U.S. dollar. Depending on the results, we may expand this program during membership renewal for other countries experiencing a serious currency devaluation versus the U.S. dollar.
We will continue to explore the best way for new ICF Members to locate the Chapter closest in proximity to their home or business address. Currently, our technology team is updating the ICF Chapter map so new members can see which Chapter may be closest in proximity to them.
The ICF Credential stands independent from ICF Membership. This is an important provision of compliance with globally accepted standards for bodies operating individual certification programs.
The value of an ICF Credential as an industry-wide marker of an individual’s commitment to ongoing professional development and outstanding professional practice is distinct from the benefits of ICF Membership (e.g., networking and leadership development opportunities, discounted event attendance, access to archived virtual learning).
Although ICF Credential-holders are not required to be ICF Members, they are bound by the ICF Code of Ethics and are required to meet stringent renewal criteria every three years.
Creating a standard ICF website template would aid with brand consistency across Chapters. However, standardizing Chapter websites would eliminate the ability for Chapters to create an identity that speaks to their own unique communities and cultures. For this reason, there are no plans to create a standardized website for all Chapters at this time. We do offer best practices for Chapter websites; these can be found in the ICF Brand Identity Manual.
You can find a breakdown of ICF’s revenue and expenses on pages 12-13 of the 2014 ICF Annual Report. ICF produces this report annually, describing the progress, accomplishments and financial picture of the prior year.
This information is available in the ICF Fact Sheet, which is housed in the ICF Member Toolkit. The Fact Sheet is updated monthly.
Yes! The ICF Global community is divided into seven regions, with several Chapters in each region. This regional Chapter network is a source of guidance, support and inspiration. If you are not currently connected within your region, contact your Regional Service Centre Manager for more information.
Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) went into effect for all ICF Chapters on December 31, 2015. The policy states ICF Chapter Members must be ICF Global Members in good standing. In other words, to be called a Chapter Member, you must be a current member of ICF Global.
Many Chapters already had this requirement in place. Other Chapters needed to review and revise their engagement structures. Chapters may provide varying levels of engagement to include those who do not yet qualify for ICF Global Membership, or who do not wish to become ICF Global Members. Some Chapters have named this level of engagement “Professional” or “Affiliate.” The specific classification is up to each Chapter to decide, but these individuals cannot be called Members. You may find it helpful to know that Chapters that have adopted CMER have noticed growth in the years following implementation. You are encouraged to download and use the resources outlined in the CMER Guidebook.
If your Chapter event is providing education entirely in the area of Resource Development, you may provide CCE units without prior approval from ICF Global. All programming that is at least partially Core Competency-focused must be vetted and approved by ICF Headquarters staff for CCE units. Chapters may apply for CCE units for Chapter-sponsored events by completing the online application found here. Typically, CCE units are approved within two weeks of the request; however, an earlier lead time is always recommended to assist you in marketing your Chapter’s event.
All Chapter Board members have access to their Chapter’s membership list at Coachfederation.org. This list is made up of ICF Global Members who have selected your Chapter as their Chapter affiliation and includes details such as contact information, ICF Credential, and the date they joined ICF Global. Follow these instructions to download the list:
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