The Spirit of Volunteering at IAC®: A Journey of Learning and Connection
Carla Cofiño
IAC®‑Certified Coach
Coordinator, IAC® Global Communications Committee
Being a volunteer at IAC® is much more than offering your time and skills; it is a journey of learning, connection, and personal growth. In this first article on the spirit of volunteering—part of an ongoing series featuring diverse voices from our association—I want to share what it means to be part of this global movement and why I consider volunteering with IAC® one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
My story as an IAC® volunteer began in 2013, when I decided to actively join the IAC Venezuela chapter. At that time, I was deeply intrigued by coaching’s transformative impact. I soon realized, however, that the power of the IAC® Code of Ethics and The Coaching Masteries® could benefit not just coaches, but anyone seeking transformation in their lives. I started sharing this knowledge with coaches across my country and quickly understood that coaching is more than a profession—it’s a way of life that, when understood and applied, yields profound impact in various areas.
My volunteer work expanded beyond Venezuela. In 2016, I helped launch the Panama chapter, and later supported the reactivation of chapters in Chile (2018–2019) and Spain (2019–2020). In 2019, I had the honor of being invited to join the IAC® Board of Governors (BoG), a significant milestone that allowed me to contribute to initiatives that continue to benefit the organization and promote quality coaching worldwide.
Volunteering for IAC® is about much more than giving—it’s also about receiving, learning, and connecting. Every action I take and each project I engage in as a volunteer not only benefits others but also helps me develop essential skills in self-management, personal leadership, and intercultural communication. Over the years, I’ve challenged myself—not only as a coach, but as a person—working alongside colleagues around the world, learning to communicate across cultural nuances, time zones, and constraints—and recognizing the immense potential that lies within.
Over 15 years of coaching practice have taught me that this is a path of continuous learning. Today, coaching not only shapes my relationships and projects—it also enables me to grow as a mentor coach, editorial coach, and trainer of coaches through my school. But what I value most about volunteering with IAC® is knowing that every step I take, every effort I make, contributes to the growth of the global coaching community and the spread of this discipline.
If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be an IAC® volunteer, I invite you to reflect on this powerful experience. Volunteering for IAC® isn’t just a service—it’s a continuous cycle of learning and growth, a practice of giving and receiving. It’s the opportunity to contribute to a bigger cause while reaping personal and professional rewards that stay with you for life.
As an IAC® volunteer, you gain the opportunity to:
● Develop leadership and self-management skills.
● Connect with colleagues around the world and build lasting relationships.
● Contribute to a cause dedicated to transforming lives through coaching.
● Enhance your communication and connection skills in a global environment.
These gains are ones I have personally experienced, and today I share them with you from my heart and perspective.
If you are a current IAC® member and would like to experience this journey as a volunteer, click here to learn more
If you would like to volunteer but are not currently a member, please click here to join or renew your membership first
Whether through your local chapter, at a regional level, or within a global committee, your talent, experience, and commitment can truly make a difference.
Come continue this journey of learning and service with us. Together, we can create something truly impactful.
Team IAC VOICE Bites
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, based on her personal experiences and perspectives. IAC® is not responsible for the coaches’ personal insights or claims, as each writer brings their own story, respect, and cultural nuances to their work. While the articles reflect a commitment to coaching and personal development, cultural differences and personal beliefs may shape the approach and conclusions presented.