by Susan R. Meyer, IAC-CC
VicePresident@CertifiedCoach.org
Volunteerism, Gratitude and Giving Back
As a coach, I find many things to be grateful for—discovering and being part of this profession, being part of wonderful communities like the IAC, and having incredible large and small opportunities to give back to the coaching community and the world at large. This month, I’m expressing gratitude for Bob Tschannen-Moran’s work as President by volunteering to write this column for him.
I’d also like to express my gratitude for all the other volunteers that keep the IAC running. Without the people who volunteer as members of the Board of Governors, Committee Chairs and Committee Members, the IAC would simply cease to exist.
This is true for most not-for-profit organizations. They may have no funds or only enough for part-time support, so it is the selflessness of volunteers that allows them to fulfill their missions. This month, I’d like to draw your attention to one volunteer organization that was created to support not-for-profits and invite you to think about getting involved.
The Coach Initiative (TCI) was introduced four years ago at the first Conversation Among Masters™ conference in Monterey, California. TCI’s vision is to “exponentially expand the positive global impact of not-for-profit initiatives that focus on the betterment of the human condition and on uplifting the human spirit.” Their mission is to do this by providing these organizations with pro bono coaching for 90 days.
As someone who has been a TCI coach and is currently on the TCI Board, I find this is a wonderful way to do some really interesting coaching and to give back at the same time. So far, we have provided coaching to the following organizations: Standup for Kids, Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information, Center for Amazon Community Ecology, Apoolo Na Angor (Development of Women) in Uganda, Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Mount Madonna School, Search for Common Ground, Sparkseed, Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, Free the Children, Habitat for Humanity, Young Women’s Project, Girls, Inc., World Vision UK, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District, New Mexico GLBTQ Centers, and Young Women’s Project.
How can you help? During 2011 we are hoping to increase the number of coach volunteers to 100 and the number of organizations receiving coaching to 100 as well. If you are an experienced coach interested in donating your time, you can go to the website to complete a short application. If you are part of a Board or know a not-for-profit that could use a little extra support, you can help them complete the short application on our website. Finally, if you would like to make a financial contribution, funds are always welcome, and, of course, there’s a link on their website, www.Coachinitiative.org.
Susan R. Meyer, IAC-CC is President of Susan R. Meyer, Coaching and Consulting and of Life-Work Coach. She provides personal and executive coaching and facilitates seminars on topics including life planning, emotional intelligence, leadership development, communication, and coaching skills for managers. www.susanrmeyer.com.
Great, Barbra – we’ll be delighted to have you!
Great reminder about this initiative Susan! I’ve been meaning to register as a volunteer and your article sparked me to do just that.