CMER Guidebook. (Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements) A Resource for ICF Chapter Leaders

Transcription

1 CMER Guidebook (Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements) A Resource for ICF Chapter Leaders

2 NEW CHAPTER MEMBER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (CMER): All ICF Chapter Members will be expected to also be ICF Global Members in good standing. This policy change will help advance the reach of professional coaching worldwide by further strengthening ICF s already-vibrant global community. See page 11 for full policy. TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from ICF Chair 3 Outline of Policy Implementation Recommendations 4 ICF Chapter Business Model Examples 5 Suggested Templates and Communication Strategy 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 9 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirement (CMER) Policy 11 Regional Service Centres 12 International Coach Federation Headquarters 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A325 Lexington, KY or headquarters@coachfederation.org Coachfederation.org

3 Dear ICF Chapter Leaders, I want to personally thank you for your continued support and personal investments toward advancing the International Coach Federation. As the premier global coaching association, we know that we hold ICF leaders to high standards. Time and time again, you have risen to the occasion to help steer the organization to new levels of success and unprecedented growth. I know you will meet that expectation yet again as we embark on the next stage of our organization s development. ICF has been setting the standard for coaching for nearly two decades through our Code of Ethics, Core Competencies, and credentialing and accreditation standards. Most recently, we implemented Member Eligibility Requirements (MER) to continually advance coaching and ensure that the ICF brand represents the best coaches. This has made us the largest community of professionally trained coaches in the world, with more than 26,000 members worldwide. Everyone in our community either has completed or is working toward completion of 60 hours of coach-specific training. This sends a strong message to our clients of credibility and pride in our profession. Thanks to the continued dedication of ICF Chapter Leaders and Members around the world, the ICF brand now more than ever stands for quality coaching and high standards. We feel the next step in this process is implementing a new Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirement (CMER) policy. In accordance with this decision, we ask that in the near future all ICF Chapter Members make the decision to become ICF Global Members in good standing. We strongly believe this policy change will help advance the reach of professional coaching worldwide by further strengthening ICF s already-vibrant global community. With this change, we also want to be sure to maintain a space for individuals who engage less frequently with ICF Chapters, as well as those who are exploring coaching for the first time. The designation for individuals who have limited engagement with the chapter community (e.g., affiliate, subscriber, etc.) will vary at the chapter s discretion, but the focus of this change is to be very clear on the definition of a member. For our clients, it can be confusing and misleading when someone is identified as a chapter member but is not bound by the same criteria as an ICF Global Member (e.g., adherence to ICF s Code of Ethics and MER). This lack of clarity also presents a brand risk to ICF on the chapter and Global levels. Our intent is to paint a clear picture and unified vision of what ICF Membership means. Throughout this transition, we look to partner with you every step of the way to help support members who may have questions. At the onset, we wish to provide you with the tools and resources to hold these conversations fully prepared. This resource package is full of information and templates to help us collectively reach our goal. I encourage all of you to view this is as I do: a brave and necessary decision and one that holds incredible opportunity to champion the highest standards of ICF. Sincerely, Damian Goldvarg, Ph.D., MCC 2014 ICF Global Chair 3 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

4 OUTLINE OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS We need your help as an ICF Chapter Leader to make this change as efficiently as possible. ICF Global does not have consistent access to the identities of and contact information for the chapter members who will be most affected by the change. The rollout of this initiative will occur over the next year to allow ICF Chapter Leaders ample time for preparation, communication and necessary adjustments to chapter membership structures. The suggested timeline below is provided to support your efforts and ensure a smooth transition. May June 2014: Announcements and communication of resources and materials to ICF Chapter Leaders will be made around the globe. Conversations will be held with Regional Advisory Councils and individual leaders. June December 2014: ICF Chapter Leaders may use the provided templates or generate chapter-specific messaging to address changes with the local chapter membership. Any questions or requests for additional support may be directed to your local Regional Service Centre manager (see page 12 for contact information). April 1, 2015: Target date for ICF Chapters to have begun implementation of CMER policy for chapter membership and restriction of new chapter memberships to ICF Global Members in good standing. December 31, 2015: Target date for the transition to be completed. 4 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

5 ICF CHAPTER BUSINESS MODEL EXAMPLES While this policy may have financial implications for ICF Chapters, it also opens up new opportunities for ICF Chapter Leaders to consider. There are ICF Chapters that have found success with various business models without offering full chapter membership to non-icf Members. For example, after ICF Chapters in Europe implemented a CMER policy, most experienced an increase in membership at a rate of approximately 10 percent. Please review the examples of various business models below. Of course, we recognize that each chapter will need to take a unique approach to address specific community needs. In these cases, there may be elements of different structures that can be combined to achieve a membership structure that fits. No additional cost for chapter membership Example: ICF United Kingdom Charter Chapter (coachfederation.org.uk) Membership based on ICF Global Membership. Revenue generated solely on chapter activity and rebate. Event prices range from approximately $42 1,500 USD. Non-members have access to events but pay approximately $25 85 USD extra. Largest ICF Chapter in the world. No additional cost for chapter meetings Example: ICF Hyderabad Charter Chapter (icfhyderabadchapter.in) Membership based on ICF Global Membership. Revenue generated solely on rebate. Chapter meetings and professional development free to members. Largest ICF Chapter in India. Chapter membership fee and activity fee Example: ICF France Charter Chapter (coachfederation.fr) Membership based on ICF Global Membership. Revenue generated by chapter membership fees, activity and rebate. Chapter fees approximately $165 USD annually. Chapter members receive discounted attendance for regional branch meetings, spring forum, chapter conference, etc. No chapter membership fee and limited community engagement ICF Indianapolis Charter Chapter (icfindy.com) Membership based on ICF Global Membership. Revenue generated by activity and rebate. Events offered at cost to chapter members; $20 USD more on average for guest fee. Two-level membership structure with limited access for guests and sponsors. Additional questions about these models? Contact your Regional Service Centre manager. See page 12 for contact details. 5 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

6 SUGGESTED TEMPLATES AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY We look to our history of unity and cooperation throughout the ICF Global community as our strongest resource while we collectively strive toward this goal. We want to ensure that ICF Members represent the best coaches in order to enhance the ICF brand and create a consistent vision of excellence to clients and potential client bases. We also want to make sure we extend the maximum value of membership to each individual in your community. Coaches who are not members of ICF Global are not in our database, which means ICF Global does not have a direct line to effectively communicate with them regarding the transition. We have created three s templates that ICF Chapter Leaders may use to build their individual messaging. Please assist us in making sure everyone in your local community is aware of the upcoming changes and their ongoing opportunities to remain connected to ICF and their local coaching community. Download your Chapter Member list All ICF Chapter Leaders may access their ICF Chapter s Global Member list from Coachfederation.org. The list is in real-time and pulls pertinent contact information, ICF Credential information and ICF Membership information for each ICF Global Member affiliated with your chapter. Compare this list against your local records to help improve your communications and target members who need to align with the CMER policy. To access your chapter s list, follow these simple instructions: 1. Log in to Coachfederation.org. 2. At the top of the page, you will see the option to Edit Profile. 3. On your profile above your photo, you will see the option to Edit Chapter. 4. On the following page, you will see the option Please select the Chapter that you wish to represent from the list below. This is where you will see a list of ICF Chapters to choose from. Click on your chapter. 5. You will see the option to View and Download Chapter Members. 6. On the following page, you will find a list of all active ICF Chapter members and the option to download the list in different formats (Member List [PDF], Member List [Excel], Deactivated Members [PDF] and Deactivated Members [Excel)]). If you have questions about this process, please contact your Regional Service Centre manager. See page 12 to find the RSC in your region. No. 1: First Notification Chapter Leader sends to all chapter members. Please customize this message to best target your audience by filling in the text in red. Be sure to update the text in red before sending! Recommended Send Date: Between June 1 and September 1, 2014 Subject Line: Important Information Regarding Upcoming ICF [CHAPTER] Changes Dear ICF [CHAPTER] Member, I m writing today to inform you of an upcoming policy change impacting all members of ICF. Soon, all ICF [CHAPTER] Members will be required to be ICF Global Members in good standing. This policy, known as the Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirement (CMER), will help advance the reach of professional coaching worldwide by further strengthening ICF s already-vibrant global community and providing a consistent vision of what ICF Membership means to our clients. With this change we also want to be sure to maintain a space for individuals who engage infrequently with ICF Chapters, as well as those who are exploring coaching for the first time. There are still many opportunities to 6 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

7 remain engaged with the local community. [Include details about the various levels of engagement that your chapter has chosen to pursue. Consider including a chart that details engagement levels, such as Guest, Sponsor, etc.] Of course, if you are eligible we hope you will explore the options of ICF Global Membership. As an ICF Global Member, you ll get instant credibility by connecting with the ICF brand and becoming part of the largest global community of professionally trained coaches. You will also enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including: Members-only access to tips, tools, research and marketing collateral to help grow your business. Discounts on ICF Credential applications and renewals. Discounted registration at ICF Advance educational events and ICF Global Conferences. The ability to connect and collaborate with coaches worldwide in an ICF Community of Practice. Access to and discounts on goods and services offered by ICF Business and Media Partners. You ll also continue to enjoy the many wonderful benefits of being an ICF [CHAPTER] Member by self-identifying as a chapter member, participating in chapter meetings and events, networking with fellow coaches in our local community, and building your leadership skills as a committee or board member. Applying for ICF Global Membership is easy. Simply visit Coachfederation.org/join and click the Join Now button. When you apply for ICF Global Membership, you will have the option to affiliate with an ICF Chapter. Please do not forget to select ICF [CHAPTER] at that time. If you were an ICF Global Member but your membership expired this year, you can apply to reinstate your membership now by visiting Coachfederation.org/renew. If you were an ICF Global Member, but your membership expired prior to 2014, please contact ICF Headquarters at icfheadquarters@coachfederation.org. A member of ICF s member services team will be happy to help you reapply for ICF Global Membership. Thank you so much for your continued support, [Chapter President s Signature] No. 2: Reminder Notification Chapter Leader sends to individuals on the local list who do not appear on the chapter s ICF Global Member list. Please customize this message to best target your audience by filling in the text in red. Be sure to update the text in red before sending! Recommended Send Date: After January 1, 2015 Subject Line: Reminder: New ICF Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements Dear [INSERT NAME], Several months ago, I contacted you to let you know about an upcoming change impacting all members of ICF. This year, all ICF [CHAPTER] Members who are not also ICF Global Members in good standing will no longer be eligible for full chapter membership as it is defined. While there may be additional opportunities for continued engagement with the chapter going forward, full membership will be restricted to ICF Global Members in good standing. According to our latest membership report, you are not an active member at this time. If you are eligible according to Member Eligibility Requirements, I invite you to explore the possibility of activating your ICF 7 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

8 Global Membership today so that in conjunction with the many benefits of being connected to the global community, you may also be able to remain fully engaged with our local chapter. To join ICF Global, simply visit Coachfederation.org/join. If you apply for ICF Global Membership, you will have the option to affiliate with an ICF Chapter. Please do not forget to select ICF [CHAPTER] at that time. If you were an ICF Member at one time but allowed your membership to lapse, please reach out to ICF Headquarters at A member of ICF s member services team will help you complete the reapplication process. Of course, if ICF Global Membership is not for you at this time, we hope you will still take the opportunity to remain engaged with our local coaching community in the [AFFILIATE RELATIONSHIP DISTINCTION] capacity. There are still many opportunities to remain engaged with the local community. [Include details about the various levels of engagement that your chapter has chosen to pursue. Consider including a chart that details engagement levels such as Guest, Sponsor, etc.] Thank you so much for your continued support, [Chapter President s Signature] No. 3: Notification of Alternate Levels of Engagement at Chapter Level Chapter Leader sends to individuals on the local list who do not appear on the chapter s ICF Global Member list and who have not registered at any other level of ICF Chapter engagement. Please customize this to create a personal message from the ICF Chapter Leader offering the affiliate or guest level of engagement that the chapter has established. Be sure to update the text in red before sending! Subject Line: Reminder: Please Stay Connected with Us Recommended Send Date: End of chapter s 2015 membership cycle, or before December 31, 2015 Dear [INSERT NAME], According to the latest membership report from ICF Global, you are not an ICF Global Member at this time. We notified you several months ago, that ICF [CHAPTER] Members are now required to be ICF Global Members in good standing. The ICF Global application process is easy. Simply visit Coachfederation.org/join and click the Apply Online button. Your contributions to our local coaching community have been appreciated, and we hope you will consider joining ICF Global. If not, there are still many opportunities to remain engaged with the local community. [Include details about the various levels of engagement that your chapter has chosen to pursue. Consider including a chart that details engagement levels such as Guest, Members, Sponsor, etc.] Thank you again for your contributions to our chapter. I sincerely hope that you will make the decision to rejoin us soon! Best wishes, [Chapter President s Signature] 8 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) 1. When does this policy go into effect? The expectation is that ICF Chapters communicate the change to membership from June September 2014 and begin transitioning chapter members eligible for ICF Global Membership toward this status. Recognizing that many chapters follow different membership calendar cycles, Chapters will have until December 31, 2015, to reach 100-percent CMER alignment and implement necessary changes to local membership structures. 2. A great deal of revenue is derived from local chapter membership. How could this policy potentially impact that? Rather than completely deny those who are ineligible or choose not to hold ICF Global Membership, ICF has identified several chapters who are already offering limited engagement for this population, which also enables a continued revenue stream for the chapter. The policy does not seek to eliminate this population from any contact with the chapter. The goal is simply to create a more defined vision and value of actual membership. Examples of potential affiliate or subscriber engagements can be found on page What should members expect as a value of membership vs. non-membership? Under CMER, non-members should not be allowed to: Hold leadership positions. Have the ability to vote in the chapter. Represent themselves as ICF Members in any way through the use of logos or verbiage. In addition, the expectation is that each ICF Chapter will offer a package of benefits available exclusively to members (e.g., exclusive professional development offerings, preferential pricing at chapter events, access to a members-only listserv). 4. Are there examples of ICF Chapters that have undergone this change and can be used as a resource? Included on page 5 of this resource guide are examples of chapter business models that are aligned with CMER and are operating successfully. You may also find it helpful to know that ICF Chapters in Europe implemented a CMER policy several years ago and were met with success: Most chapters experienced an increase in membership shortly after the policy was implemented at a rate of approximately 10 percent. If you are interested in learning more about these ICF Chapters, please contact your RSC Manager. 5. How will this policy be communicated? ICF has planned several conversations and webinars with ICF Chapter Leaders on this topic during May and June In early June, a message to all ICF Chapter Leaders with details on the policy and CMER resource materials will be published. Given that the populations most affected by the change are local chapter members, ICF Global has no means of effectively delivering this message to them. As a result, communication to chapter members falls to chapter leadership. In this, ICF Global looks to support and collaborate with you to ensure you have robust resources and tools at your disposal as you prepare for these conversations. 9 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

10 6. How will students and individuals continue to explore coaching, the ICF and the chapter community without local membership? With the installation of affiliate, subscriber or guest pricing and engagement structures, these individuals will continue to have enough access to the chapter and information about coaching and ICF Global to recognize the value in pursuing full membership when they are eligible. 7. What is the difference between a local member and an affiliate, partner or subscriber? The largest difference is in the terminology. We want to avoid using the term member for anyone who is not a full ICF Global Member. The title for those who have limited engagement with the chapter community (e.g., affiliate, subscriber, etc.) will vary at the chapter s discretion. For coaching consumers, it can be confusing and misleading when someone is identified only as a chapter member and they are not bound by the same criteria as ICF Global members (e.g., compliance with the ICF Code of Ethics and MER). This population also presents a potential brand risk to the chapter and to ICF Global, so our intent is to be very clear on the definition of membership. 10 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

11 CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT (CMER) POLICY In accordance with the goal to provide the utmost value from ICF Membership, we have defined the below as the criteria for membership of ICF Chapters. This policy will encourage growth in ICF Membership globally, while maintaining the rigor and credibility associated with ICF. As brand ambassadors, ICF Chapters set expectations for all of their members to uphold the reputation of the organization for the benefit of the membership, the profession and the coaching consumer. 1. ICF Chapter Membership is limited to current ICF Global Members in good standing. Individuals who are not currently ICF Global Members should not be eligible for ICF Chapter Membership. These individuals are encouraged to join ICF Global provided they meet the membership criteria (MER). 2. All ICF Global Members in good standing are eligible for membership in an ICF Chapter, if they so choose. Participation at the chapter level is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. ICF Chapters may charge additional fees for membership or participation, as they deem appropriate for their operations. If an ICF Global member joins an ICF Chapter, he or she may be required to pay any additional local fees to participate in chapter activities. 3. ICF Chapters are solely responsible for the collection of local dues and activity fees, unless otherwise arranged through mutual agreement with ICF Global. 4. ICF Chapters are permitted to invite and include non-members, or visitors, to meetings and participate in virtual offerings, conferences or other events that the ICF Chapter hosts. ICF Chapter members should be allowed preferential opportunity for access (i.e., financial discount, members-only content, etc.). Chapters are encouraged to identify additional ways for non-members to remain engaged with the ICF community, but the distinction of member and membership benefits shall not be extended to these individuals. 5. Additionally, non-icf Members, or visitors, who attend chapter meetings and participate in virtual offerings, conferences and events may not: i. Represent themselves as members of the ICF Chapter, ICF Global or the International Coach Federation, or utilize the logos or trademarks of these entities. ii. Vote in ICF Chapter elections or serve in any ICF Chapter leadership capacity, including the board of directors, committees, task forces, etc. 6. Non-ICF Members, or visitors, are not subject to provisions of the ICF Code of Ethics, Ethical Conduct Review Process or other ICF Global polices, as these are only applicable to ICF Global Members in good standing. 7. Local ICF Chapters are encouraged to create strategic alliances with other professional organizations within their communities, pursuant to Article 7 of the ICF Chapter Agreement. 8. ICF Members may join more than one chapter; however, the member can designate only one home chapter in his or her membership profile on Coachfederation.org. Additionally, ICF Members belonging to more than one chapter may be subject to any local fees implied by the chapters. Local ICF Chapters are free to set their membership fees, and levels thereof, as they deem fit. 11 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook

12 REGIONAL SERVICE CENTRES The Regional Service Centres allow the ICF to more effectively serve a growing global coaching community. They play a key customer service role, assisting in ICF Chapter creation and regional activities and servicing the dayto-day needs of the membership at large. They serve as an outstanding resource for ICF Members and Chapter Leaders and offer assistance in multiple languages. North America Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Brussels: Kristin Kelly kristin.kelly@coachfederation.org Phone: Asia-Pacific Sydney: Isabelle Maes isabelle.maes@coachfederation.org Phone: +32 (0) Fluent languages: English, French and Dutch Basic language knowledge: German Moscow: Fiona Toy fiona.toy@coachfederation.org Phone: Fax: Kuala Lumpur: Alla Kazajeva alla.kazajeva@coachfederation.org Phone: Skype: ICF RSC EMEA, Moscow Fluent Languages: Russian, English and Latvian Latin America Felix Lee felix.lee@coachfederation.org Phone: Fluent Languages: Malay, English, Chinese and basic Thai Stephanie Norris stephanie.norris@coachfederation.org Skype: ICFRSCLATAM Fluent Languages: Spanish, Portuguese and English 12 Chapter Membership Eligibility Requirements (CMER) Guidebook