About our decision to be an ICF Chapter…..
Minnesota Coaches Association (MCA) and The International Coach Federation (ICF) formed 20+ years ago and grew up together as friends in the emerging coaching industry. After years of dialogue in which we weighed the pros and cons of giving up our independence to become a part of ICF, the MCA board unanimously decided to become an ICF chapter. In 2010 we were a non-chartered chapter and worked to meet the requirements to become fully chartered as of January 1, 2011.
I believe it was the right decision for MCA and our members for many reasons. While MCA’s membership declined between 2005 – 2010, ICF’s membership in Minnesota increased during the same period. We had a great relationship with ICF and yet it seemed likely that an ICF chapter would eventually emerge in Minnesota if MCA declined to fill the ICF role here. The most immediate benefit was our ability to continue to grant CCEU credits to our members for participation in MCA programs. Other benefits to MCA and our members include:
MCA is now part of a premier global professional coaching organization that is well-known for its commitment to raising the professional standards of coaching.
Our member coaches are professionally affiliated with a respected organization with clear codes of conduct and ethics.
The ICF is an important, standard-setting and unifying governance body for this still emerging industry. ICF has become a leader in the industry by establishing an independent credentialing program that offers coaching credentials that are recognized worldwide.
ICF provides excellent resources to MCA and our members, including access to research on coaching and development opportunities within the global coaching network, leadership development coaching for chapter leaders, and a highly recognized brand.
We have a voice in decisions that impact us and our profession.
Our current structure, which is fairly common, requires joining both our local (MCA) organization and the international (ICF) organization to take full advantage of the combined programs and benefits offered by both.
I have maintained my ICF membership since becoming a coach almost 12 years ago and maintained my membership in MCA since moving to Minnesota in 2003. Members of our MCA board are now required to be ICF members and nearly 40% of our 2011 MCA members are also members of ICF. If you aren’t currently a member of both organizations, I strongly encourage you to join us!
Thanks and take good care,
Sydney A. Paredes
2011 MCA President
To Learn More about ICF Benefits
“A World of Opportunities- ICF Membership Services and Benefits At A Glance”
“Join the International Coach Federation” PDF file with detailed membership information
Link to the ICF Membership/Assets and Tools page with multiple resources for coaches who join
An Overview of ICF Member Benefits