Reaching Out With the Power of Coaching

It continues to amaze me how generous and committed our ICF Metro DC chapter coaches are to promote the profession of coaching through community outreach and advocacy. [GREAT NEWS UPDATE! -- Sept. 24 -- Chapter wins ICF service award] We have more than 80 coaches who volunteer their time and skills to coach clients, members, leaders and veterans and others in local community organizations.

Our volunteer coaches live the value of “Giving gives back!” One chapter pro bono coach describe community outreach this way; “I love volunteer coaching. I see people, who I would never otherwise work with, make personal and professional change, set goals and accomplish them ... like the client who took the very big step and confidently began her job search. I feel personally satisfied when I can give from my heart to others. And how surprised I was to learn I can apply my pro bono coaching hours toward my PCC ICF certification.”

Also, because of our generous gift of time, one of our community groups, the Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) has recognized our chapter as a platinum sponsor and promoted our chapter and coaching work at a wonderful and welcoming public community event. CYEP provides innovate, high quality, cost effective programs that address the fatherless home, teen pregnancy and family dysfunction. As a relatively new organization, our coaches support CYEP’s all volunteer Board of Directors work together more effectively. We have witnessed the power of coaching as members contribute to the board’s ability to improve strategic planning, communication and operations.

Another of our community groups, Leadership Arlington, recently sent us a lovely letter of thanks for the work our coaches did with their new Young Professionals program. It said, in part, "Through your in-kind investment, our capacity to connect sectors and be a convener in our community will continue to provide significant opportunities to engage leaders of all ages in Arlington County."

If you'd like to contribute to the growing scope of our outreach committee's mission, I invite you to connect with me at outreach@icfmetrodc.org.