ICF Converge Conference Update
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the ICF Converge Conference, Converge is a semi-annual global conference for all ICF Coaches. It is the only ICF event where coaches, from around the world, gather in person to participate in a venue designed to strengthen connections within the coaching community and it offers exceptional formal and informal learning opportunities. ICF Converge provides attendees with opportunities to advance their professional development, discover new avenues for personal growth, and learn about current trends and practices in the coaching profession. ICF held the first Converge event in 2017, drawing more than 1,600 attendees from 61 countries.
The second Converge occurred in 2019 and Coaches from 75 countries gathered in Prague, Czech Republic.
This year, 2023, Converge is being held in Orlando, Florida in August.
As coaches, we provide a safe space for ALL people. Inclusion is the cornerstone of our values and it provides an environment where acts are intentional and deliberate to embrace diversity. There are many conversations occurring in the coaching community about how our values surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion do not align with the current cultural climate in Florida.
The ICF MN budget allows for the President and President-Elect to attend Converge in person. As your leaders, Holly O’Hanlon, our President Elect, and myself decided we will NOT be attending the event in person. ICF Minnesota stands for human rights and justice and equality for all. By not contributing our ICF dollars to the Florida economy, we believe it is just one way we can live up to our ICF Minnesota mission and values. https://icfminnesota.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=907122&module_id=274944
Holly and I will participate in Converge virtually and plan on sharing our insights from the presentations sometime in the fall.
We wanted to make you aware of our decision since Converge is a big topic in our coaching communities. Our board supports this decision to stay within alignment of our Mission and Values. Many of our colleagues in the Midwest ICF Chapters are taking this same approach.
If you have any questions or would like to have a further conversation, please feel free to contact me at president@icfminnesota.org or Holly O’Hanlon at presidentelect@icfminnesota.org.
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