History in the Making - The First Local IAC Chapter Launch by Kerri Laryea, IAC-CC

My IAC certification journey provided a rich, distinctive texture to the fabric of my coaching and my life. If I hadn't worked so hard at mastering the proficiencies, I wouldn't have experienced the same level of personal growth and professional confidence. I might even have missed out on friendships I expect will last a lifetime. I've noticed that when coaches on this certification journey get together, exchange stories and celebrate the moment, we embroider beautiful accents into our "coaching" fabric. My inspiration for starting the first IAC local chapter was to weave an even richer brocade of connections into my life.

This month we launched the first ever IAC sanctioned chapter meeting here in Phoenix, Arizona. Invitations were sent out to all Arizona coaches in the IAC database. I looked forward to many eager coaching souls from every part of the state flocking to a function that promised, above all, face-to-face connections, fun and celebration.

We were a smaller group than I'd hoped for, but those who did attend brought with them the excitement, enthusiasm and energy so often found when people connect in meaningful, soulful ways. We shared visions for local collaboration and ways of promoting excellence in coaching; we traded stories about our coaching professions and we basked in the pleasure of each other's company.

Here's what Pat Beck of Phoenix, Arizona commented: "It is so nice to make face-to-face connections with coaches who are really serious about our profession. I'm looking forward to the next meeting!"

For those of you IAC members interested in starting your own local chapter, I'd like to support you. Let's work together to strengthen our membership on a local level, connect on an international level, and support the IAC's mission to inspire the on-going evolution and application of universal coaching standards. If you think you're ready to start a chapter, ask yourself these questions (questions asked of me by my coach in Scotland):

Why do you want to start a chapter?
What is your motivation?
What would be the benefits to chapter members?
What would be the defining characteristics of your local chapter?

Please let me know how I can support you.
Kerri Laryea, MPA, IAC-CC http://www.thecoachingweb.com/, kerri@thecoachingweb.com.

Kerri is a coach, mentor, wife and mother living in Scottsdale, AZ. Her passion is spinning a web of connections - threads that connect clients to coaches, employers to employees, collaborators to projects, and resources to seekers.

source: IAC VOICE March 2007 issue