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The purpose of International Coaching Week is to provide a week each year to educate the public about the value of working with a personal, business or executive coach and to provide an opportunity for coaches and their clients to acknowledge the results and progress made through the coaching process.
Coaches offer a variety of pro bono services in their communities during the week, including free coaching sessions, lectures and workshops.
Jerri Udelson says, “I am really pleased that so many coaches are participating in International Coaching Week. It is very gratifying to know that so many people are offering pro bono coaching and other community events in such a heartfelt way.”
“When I started National Coaching Week (which later became International Coaching Week) in 1999, I had no idea that it would soon take on a life of its own. I really am delighted that this Week is becoming a focal point for both publicizing coaching worldwide and providing the public with a sense of the possibilities that coaching offers.”
History of International Coaching Week
In 1999 I created International Coaching Week as a way to promote the profession of coaching. Originally named National Personal and Business Coaching Week, I had it listed in “Chase’s Calendar of Events” (a major PR tool), and it was held the first week of February, 1999.
In 2000 Canadian coaches wanted to participate, so I changed the name to International Personal and Business Coaching Week; in 2000 the International Coach Federation (ICF) helped publicize it by mentioning it in their newsletter and also by sending special Coaching Week broadcasts to members and chapters.
In 2001 the ICF prepared a sample press release for coaches to customize and use to publicize the Week and their participation in it, and also gave ICF members a list of suggested events (e.g. pro bono coaching, free teleclasses, etc.) to inspire them to participate in their own way.
Also in 2001 Thomas Leonard (a pioneer in the personal coaching field) picked up the idea and ran with it. He created a Coaching Week page on his Coachville website, designed a logo, and offered to post coaches’ press releases and listings of Coaching Week events on his site.
In 2002 Thomas created a CoachingWeek.com website, and invited coaches to post their events and press releases on it. I continued to network with the ICF, Coachville and various coaches to promote the week.
For the last few years, the ICF has been mentioning the Week on its website and announcing it to chapters. In 2007 I created a website, CoachingWeek.org, on which coaches and ICF Chapters can post their Coaching Week-related activities.
Reprinted with permission from Jeri Udelson
NOTE: Please comment below and share how you are celebrating International Coaching Week.
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A Cozy Conversation @ Cosi’s in New York City
February 11, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
In celebration of the 12th Annual International Coaching Week and in honor
of Thomas Leonard, 8 coaches from the New York chapter of the ICF will be
available at Cosi’s located at the corner of Park Avenue South and 21st Street in New York City on Thursday, February 11 from 4 – 7:00 pm to listen free of
charge to anyone who has an idea and a desire to have a mini coaching experience. Stop in and be sure to invite your friends.
Added value: Our hope is to spread coaching conversations across the
globe. On February 11th from 4 to 7 pm join us in your favorite coffee
shop and create a coaching conversation. We will be listening.
Katherine Gotshall English
Producer
kathcoach@earthlink.net
3rd Annual Coach-a-thon Benefiting the YMCA and Celebrating International Coaching Week.
Houston, Texas
February 12, 2010 8am-8pm
We have missions:
1) Provide professional coaching to individuals in the community who have not had opportunity or exposure* to the value of professional coaching.
2) Raise money for the YMCA Partners Campaign for the Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA through donations from the participants.
Participants get Professional Coaching while helping kids and families in the community. By supporting this campaign, you help guarantee that everyone regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay can benefit from the YMCA’s values-centered programs.
We have 10 of the best and most generous coaches in Houston who are volunteering their time to provide coaching services. *Anyone in the Houston area who’s interested in experiencing coaching is eligible, providing they do not currently have a coach. Coaching is complimentary, however a donation is expected.
*Coaching is available in person in Houston, Texas, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 12, at the Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA (formerly Northwest YMCA) , 1234 W. 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018 To qualify, individuals must register here.
http://cat2010.eventbrite.com/
After the session, clients will be informed about the mission of the YMCA and asked to make a donation. They will also have the opportunity to continue their relationship with their coach.
Mattison Grey
Coach-a-thon Creator and Coordinator
Mattison@greystoneguides.com
Dear Colleagues,
I am creating a game and prize in honor of Thomas Leonard, to celebrate International Coaching Week and encourage coaches to apply for an ICF credential. The person who refers the most coaches to me for a free credentialing strategy session between now and Feb 13th will win a prize of 10 hours of professional mentor coaching (value $1500+). To enter, send an email listing the names of coaches you have referred: suzee@intuitioncoach.com The winner will be announced on Valentines day Feb 14, 2010
♥ ♥ ♥
Your Ally,
Suzee
I offered 10 pro bono sessions via Facebook. I had all ten sign up within a 24 hour period. I’m having a blast. This week I am posting “Your Voice- Multiple Choice” methodologies that are fun and thought provoking.
Thank you! Janet