By IOA
At each IOA Board of Directors Meeting, our Committees & Task Forces submit a report about the progress they are making on their latest projects. Each group has been hard at work supporting our members and helping to advance the organizational ombuds profession. Please take a moment to read the latest updates from the last couple of Board Meetings.
Member Engagement Committee, November 2022
Our membership continues to grow and opportunities for members are growing as well. We are excited about the 2023 IOA Conference and are working to recognize our dedicated members in person at the volunteer recognition lunch as well as the Mentoring Program. We are committed to creating meaningful DEIB goals and action plans and will complete them by the end of the year. Currently, we are seeking new members to the Member Engagement Committee and if you are interested, or know someone who might be, please let us know!
Professional Development Committee (PDC), November 2022
Susan Casino, who has been a long-time leader for PDC will be stepping down from her co-chair position and Lisa Yamagata-Lynch who has been co-chairing with her will continue in the chair role. In 2022, PDC offered nine Virtual Foundation Courses and one In-Person Foundations Courses. Additionally, PDC offered several virtual Core Courses as well as webinars. In 2023, PDC plans to provide eight Virtual Foundations, two In-Person Foundations, six Live Webinars, Six Virtual Core Courses, quarterly international programs, and one Virtual Specialized Course. Sub-committee leaders are currently finalizing the webinars and supporting the development of two new core courses. Learn more about our courses and trainings.
Research and Assessment Committee, November 2022
The Research and Assessment Committee has been busy finishing the 2022 Practice Report and has just begun promoting its new Outstanding Research Awards and Grant Program. We are also in the beginning stages of discussions around new opportunities including a Research Mentor Program, and we are discussing how to better support graduate students wanting to do research.
Are you looking to help make a difference in the ombuds profession and get more engaged as an IOA member? Learn more about IOA's Committees & Task Forces and join one of our groups today.