IOA Membership Benefits

Join Now

The International Ombuds Association (IOA) is pleased to offer these valuable membership benefits:

  • IOA Ombuds Program: Ombuds Services are available to all members to help navigate any issues regarding your experience or involvement with IOA.

  • Webinars: Complimentary access to six live Webinars a year, plus the Webinar Archives.

  • Member DiscountsMembers receive discounted rates for all IOA's Foundations CoursesCore Courses, and the Annual Conference. Members also receive a discount on the fees for the CO-OP® Examination

  • Professional Networking: IOA has many networking opportunities, including the Annual Conference that brings together around 700 professionals each year, a number of professional events and trainings, and upcoming the Online Networking Community. 

  • Individual Member Information & Groups: All IOA members receive access to IOA's Member Center with a customizable profile, online directory, and the ability to engage in IOA Online CommUnity.

  • Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner® or CO-OP® Credential: IOA offers certification testing for the CO-OP® Credential to advance your career, enhance the status and credibility of the profession, and present a reliable image to the public. IOA members can network with certified practitioners and take the exam at a discounted rate.
  • Mentoring ProgramIOA makes the transition to ‘ombudsing’ a rewarding experience by connecting novice ombuds with experienced ombuds through the Mentoring Program. IOA also provides Ombuds services to help you with issues at your organization, as well as program development and challenge consultations with our Executive Director.
  • Communication Resources: The Modern Ombuds Communication Toolkit provides members with materials to help them start conversations about the modern ombuds. 

  • Insider access to IOA UpdatesReceive the members-only version of the Hey IOA Digest with updates from the association and our Committees & Task Forces.
  • Discounted membership to the American Bar Association (ABA): Join the ABA, Section of Dispute Resolution at a discounted rate of $150. You do NOT need to be an attorney to participate. To secure the discounted rate, Ombuds who are licensed attorneys may join as a nonprofit/public lawyer. Non-lawyers may join as an Affiliated Professional. ABA membership offers access to:

    • ABA and the Section of Dispute Resolution
    • Member groups and committees, including the Ombuds Committee
    • Newsletters and journals
    • ABA discounts, publication discounts, and discounted registration to Section events
    • The ABA members-only website
  • Additional Resources Include:
    • Assistance and Referrals IOA members with organizational ombuds-specific inquiries may request assistance and referrals through the Executive Director, Board of Directors, standing committees, task forces, and identified subject matter experts

    • Topical Practice Guides: Access downloadable booklets on topics relevant to organizational ombuds, including Dealing with the Fear of Violence; Neutrality; The Ombuds Confidentiality Privilege; Options, Functions, and Skills; Reprisal, Retaliation, and Redress; and Why an Organizational Ombudsman?

    • Ombuds Office Management & Administration Materials: Access to a dynamic library of ombuds office materials including guidance on how to communicate with organizations and leaders, publicize the role and the work of the office, hire staff and interns, manage cases, collect data, and much more.

    • Advocacy and public education materials to raise awareness about organizational ombuds

    • Practice and Compensation Surveys to help you explain your value in your organization

    • IOA Business, Planning, and Policy Documents: A variety of resources to help IOA members thoroughly understand and participate in the association.

Join Now