Annual Ombuds Day

Every Second Thursday of October

Every second Thursday of October people from around the world take time to celebrate Ombuds. IOA wants to invite you to take part in these celebrations.

Ombuds Day serves as an additional opportunity to educate and raise awareness among the public about the history and practices of the ombuds profession including the various ombuds models, the roles they play, the services they offer, and the value provided.

The primary goal of Ombuds Day is to improve public awareness of ombuds. 

Our actions are intended to:

1. Educate the public about the role of ombuds
2. Explain the wide variety of services that ombuds provide
3. Encourage greater use of ombuds programs and services
4. Highlight the value ombuds bring to the institutions and constituents they serve.

Ombuds (also known as ombudspersons and ombudsmen) are confidential, impartial, and independent conflict management professionals in universities; federal, state, and local governments; healthcare facilities; and a variety of other organizations. However, their roles and services are relatively unknown compared to other methods of resolving conflicts such as mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Learn more about ombuds.

Mark your calendars! The fourth annual Ombuds Day will take place on Thursday, October 14, 2021. This year's theme is Ombuds: Exploring Options to Resolve Conflict Together.

There are still ways to keep celebrating. View our list of upcoming events and learn more about other celebrations on the Ombuds Day Website.

We are seeking your help in creating a video to highlight the amazing work of ombuds around the world. Using your smartphone, please record a 30-60 second video message and email the video to us at [email protected] by Wednesday, 6 October 2021.

Video Submissions Should Include:  Your name and organization  Where you are in the world  Why ombuds work is more important than ever, and/or  Share a message of hope for those experiencing hardship or conflict

• 2022 Events Will Be Posted in the Future
  
  

Contact your 2021 Ombuds Day Task Force Liaison.  Liaisons also want to hear about your events and proclamations! 

• International Ombudsman Association Liaison: Alicia Booker, [email protected]
  
• ABA Ombuds Subcommittee: Jon Lee 
• The Coalition of Federal Ombudsman Liaison: Ken Skodacek, [email protected]
• Corporate Organization Ombudsman Roundtable Liaison: TBD
• United States Ombudsman Association Liaison: Amy Calderwood, [email protected]
  
  

2021 Ombuds Day Videos & Recordings

• Managing Conflict and Resolution on Campus—the Role of the University Ombuds Office
  
  

Proclamations 2021

• Connecticut Ombuds Day Proclamation
  
  

2020 Ombuds Day Videos & Recordings

View recordings and recaps of selected 2020 events below:

• International - Corporate Sector Ombuds Day
• Chuck Howard's Ombuds Day Keynote Address
  
  

Proclamations 2020

• Bullets will be updated as proclamations are obtained
• Sample Ombuds Day Proclamation – City
• Sample Ombuds Day Proclamation – University
  
  

Proclamations (2018-2019)

• State of Colorado Signed Proclamation
• State of Connecticut Signed Proclamation
• Commonwealth of Virginia Signed Proclamation
• State of Texas Signed Proclamation
• State of North Carolina Signed Proclamation
• State of New Mexico Signed Proclamation
• State of Washington Signed Proclamation
• State of Arizona Signed Proclamation
• State of Iowa Signed Proclamation
• State of Maryland Signed Proclamation
• City of Boulder Signed Proclamation
• City of Denver Signed Proclamation
• City of Aurora Signed Proclamation
• City of Anchorage Signed Proclamation
• City of East Lansing Signed Proclamation
• City of Des Moines Signed Proclamation
• Washington D.C. Signed Proclamation
• King County, Washington Signed Proclamation
• Frederick County Public Schools Proclamation
• Grinnell College Signed Proclamation
• Memo from U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry
• Video message from U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette
• IOA City Proclamation for Richmond, VA (from IOA 2018 Annual Conference)

Celebrations (2018-2019)

• Ideas for Celebrating Ombuds Day
• Ideas from Conflict Resolution Day
• Mediation Week toolkit
• Ombuds Day YouTube Playlist curated by IOA members
• CSU San Bernardino Event Flyer
• State of Alaska Ombuds Event Flyer
• National University Event Flyer
• Northern Illinois University Event Flyer
• University of New Mexico Event Flyer
• University of South Florida Event Flyer
• Eastern Michigan University Event Flyer
• Oberlin College “Beyond Protest” Event Page
• Grinnell College Event Flyer
• Georgia State University Event Flyer
• University of Cincinnati Event Flyer