#GlobalGivingTuesday - Doing Good Through Coaching
As we head into the holiday season during what continues to be a long and difficult year for all, a simple holiday reminds us that good things are still out there and that doing good is still important.
Each year, the ICF Foundation encourages participation in the international movement, Giving Tuesday. With the Foundation’s international roots, we refer to it as #GlobalGivingTuesday. This year, it falls on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has sparked a global movement built upon “unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” Especially this year, the movement’s mission to “build a more just and generous world” resonates loudly.
Last year, the movement raised more than $1.9 billion USD in the US. While that’s a hugely important number, it’s not all about the money – Giving Tuesday encourages any and all to get involved however possible; with time, a monetary donation, or using your voice to empower your community.
“It’s a simple idea,” the Giving Tuesday website says. “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.”
This year, the Foundation has set a #GlobalGivingTuesday goal to secure 2,020 new donors – an ambitious aspiration that cannot be met without the help of ICF Chapters and individuals who see value in the work the Foundation does in the coaching industry. Both chapters and individuals have the power to transform local communities and the world. No matter the amount, each donation will help support coaching and the lives it can change.
But again – it’s more than just the money. For the Foundation, it’s the principle of doing good through coaching, and the donation of time, skills and abilities. Here are a couple ways you can get involved with the Foundation this #GlobalGivingTuesday or any other day of the year.
Ignite Initiative
The Ignite Initiative is just one of the Foundation’s projects designed to further the reach and impact that coaching can have, and allowing it to work toward positive social change.
Ignite encourages all ICF-credentialed coaches to coach their clients to consider how they can include positive social change in the work they do – encouraging them to see themselves as change-makers. With the goal of “engaging coaching for humanity and the planet,” the Ignite Initiative seeks to harness the collective global power of coaching to accelerate the positive impact of coaching, largely through pro bono coaching projects. We cannot be more thankful for those who have participated in this successful initiative.
ICF Foundation Society
Another way the Foundation is harnessing its network for the greater social good and the acceleration of coaching’s global impact is with the ICF Foundation Society. It’s a group of like-minded individuals from around the globe who are passionate about applying coaching to social progress organizations. These generous, forward-thinking individuals have made donations of $500 or more to the ICF Foundation and are instrumental in the continuation of the Foundation’s mission. Their collective donations in 2019 provided more than $18,000 USD in support of ICF Foundation projects.
To further celebrate #GivingTuesday, we thought it would be important to share a few of the Foundation Society Members’ motivations for their generosity:
“I give because making an impact for all people in the world to be able to live a good life is one of my drivers to become and grow as a coach.” – Martin Jessen, PCC (Germany)
“I give because I know that there are many good ideas across the world where coaches are helping local communities and those in need through things like education projects. Coaching supports these organizations not only financially, but also emotionally. I know that my contribution will support these coaching opportunities … making social impact a reality.” – Boryana Boshnakova, PCC (Bulgaria)
“I give because the more I get into coaching, the more I feel responsible for what I can give back to others. The more I share, the more I feel connected to the world.” – Dionysia Lagiou (Belgium)
“I give because it’s the right thing to do, especially in challenging times!” – Sherri McArdle, LCC (United States)
“I choose to contribute resources to help spread the benefits of teamwork that coaching brings, whether in academic, athletics, artistic or other life pursuits, and to give back for those who have kindly helped me on my journey so far – ‘stronger together.’” – John Schofield (Australia)
“Coaching is powerful because it transforms the coach and the client, increasing everyone’s understanding of how they were built to lead in critical times. When we acknowledge that every person has the capacity to lead authentically, we unlock the necessary tools to solve the leadership crisis across the world. Coaching has transformed my life, and it’s my duty and my gift to pay it forward.” – Sarah Lloyd (United States)