About the International Association of Facilitators (IAF)
The International Association of Facilitators was formed by a group of professionals desiring an avenue for interchange, professional development, trend analysis and peer networking. A formal association was proposed and adopted at a networking conference in Alexandria, Virginia, in January, 1994. More than 70 people signed on as charter members. Since then the IAF has grown to... over 1500 members in more than 63 countries. Our members work in government, nonprofit, educational, community, and corporate environments and hold positions as consultants, teachers, in-house facilitators, negotiators, organizational specialists, coaches, and more
As a participatory organization, the work of the IAF is reliant on volunteer leadership and the contributions of its members. The IAF encourages and supports the formation of local groups of facilitators to network and provide professional development opportunities for their members. Regional groups from around the world are invited to become affiliated with the IAF to help promote the profession of facilitation as a critical set of skills in the global society of the 21st century.
Mission
The mission of the IAF is to promote, support and advance the art and practice of professional facilitation through methods exchange, professional growth, practical research, collegial networking and support services. This is accomplished through peer-to-peer networking, professional development and annual conferences which are critical means for fulfilling the mission and reflecting our core values.
Values
- Inclusiveness - Including the full spectrum of personal, professional and cultural diversity in our membership and in the field of facilitation
- Global Scope - Connecting and serving facilitators locally, nationally and internationally
- Participation - Advocating participative methodologies that generate ownership of decisions and actions
- Celebration - Celebrating life through spirit filled quality interchange, activities and events
- Innovative Form - Modeling a participative and flexible organizational structure that promotes growth, change and learning
- Social Responsibility - Supporting socially responsible change within private, public and voluntary organizations
Vision
By 2005 IAF intends:
- To be a leading influence in the art and mastery of facilitation
- To be a worldwide connection between diverse members and partners
- To provide ongoing global exchange of facilitation expertise
- To be the premier provider of resources in support of the professional facilitator
- To be a strong, evolving organization focused on inclusive and participatory practices
- To provide relevant information grounded in applied research to meet customer needs and respond to social trends
Statement of Values and Code of Ethics for Facilitators
A Statement of Values and Code of Ethics for Group Faciltators also guides the work of the IAF and its members. The Statement of Values and Code of Ethics for Facilitators was adopted by the Association Coordinating Team (ACT) in June 2004. The Ethics and Vaules Think Tank continues to solicit feedback from IAF members and other stakeholders, and provides a forum for discussion of pertinent issues and potential revisions.
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Join the IAF now
Click here to join the International Association of Facilitators
Get Accredited
Become a Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF). Click here for more details.
Contribute to the regional newsletter
If you have an article, book review, something of interest to facilitators in your region or an upcoming training programme that you would like to include in the newsletter please contact Stephen Thorpe .
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