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IOA Membership Benefits

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

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Individual Member Information: Members receive access to IOA's Member Center with a customizable profile and online directory.

Outsourced Ombuds & Consultants Directory: A member-only directory and a publicly searchable directory that helps you raise your visibility if you consult or are an outsourced ombuds.

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

Member Discounts or complimentary professional development opportunities:

Member Newsletters and Updates: Members receive the members-only version of the Hey IOA Digest with updates from the association and our Committees & Task Forces.

Professional Networking: IOA has many networking opportunities, including the Annual Conference that brings together more than 500 professionals each year, plus member-only events and programs, and the IOA Online CommUnity. 

Mentoring Program: IOA 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.

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. Plus there is soon to be Program Certification for members at a reduced price.

Support from IOA Staff, Board of Directors and Committees:

  • 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

  • Technical assistance to support programs in jeopardy or to help triage issues

  • Advocacy and Outreach on behalf of the profession

  • Support for the international community with education and Regional Advancement Communities for ombuds outside of the US

Member-only Ombuds Resources:

  •  The Modern Ombuds Communication Toolkit provides members with materials to help them start conversations about the modern ombuds 

  • 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

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

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