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Educational Programs




Using Zoom provides us richer virtual learning experiences!
ICF Michigan has a proud tradition of offering its members a regular calendar of outstanding educational opportunities, all designed to expand and enhance the skills of professional coaches. We feel it’s important to make these programs as accessible as possible. ICF Michigan members are able to register for free to almost all events; non-members are welcome to attend for a small fee. Many are virtual, taking place on the Zoom video conferencing platform. There are also regional in-person meetings for those who crave face-to-face connection.

For specific information about upcoming events and webinars, please see our Events Calendar.

Here’s an overview of our regular programming:

Professional Development Webinar Series

ICF Michigan’s Professional Development Programming offers monthly educational opportunities, featuring local and national speakers on a range of coaching-related topics. We strive for a balance of content that supports your growth as a coach, alongside information about developing your business and career. Meeting on the Zoom platform enables participants to actively engage with the speakers and one another while providing the next best thing to an in-person experience. 

Webinars are a valuable membership benefit; ICF Michigan members attend for free, and each webinar qualifies for between 1 and 1.5 Continuing Education Credits (CCEUs). Members also have exclusive access to the webinar archives at icfmichigan.org. Webinars and Virtual Events are usually $20 for non-ICF Michigan members.

Core Competency Educational Series

The ICF Core Competencies are the backbone of professional coaching and the credentialing process. As professional coaches, it is critical for all of us to understand¬ and be able to demonstrate each core coaching competency. Regularly exploring the Core Competencies—in theory, but especially in practice—is essential to one’s development as a coach. This 11-part series is part of ICF Michigan’s goal to encourage, support, and provide resources to any coach wishing to become credentialed and grow their skills. Each coach who becomes credentialed elevates the credibility and accountability of the coaching profession by becoming part of a highly respected community.

What you can expect:
This highly interactive educational series focuses on one of the eleven (11) ICF Core Competencies each month. During 2020, we will also discuss how the current competencies relate to the new Core Competency model that will go into effect in 2021. A brief overview of the competency will be provided, but the core learning primarily will occur through group discussion and, as appropriate, coach demonstrations, scenarios, and real-life applications of the competency in a coaching situation.  

Who should attend:
Whether you are a coach preparing for your first or next credential, or a more seasoned coach interested in brushing up on your skills, this series promises to be an opportunity for all coaches to engage in a critical examination of each competency, learn from one another, and share resources.

Each webinar is approved for 1.0 Core Competency CCEU. Participants must attend the full program to qualify for CCEU credit. ICF Michigan members earn credits for free! Non-ICF Michigan members may register for $20.

Volunteer Opportunity:
If you are a credentialed ICF Michigan member and are interested in learning more about volunteering as a facilitator for one or more Core Competency sessions during 2020, please contact Education & Training Chair Beth Buelow at education@icfmichigan.org


ICF Michigan Experienced Coaches’ Forum

This every-other-month series for experienced coaches (those who have coached 500+ hours) provides a unique conversational space for peer support and learning. The forum is facilitated by ICF Michigan member and current board member Jennifer Wilson. Topics include issues of particular concern to the seasoned coach; past discussions have focused on niche, consulting vs. coaching, coaching resistant clients, and the use of assessments, among other topics. The intention is to create a safe, confidential space to learn from each other, while deepening colleague relationships.

If you have a topic that you’d like to see explored in one of these sessions, please contact support@icfmichigan.org

This Series is a free benefit for all ICF Michigan members. There is a $20 charge for all others. 1 CCEU will be earned on this call; topic determines whether the CCEU is Core Competency or Resource Development.


ICF Michigan Coach Cafés

Regional Coach Cafés are monthly informal gatherings allowing an opportunity for collaborative coaching conversations around the substantive issues of sharpening our coaching skills and building a successful coaching business.

Coach Cafés are currently active in Ann Arbor, Royal Oak and Grand Rapids. If you would like to start a Coach Café to your area, contact us.

Regular attendees include business and personal coaches from all over Michigan. These meetings are useful whether you’re a new or experienced coach. Please note: these meetings are intended for people who actively use coaching (in accordance with the ICF definition of coaching) in their work or business. They are not intended to provide coaching to non-coaches, nor are they a primary resource for learning about how to be a coach. Please find additional information here: Find a Coach | Become a Coach

This group is a vital resource for ICF Michigan coaches. Participants experience:

•    A supportive community to share challenges and resources
•    Opportunities to discuss coaching competencies and business development strategies
•    An enjoyable way to network and connect with other coaches from a range of backgrounds and specialties
•    Learning from our peers

Attendance at regional Coach Cafés is a benefit for ICF Michigan members. Non-ICF Michigan members may attend up to two Coach Café gatherings for free. If you plan to attend regularly, we ask that you become a Full or Associate member of ICF Michigan.