Facilitation is a profession rapidly taking its unique place alongside those of consulting and training. 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.
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.
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
IAF's vision is to...
Be a leading influence in the art and mastery of facilitation
Be a worldwide connection between diverse members and partners
Provide ongoing global exchange of facilitation expertise
Be the premier provider of resources in support of the professional facilitator
Be a strong, evolving organization focused on inclusive and participatory practices
Provide relevant information grounded in applied research to meet customer needs and respond to social trends
For further information go to the IAF website. Click here
