International Ombuds Association

International Ombuds Association IOA is a professional membership association committed to supporting organizational ombudsmen and the ombuds profession worldwide.

The International Ombudsman Association (IOA) was officially formed in July 2005 following the merger of the University and College Ombuds Association (UCOA) and The Ombudsman Association (TOA). IOA is the largest international association of professional organizational Ombudsmen practitioners in the world, representing more than 600 members across the globe. The Association supports organizationa

l ombudsmen worldwide working in corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, government entities and non-governmental organizations. IOA offers a full roster of professional training and education programs for the practicing ombudsman professional and those interested in learning about our practice. In addition, the association works to support and promote the profession through strategic partnerships and communication with government agencies and other professional organizations as appropriate.

Join IOA on 4 August 2026 for a webinar on supporting faculty facing occupational intimidation and fostering healthier w...
05/28/2026

Join IOA on 4 August 2026 for a webinar on supporting faculty facing occupational intimidation and fostering healthier workplace environments with Kathleen Searles, Ph.D.

Register today at ombudsassociation.org/4-august-2026-webinar 💻️

Established. Proven. Trusted. The IOA Foundations Courses continue to help professionals build the communication, confli...
05/22/2026

Established. Proven. Trusted. The IOA Foundations Courses continue to help professionals build the communication, conflict management, and Ombuds skills needed in today’s organizations.

Grounded in real-world Ombuds practice, the curriculum is shaped by years of experience helping professionals navigate conflict, foster constructive dialogue, and support healthier workplace communication across complex environments.

The remaining 2026 courses are filling quickly. Register today to secure your spot at ombudsassociation.org/foundations-courses📝

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Ellen Miller, on the publication of her article, “Organizational Ombuds: The ...
05/21/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Ellen Miller, on the publication of her article, “Organizational Ombuds: The Secret Sauce For Any Association,” on the ASAE website, also featured in Associations Now Daily.

The article explores how organizational ombuds can help associations strengthen trust, navigate conflict, and create environments where members feel heard, valued, and supported.

Read the full post at https://ow.ly/ypv450Z2UzH đź”—

Don’t miss IOA’s June Webinar happening this Friday! Leveraging Q***r Theory in the Ombuds Role will explore the foundat...
05/19/2026

Don’t miss IOA’s June Webinar happening this Friday! Leveraging Q***r Theory in the Ombuds Role will explore the foundations of q***r theory and how its concepts can strengthen ombuds practice, challenge assumptions, and support conflict engagement through case studies.

Register now at https://www.ombudsassociation.org/22-june-2026-webinar and join us live!📝

Independence isn’t just a concept—it’s core to Ombuds practice. Join us for the July Seminar, Navigating Independence, o...
05/12/2026

Independence isn’t just a concept—it’s core to Ombuds practice. Join us for the July Seminar, Navigating Independence, on 16 July 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PT | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET, and explore how it’s defined, protected, and practiced every day!

Learn more and register at ombudsassociation.org/16-july-2026-seminar 🔗📝

IOA’s new Ombuds Certification Program is designed to expand certification opportunities, strengthen the profession, and...
05/08/2026

IOA’s new Ombuds Certification Program is designed to expand certification opportunities, strengthen the profession, and support ombuds across models and sectors. Learn more about the program's vision, the future pathways being explored, and how members can get involved.

Read the blog post today at ombudsassociation.org/blog đź’»

The Jewish Affinity Group invites IOA members to join its kickoff meeting on 13 May 2026! Connect with fellow Jewish omb...
05/06/2026

The Jewish Affinity Group invites IOA members to join its kickoff meeting on 13 May 2026! Connect with fellow Jewish ombuds and allies in a welcoming space for conversation, networking, and community building.

RSVP today via Zoom at https://ow.ly/ShJl50YVRp6 đź”—

In April, the IOA named Dr. Mary P. Rowe as the 2026 Trailblazer Award Winner, recognizing her lasting impact on the omb...
05/04/2026

In April, the IOA named Dr. Mary P. Rowe as the 2026 Trailblazer Award Winner, recognizing her lasting impact on the ombuds profession. Rowe is described as a tireless thinker, a relentless innovator, a brilliant scholar, and a generous mentor whose influence on the profession will extend far beyond her lifetime.

Read the full press release to learn more about her legacy and contributions at ombudsassociation.org/news-press-releases! đź’ś

Registration is open for the 2026 September Symposium: Reframing Power and Influence: Exploring Intentional Ombuds Sway ...
05/01/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 September Symposium: Reframing Power and Influence: Exploring Intentional Ombuds Sway and the Tension Around Influence.

Join us in Washington, D.C., 30 September to 1 October for two days of practical insights, engaging sessions, and connection. Designed for intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Secure your spot early at https://ow.ly/uH6X50YT4ZY📝

Ready to approach conflict differently? Register today for the May IOA Core Course: Coaching for Conflict Resilience!⏲️T...
04/28/2026

Ready to approach conflict differently? Register today for the May IOA Core Course: Coaching for Conflict Resilience!

⏲️Two three-hour trainings on 11 May & 14 May
đź•’ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM CET

Learn practical, strengths-based coaching skills you can apply right away. Register now and take the next step in your professional toolkit https://ow.ly/kJun50YRkez đź§°

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2150 N 107th Street #330
Seattle, WA
98133

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