August 2022 President's Letter

President's Letter

AUGUST 2022

Road Trips Are Fun!

One of the best parts about a road trip is that you always get the opportunity to discover more than you knew!

Of course, we always knew ICFTN members were terrific, but now we have the data to back it up. Over the summer, board members and I visited Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga, to meet coaches in person in the communities where they live and work. As we programmed our GPS, we knew one thing for sure - the coronavirus pandemic had altered our world.

As Chapter leaders, we must reassess how to complete the Chapter work to serve our members best. Additionally, we must adapt to meet the changing needs of coaches across Tennessee. There is no playbook for these uncertain times, yet as Chapter leaders, we can no longer wait for the smoke to clear before we reimagine the future of ICFTN. This new reality has called for broadening our definition of success and enlisting our volunteer's creativity as we adapt to shifting circumstances. At each Listening Tour event, we asked questions and listened.  

We want to let you know what we are doing with what we learned and how your opinion will shape the ICFTN of the future.

First, our ICFTN Charter Chapter by-laws are under review. The 2022 Board of Directors will examine the current governance document to ensure the Chapter is set up for success. Once the Board completes its work, the full membership will vote to adopt the new by-laws. The by-laws voting by the full membership will occur on October 14, 2022. To help members feel confident in their vote, we will email the proposed by-laws to members on or around September 15^th, followed by virtual Q/A meetings on September 26. Members will receive notice to register for one of two Q/A meetings to ask questions and provide comments.

Secondly, we will use what we’ve learned to formulate strategies to enhance coach programs and services. 

As we engaged with as many coaches as possible from our tours, surveys, and Chapter statistics, we will write the 2022 State of the Chapter Report. The report will provide an up-to-date picture of the coaching profession in Tennessee and beyond. It will serve as a guide for delivering more significant impact and value to our coach community. Our goal is to empower coaches to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges ahead.

If you missed the Listening Tour in your hometown, please try to attend a virtual event by registering with the links below:

Sept 26, 2022 9:00am CDT/ 10:00am EDT

Sept 26, 2022 4:00pm CDT / 5:00pm EDT

We feel so fortunate to have such a passionate and engaged membership base. We were overwhelmed by the positive comments and new ideas we received.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Brenda Baird