IOA to Offer International Scholarships to 2018 Conference

The International Ombudsman Association will sponsor aspiring Ombuds to attend its annual conference in Virginia this spring. Depending on the number of applicants, the IOA International Outreach Committee will award full or partial funding toward travel and accommodation to the conference and may waive registration fees for the pre-conference course “Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice.” 

Through this scholarship initiative, IOA provides greater access for Organizational Ombuds in regions that would greatly benefit from outreach, support, and development. The scholarships are intended to sponsor members or prospective members in countries where the profession is under-developed -- i.e., outside the United States and Canada. Applications are due by Friday, February 16, 2018. 

Eligibility Criteria: This support is specially aimed at all IOA members or potential members who practice in countries where the ombudsman profession is not well developed and can provide evidence of financial need (i.e., would otherwise not be able to attend the conference). Priority will be given to applicants whose participation may be instrumental in the advancement of the organizational ombudsman profession outside of the United States, Canada, and other countries where the profession is well developed. Candidates may self-apply or be nominated by another member. Participation of recipient(s) as presenter or panel member during the annual conference is desirable but not a prerequisite.

Decision: Applications will be reviewed by the IOC Scholarship Coordinators. Recommendations will then be submitted to the International Outreach Committee for endorsement, and to the Professional Development Committee for information. The International Outreach Committee will decide which applicants will receive funding, the maximum amount of expense covered, and what form of payment will be offered. 

Questions: Contact the International Committee Scholarship Coordinators by emailing IOA Administrative Director, Jordan Burghardt (with subject: "IOA Conference Scholarship Inquiry"). 

(IOA 2018 Conf Scholarship Application.)

Related posts: IOA Scholarship Encourages Work of Kenyan Advocate [2014]; International Ombudsman Association Awards Scholarship to South African Dispute Resolution Specialist [2015]; IOA Hosts Two Scholarship Winners at 2017 Conference; Ombuds Head to Virginia for 2018 IOA Conference.