INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSE 2000-2002 Strategic Plan

Honoring the Family: Professionals Involved in Change

Preamble

The International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, a division of ACA, is an organization that promotes excellence in the practice of couples and family counseling and embraces the following
common values:

1. Affirming the worth and dignity of all families and individuals

2. Caring for self and others

3. Mentoring and training members to advocate on behalf of clients and the profession of marriage and family counseling/therapy

4. Working in a collaborative and ethical manner for the overall benefit of the Association and the profession of marriage and family counseling/therapy

Vision

IAMFC is the internationally recognized organization to which all marriage and family counselors belong. Legislators, policy makers, and other organizations in matters of public policy regarding families and professional practice consult the organization. Worldwide, IAMFC sets the practice standards and establishes the professional identity of people working on behalf of families.

Goals

1. Promote the visibility of IAMFC

Objectives

a) To develop collaborative relationships with other organizations which share common interests

b) To educate the public regarding marriage and family counseling

c) To educate legislators and policy makers regarding IAMFC

d) To promote awareness of IAMFC services and opportunities to members and prospective members

2. Promote skill development in systems theory, couple counseling, and family counseling

Objectives

a) To design and implement professional training opportunities at the state and regional level

b) To publish a quarterly journal

c) To publish a newsletter

d) To publish books, videos, monographs on current marriage and family topics

3. Promote standards in marriage and family counseling

Objectives

a) To collaborate in the effort to develop and revise the standards for preparation and practice with CACREP and other entities involved in such efforts

b) To maintain ethical standards of practice through revision of the IAMFC ethical code

c) To provide direction and leadership to universities in order to increase the number of CACREP accredited marriage and family training programs

d) To collaborate with directors of CACREP accredited marriage and family programs to maintain standards and provide future directions

4. Promote public policy and legislation for marriage and family counseling

Objectives

a) To monitor public policy and legislation on issues affecting couples and families

b) To provide timely and accurate information to members, legislators, and policy makers on these issues

c) To influence public policy and legislation through lobbying and coalition building

d) To provide support for licensure and in the licensure review process

5. Promote research and knowledge in marriage and family counseling

Objectives

a) To create a climate of receptivity to and use of research, knowledge, and technology

b) To expand the research and knowledge base on the efficacy of couple and family counseling

c) To develop partnerships that stimulate research

d) To develop a research section within the IAMFC website that disseminates current research findings

6. Promote awareness of multiculturalism and diversity in marriage and family counseling

Objectives

a) To provide professional development opportunities related to diverse family structures

b) To promote public awareness of diverse family structures

7. Operate effectively and efficiently

Objectives

a) To develop and implement a strategic plan

b) To develop and monitor an annual operational plan that support the strategic plan

c) To explore new initiatives that lead to increased non-dues revenue

d) To invest in technology that will increase operational efficiencies

e) To implement strategies that maintain current members and attract new members

8. Promote the use of technology

Objectives

a) To develop and implement online training

b) To develop and implement online resources for clients and clinicians

9. Develop and coordinate international chapters

Objectives

a) To provide expertise and knowledge for the development and maintenance of international chapters and members

b) To provide consultation and leadership for these chapters

c) To develop and implement international membership status