Annual Ombuds Day

Every Second Thursday of October

What Is Ombuds Day?

Ombuds Day Save the Date Graphic


Every second Thursday of October people from around the world take time to celebrate Ombuds. IOA wants to invite you to take part in these celebrations.

Ombuds Day serves as an additional opportunity to educate and raise awareness among the public about the history and practices of the ombuds profession including the various ombuds models, the roles they play, the services they offer, and the value provided.

  Upcoming Celebrations
  

The primary goal of Ombuds Day is to improve public awareness of ombuds. 

Our actions are intended to:

  1. Educate the public about the role of ombuds
  2. Explain the wide variety of services that ombuds provide
  3. Encourage greater use of ombuds programs and services
  4. Highlight the value ombuds bring to the institutions and constituents they serve.
What Is an Ombuds?


Ombuds (also known as ombudspersons and ombudsmen) are confidential, impartial, and independent conflict management professionals in universities; federal, state, and local governments; healthcare facilities; and a variety of other organizations. However, their roles and services are relatively unknown compared to other methods of resolving conflicts such as mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Learn more about ombuds.

Ombuds Day 2021


Mark your calendars! The fourth annual Ombuds Day will take place on Thursday, October 14, 2021. This year's theme is Ombuds: Exploring Options to Resolve Conflict Together.

There are still ways to keep celebrating. View our list of upcoming events and learn more about other celebrations on the Ombuds Day Website.

  Ombuds Day Website  

  Ombuds Day Toolkit  

 

Submit An Ombuds Celebration Video


We are seeking your help in creating a video to highlight the amazing work of ombuds around the world. Using your smartphone, please record a 30-60 second video message and email the video to us at [email protected] by Friday, 1 October 2021.

Video Submissions Should Include:

  1.  Your name and organization

  2.  Where you are in the world

  3.  Why ombuds work is more important than ever, and/or

  4.  Share a message of hope for those experiencing hardship or conflict

  Submit Now  

 

Upcoming Ombuds Day Events

 

Questions About How to Take Part in Celebrations?


Contact your 2021 Ombuds Day Task Force Liaison.  Liaisons also want to hear about your events and proclamations! 

  • International Ombudsman Association Liaison: Alicia Booker, [email protected]
  • ABA Ombuds Subcommittee: Jon Lee 
  • The Coalition of Federal Ombudsman Liaison: Ken Skodacek, [email protected]
  • Corporate Organization Ombudsman Roundtable Liaison: TBD
  • United States Ombudsman Association Liaison: Amy Calderwood, [email protected]

Follow the Celebration on Social Media — #OmbudsDay

  Twitter: Follow @IntlOmbudsAssoc  

 

  Check Out #OmbudsDay  

 

  LinkedIn: Follow IOA
  
Past Ombuds Day Milestones


2021 Ombuds Day Videos & Recordings

View recordings and recaps of selected 2020 events below:

Proclamations (2020)

 

Proclamations (2018-2019)

 

Celebrations (2018-2019)