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September 2024 – Ombuds Committee

In Celebration of Ombuds Day

Ryan Smith

In Celebration of Ombuds Day
pixelfit via Getty Images

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While it seems as though Ombuds Day has been around for some time, the first Ombuds Day was only celebrated in 2018. It was then that the American Bar Association (ABA) endorsed the second Thursday in October as a day to educate the public about the ombuds role, encourage greater use of ombuds programs, connect ombuds in their communities, and unite the ombuds profession.

The first Ombuds Day events were held in person, with celebrations taking place in the District of Columbia, Chicago, IL, and Boulder, CO. Individual ombuds offices across the country also used the day to hold their own events to promote their work within their communities and to their constituents. Since this time, Ombuds Day has expanded and is now recognized globally. The COVID pandemic pushed Ombuds Day programming into a virtual format, and this allowed for greater reach and engagement with both ombuds and non ombuds alike. The virtual event that took place in 2023 had over 400 registrants, and proclamations were issued in 34 US states.

There are a few things that make Ombuds Day unique. The Ombuds Day Subcommittee, responsible for planning annual Ombuds Day activities and selecting a unifying theme, represents the diversity of the ombuds profession. The committee has representation from the Coalition of Federal Ombuds (COFO), the International Ombuds Association (IOA), the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs (NASOP), the United States Ombudsman Association (USOA), as well as the ABA Ombuds Committee. The past two years have also included representation from the Association des Ombudsmans en Enseignement Supérieur du Québec (AOESQ), which represents ombuds across Quebec.

Having served on the subcommittee for the past three years, there are many things I appreciate about this event. First and foremost, I appreciate working with and learning from my fellow subcommittee members. As a broader profession, it is easy for ombuds to identify themselves and what they do in contrast to other types of ombuds. What I have learned from my engagement with these other organizations, however, is that we have far more similarities than we do differences. When the discussion turns to casework, or ways in which ombuds work with individuals and the communities they serve, the conversations resonate deeply and demonstrate the power of the ombuds in their respective spaces.

I have also developed an appreciation for the unique and challenging work in which each sector engages. For example, I have learned about the highly important work of NASOP, supporting ombudsmen who work in long-term care facilities advocating for the needs and interests of those who may otherwise not have a voice. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the work of federal sector ombuds, providing a place where citizens can bring concerns and complaints about federal agencies, making easier a prospect that would otherwise be daunting, as well as the important work of public sector ombudsmen, hearing citizen grievances at all levels of government.

As Ombuds Day enters its seventh year, it continues to grow, evolve, and resonate within the ombuds field. In looking forward, we must also look back to recognize the past, and give credit to those who have made these events successful, including current and former subcommittee members and chairs, the staff and leadership of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, as well as leadership from across the ombuds profession who have supported and celebrated Ombuds Day in their own unique ways.

This year’s theme, Here to Hear you, highlights the importance of listening in the ombuds role. Ombuds of all sectors provide a space where visitors, students, employees, citizens, or anyone else may find someone to listen to their concerns. Being heard is the first step in seeking resolution or understanding in complex and difficult situations. I look forward to seeing what unique and creative programming emerges across the field this year and engaging with the ombuds community through programming and social media.

Happy Ombuds Day!

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