Core Values Recovery Level 1 ACC Program

Ethical Marketing and Representation Agreement

Effective Date: [To be determined]

Purpose

This agreement establishes guidelines for how CVR Level 1 ACC Program participants and graduates may represent their training, credentials, and affiliation with Core Values Recovery in marketing and professional practice.

Scope

This agreement applies to:

• All CVR Level 1 ACC Program participants (current and former)
• Graduates who completed the program
• Individuals with partial completion
• CVR certified coaches and alumni

Core Principles

CVR is committed to:

1. Truth in Advertising: All marketing claims must be accurate and verifiable
2. ICF Alignment: Representation must comply with ICF Code of Ethics and marketing standards
3. Client Protection: Marketing must not mislead or create unrealistic expectations
4. Professional Integrity: Maintaining the reputation and credibility of CVR and the coaching profession

Authorized Representations

Current Participants

While enrolled in the CVR Level 1 ACC Program, participants may state:

Permitted:

• “Currently enrolled in Core Values Recovery Level 1 ACC Coach Training”
• “Training to become an ICF-credentialed recovery coach”
• “Studying recovery coaching with Core Values Recovery”

Not Permitted:

• “Certified by Core Values Recovery” (before completion)
• “ICF credentialed coach” (before earning ICF credential)
• “CVR Recovery Coach” (before completion)
• Any representation suggesting completion or certification

Program Graduates

Upon successful completion, graduates may state:

Permitted:

• “Graduate of Core Values Recovery Level 1 ACC Program”
• “Completed 80 hours ICF-accredited coach training with CVR”
• “Trained in values-based recovery coaching methodology”
• Use of CVR alumni designation (if maintaining renewal)

Not Permitted:

• “Certified by ICF” (unless you’ve actually earned ICF credential separately)
• “Licensed recovery coach” (coaching is not licensed profession)
• “CVR Certified Coach” (unless you’ve completed CVR’s specific certification beyond Level 1)

ICF Credential Holders

Graduates who earn ICF ACC credential may state:

Permitted:

• “ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)”
• “ICF credentialed coach trained by Core Values Recovery”
• Use of ICF marks per ICF guidelines

Must Also:

• Maintain current ICF membership
• Complete ICF continuing education requirements
• Adhere to ICF Code of Ethics
• Follow ICF marketing and credential use guidelines

Use of CVR Name and Branding

Permitted Uses

Graduates may:

• Reference CVR as training provider in biography
• State completion of CVR Level 1 ACC Program on resume/LinkedIn
• Mention CVR training when describing qualifications
• Link to CVR website as reference

Restricted Uses

The following require written permission from CVR:

• CVR logo on business cards, website, or marketing materials
• CVR name in business name or domain (e.g., “CVR Coaching Services”)
• CVR certification marks or badges
• Phrases suggesting official CVR endorsement or partnership

To request permission: Contact [permissions email]

Prohibited Uses

Never permitted:

• Claiming to represent CVR or speak on behalf of CVR
• Suggesting CVR endorses your specific services or approach
• Using CVR marks in ways that imply official affiliation beyond graduate status
• Modifying or creating derivative versions of CVR branding

Scope of Practice Representations

What Coaches May Claim

Permitted scope:

• “Recovery coaching services”
• “Support for individuals in recovery”
• “Values-based life coaching”
• Specific coaching niches within scope (career, relationships, etc.)

Must Avoid:

• “Therapy” or “counseling” (unless separately licensed)
• “Treatment” for addiction or mental health conditions
• “Medical advice” or “diagnosis”
• “Cure” or guaranteed outcomes
• Practice outside your actual competence and training

Required Disclaimers

Marketing materials should include:

• “Coaching is not therapy or treatment”
• Disclosure of actual credentials (not inflated)
• Statement that coaching is not substitute for medical/clinical care
• Clear description of services offered

Client Testimonials and Success Claims

Ethical Use of Testimonials

When using client testimonials:

• Obtain written permission
• Use actual words (or clearly mark as paraphrased)
• Provide context (timeframe, specific situation)
• Don’t cherry-pick only exceptional results

Required disclosure: “Results vary. Client testimonials represent individual experiences and are not guaranteed outcomes.”

Prohibited Success Claims

Do not claim:

• Specific success rates without data (“90% of my clients achieve…”)
• Guaranteed outcomes (“I will help you achieve…”)
• Comparisons to other coaches or methods without evidence
• Clinical outcomes (sobriety rates, mental health improvement)

Exception: You may share aggregate data if you have actual documentation and IRB approval for research.

Social Media and Online Presence

Professional Representation

On social media platforms:

• Accurate profile descriptions
• Clear distinction between personal opinions and CVR positions
• Respectful engagement reflecting well on CVR and profession
• Compliance with platform-specific rules and ICF guidelines

Sharing CVR Content

You may:

• Share CVR blog posts, articles, or public content
• Tag CVR in relevant posts (respectfully)
• Participate in CVR community discussions

With attribution: Don’t present CVR content as your own original work.

Partial Completion or Non-Completion

If You Did Not Complete Program

Individuals with partial completion may state:

Permitted:

• “Completed [X] hours of ICF coach training with CVR”
• “Participated in Core Values Recovery training program”

Not Permitted:

• “Graduate of CVR Level 1 ACC Program”
• “CVR trained coach” (implies completion)
• Any use of CVR certification marks or alumni designation

Renewal and Alumni Status

Active Alumni (Maintaining Renewal)

Alumni who maintain annual renewal ($500/year) may:

• Use “CVR Alumni” designation
• Display CVR alumni badge (if provided)
• Access and reference updated curriculum materials
• Represent themselves as part of CVR community

Lapsed Alumni

Alumni who do not maintain renewal:

• May still reference program completion
• Cannot use “CVR Alumni” designation
• Cannot display CVR alumni badge
• Cannot claim access to current CVR resources or community

Consequences of Misrepresentation

Violations of This Agreement

Misrepresentation or unethical marketing may result in:

First Violation (Minor):

• Written warning
• Required correction of marketing materials
• Educational conversation about ethical standards

Second Violation or Serious First Violation:

• Suspension of right to use CVR marks or designations
• Removal from CVR alumni directory
• Notification to ICF (if violation also breaches ICF Code of Ethics)

Egregious or Repeated Violations:

• Permanent ban from CVR programs and community
• Legal action if trademark infringement or harm to CVR reputation
• Report to ICF and other relevant professional bodies

Monitoring and Enforcement

CVR’s Right to Monitor

CVR reserves the right to:

• Review graduate marketing materials and public statements
• Request changes to misrepresentations
• Conduct periodic audits of alumni marketing compliance
• Revoke permission to use CVR marks if agreement violated

Reporting Violations

To report a potential violation:

• Email: [ethics email]
• Include: Graduate name, specific concern, evidence (screenshots, links)
• CVR will investigate and respond appropriately

Updates to This Agreement

Changes to Policy

CVR may update this agreement:

• Participants and graduates notified of material changes
• 30 days to bring marketing into compliance
• Continued representation as CVR graduate constitutes acceptance

ICF Code of Ethics Integration

This agreement supplements (does not replace) the ICF Code of Ethics. All CVR participants and graduates must:

• Familiarize themselves with ICF Code of Ethics
• Adhere to ICF standards for marketing and representation
• Understand that ICF violations may also violate this agreement

ICF Code of Ethics: https://coachingfederation.org/ethics

Best Practices and Recommendations

CVR Encourages:

• Honest, transparent marketing
• Focus on your unique value and approach
• Continued learning and skill development
• Giving back to recovery community
• Collaboration and mutual support among CVR alumni

Sample Compliant Biography

“I’m a recovery coach trained in values-based coaching methodology through Core Values Recovery’s Level 1 ACC Program. I completed 80 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific training and specialize in supporting individuals in early recovery as they rebuild their lives. I’m passionate about helping people discover their core values and create sustainable change.”

Questions and Permissions

Need Clarification?

Contact CVR for guidance on:

• Whether specific marketing language is compliant
• Permission to use CVR branding elements
• How to represent your training accurately
• Ethical marketing questions

Email: [marketing compliance email] Response time: Within 5 business days

Participant Acknowledgment

By enrolling in or completing the CVR Level 1 ACC Program, I acknowledge that:

• I have read and understand this Ethical Marketing and Representation Agreement
• I agree to represent my CVR training accurately and ethically
• I will comply with both this agreement and the ICF Code of Ethics
• I understand consequences of misrepresentation
• I will seek clarification from CVR when uncertain about marketing compliance

Participant Name: ________________________________

Signature: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________

CVR’s Commitment:

We trust our graduates to represent themselves, CVR, and the coaching profession with integrity. This agreement exists not to restrict you, but to protect clients, maintain professional standards, and uphold the reputation we’ve built together.

If you’re ever unsure whether something is appropriate, just ask. We’re here to support your success while maintaining the ethical foundation of our work.