Let’s break the rules — let’s talk politics. As professionals, many of us have been discouraged from having conversations about politics as differing political views have the potential to lead to conflict. But let’s face it, today’s political climate has ignited the conversations that we’ve been avoiding. The field of OD was built upon collective action and positive social change, but are we, as OD practitioners, staying true to our values if we are shying away from the most transformative conversations? During this interactive session, attendees will discover tools that facilitate safe spaces and promote open and honest dialogue — despite the differing experiences political views that each participant may bring to the session. Participants will utilize the Future Backwards Model to explore actionable steps that may be necessary to affect positive social change. Attendees will leave with the fuel to continue to be agents of change in their own communities.
Presented by: Christina L. Scott, MA, MSOD, Change Agent, District Government — USA; Yodit Tewelde, PMP, MSOD, Director of Operations, House of Representatives — USA; Shari Laldee, MSOD, Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, UNCF — USA; Ingrid Mendez, MSOD, Human Resource and OD Partner, Eileen Fisher, Inc. — USA