OD and INTERNATIONAL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (OD-ICD SIG)

SIG Leader
Kristen Barney (kristen@openingcreativity.com | 703-966-2995)


SIG Description: 
The OD/ICD SIG is a forum for collective learning and exchange among professionals who, in their own work, support development and positive change through collaborative partnerships in the arenas of Organization Development (OD), International Development (ID), and Community Development (CD).  The SIG is a multi-directional conversation among participants with diverse worldviews, theories of practice, and partnerships; and a common desire to create positive, sustainable change through trusting, transparent, accountable, and powerful collaborations and organizations.  Participants are aware of the challenges and opportunities inherent in issues facing the world (e.g., material poverty, violent conflict, climate change, social injustice, and more).
    
The SIG is a multi-directional conversation between diverse participants, and draws on presenters from within and without the participant base, prioritizing presentations with experiential components. Because participants lead busy lives, the participant base will be different in each meeting, creating a dynamic and evolving community. Current interests of the SIG participants include:

• Enhancing Practice and Results 
  
  • exploring ways to create positive, enduring project results; 
  • designing work so that beneficiaries are increasingly self-reliant;
  • supporting development of collaborative, transparent, accountable partnerships and organizations;
  • exploring case examples and success stories from the field; 
  • applying new skills/methods, and moving from theory to action; 
  • leveraging multi-culturalism, inter-culturalism, identity, and genuine participation through cultural competency; 
• Expanding Competencies and Connections
  
  • exploring new practices and theories, such as complexity science and how it relates to knowledge management; 
  • learning about relationship dynamics in ICD from key initiatives such as the Paris Declaration, the Accra Agenda, and the Millennium Development Goals;  
  • networking with potential collaborators and finding synergies; 
  • finding support and community among others working across cultures and disciplines;  
• Furthering Awareness and Thought Leadership
  
  • exploring the question “what is development?” in multiple fields;
  • discussing openly the assumptions and power dynamics in the OD/ICD SIG and in our communities of practice; and
  • gaining competence in critical issues facing society and the planet and how exploring how they challenge us to evolve our theories, practices, and partnerships.  
• Selected Themes for Fall 2010/Winter 2011 SIG Presentations
  
  • sustainability
  • multi-culturalism / “inter-culturality” / identity
  • partnerships
  • complexity science / knowledge management
  • power and empowerment

Mission:
The OD/ICD SIG is an exploratory, action-learning forum for professionals seeking to strengthen their ability to partner with clients and stakeholders in meeting the challenges and imperatives in International and Community Development (ICD) by creating positive change and enduring results at multiple levels of system.  The SIG provides support and stimulation for SIG participants using Organization Development (OD) and similar participatory methods that prioritize involvement of people and organizations in creating their own sustainable future. The SIG is also a forum for input from diverse fields to help evolve thought leadership and practice in OD and ICD.  

Who would benefit from attending: 
Practitioners, change agents, leaders, social entrepreneurs, policy analysts, grassroots activists, and partners in the arenas of International Development, Organization Development, and Community Development. These may include representatives of any sector (e.g., government, international institutions, philanthropy, civil society, academe, corporations, social entrepreneurs, etc.). 

Meeting Frequency: Second Thursday of each month (except in September 2010 due to Jewish and Muslim religious holidays).

Time: 6:30 pm gather for refreshments and networking; 7-9 pm program
 
Venue: Johns Hopkins University – DC Campus, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20036 (Check at JHU front desk for room number)

RSVP To: To attend one of the OD-ICG SIG meetings, please click on the corresponding link below and register to attend.  Registration is free.

2010 Meeting Schedule:

SIG Leader Bio:


Kristen Barney (kristen@openingcreativity.com | 703-966-2995) 

Kristen Barney, MA, MSOD, developed an interest in systems and organizations through exposure to system dynamics modeling for national sustainable planning in developing countries.  She weaves together her graduate studies in language and literature with a strong theoretical and practical knowledge of Organization Development from the AU/NTL program.  Her consulting and coaching practice, Opening Creativity (www.openingcreativity.com), blends classic action-learning processes with cutting edge assessment tools, to develop custom-tailored learning and discovery processes for clients.  She is versed in the use of Complexity Science, Polarity Management, Cultural Transformation Tools, Presencing, and many other methods to support life-giving learning within groups and individuals, to help them live, work, and lead from greater wholeness, enabling them to align vision, mission, strategy, and structure.  Kristen’s consulting practice draws on 15 years of work supporting and leading community and international nonprofit organizations. She can be reached at kristen@openingcreativity.com or 703-966-2995.