|
|
Last year, BGSU embarked on an ambitious journey when it hosted the first gathering of people from around the world devoted
to creating large-scale change. The Nexus for Change conference saw nearly 300 leaders, activists, practitioners and scholars
coming together to discuss and compare the methods they have been using successfully to change organizations and communities,
schools, governments and more.
Once again organized by Dr. Steven Cady, management, this year’s Nexus for Change will be a smaller-scale event that will
allow participants to build upon what was started last March.
The four-day event comprises Nexus U and Nexus II. Nexus U, a pre-conference refresher, is scheduled Saturday and Sunday (March
29 and 30) in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Participants will be able to explore whole-system change principles, learn
the fundamentals for designing large-group interventions and experience these methods live. At Nexus II, from Sunday (March
30) through April 1, participants will be able to experience whole-system change practices in a large and diverse setting
and obtain practical insights that will inspire them to think and act. The agenda includes presentations by thought leaders,
open-space sessions with other participants, small group meetings and whole-conference activities.
Participating in the conference will be economic development expert Peter Block, a best-selling author and consultant whose
work centers on stewardship, empowerment and community.
His books include Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used, Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest and The Empowered Manager: Positive Political Skills at Work. They show how to create workplaces that are good for everyone by fostering consent and connectedness rather than mandate
and force.
Cady, co-author of The Change Handbook, which explores more than 60 recognized methods of large-scale change, said the conference is one way to bring together the
practitioners and the methods used to help organizations and communities address global challenges. He emphasizes that the
Nexus conference is about the “power of perspectives. This conference is a convergence of leaders, activists, practitioners
and scholars who have a passion for leveraging the power of these methods to transform whole organizations and communities.”
Nexus for Change II is hosted by the College of Business Administration Institute for Organization Effectiveness.
For more information on the conferences, including a list of thought leaders and sponsors, visit www.nexusforchange.org.
|
|
