People of Color and Aboriginal People in the Applied Behavioral Sciences Caucus
OD Network Conference 2007, Baltimore, MD, USA
October 21, 2007
Almost 40 people of color joined in the 2007 session of the People of Color and Aboriginal People in the Applied Behavioral Sciences Caucus. This meeting has been part of OD Network Conferences since 1988. There was vibrant energy as members of African, Asian, and Latino/a heritage came in and out of the gathering. Arnold Minors, long-time convener, reminded us that “This meeting is a safe place for People of Color and Aboriginal People; a touchstone for mental, physical, spiritual and emotional connection; and a space to catalyze action related to issues of People of Color and First Peoples.”
A wonderful part of the day was a presentation we made to Fred Miller, a key founder and continuing support of our group. We honored him for his achievements, echoing what would be done two mornings later as the OD Network gave Fred its Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the field.
There were several specific outcomes from the gathering. A group volunteered to plan the 2008 session. Another group volunteered to plan a session for People of Color and First Peoples involved in social change, to happen in 2008. A group in the Baltimore/DC area decided to create a regional network of people of color. Two groups came up with specific actions to address two issues identified in a mini-Open Space session. The issues were 1) creating powerful groups of people of color within and across class, race, and other identities and 2) creating powerful OD consultants of color in a world of constant change.
We invite any person of color or indigenous person to join us in Austin, TX, USA, on October 19, 2008, before OD Network Conference 2008. You’re welcome to join for 10 minutes, one hour, or the whole day; whatever your schedule and inclination permit. We will meet on that Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm.
For more information, please contact Arnold Minors.