About the Session
Whether we are trying to figure out what to have for dinner or our strategic vision for the next 5-years, decision making can be a major source of conflict and discomfort. We all hold internalized values on how decisions should be made, but rarely do we take the time to clarify who will be part of making decisions, what their role will be, how they will make the decisions, and why any of that is the case.
When we don't take the time to articulate our process, oppressive cultural norms make their way in, and resentments often build over time. Things work until they don't. But it doesn't have to be this way.
In this participatory workshop, participants will gain tools and frameworks to help break down the elements of decision making for more strategic, more equitable, and more transparent processes where everyone's needs can be met.
We will discuss what is gained and what is lost when making decisions horizontally and hierarchically, and how even hierarchical decision-making processes can include elements of democratic process.
Previous participants in this workshop have shared:
"Fun, funny, lighthearted but about some serious topics. Easy to follow and understand. Thanks!"
"Very accessible and demystifying"
"I am retired from organizations and work 'alone' as a playwright. But I’m glad I came to the workshop - great vibes and feeling of solidarity and compassion post-election."
"I loved this 100% and learned so much in a short time - very effective."
"[Obvious Agency] is so clearly an expert on this area being able to delve into off-the-cuff deep knowledge was so helpful even from a beginner standpoint."
"Love the politics of the space, transparency and lots of good small group time"
About the Facilitators
Daniel Park (Cooperative Business Manager, Obvious Agency) is a queer, bi-racial, theatre and performance artist, movement facilitator, and organizer for racial and labor justice in the cultural sector. Through all of the above, his work brings people together to understand and experiment with their individual and mutual roles in bringing about the liberation of all people. Daniel has provided his services as a facilitator and consultant nationally with organizations such as Creatives Rebuild New York, The PA Governor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs, ArtPlace America, and many others.
Joseph Ahmed (Cooperative Development Manager, Obvious Agency) is a mixed Asian theater artist and administrative imp who makes art to get more lost and more found in the dark woods between this world and a better one, and to champion others in doing the same. They are an over-hyphenated actor-director-playwright-solo performer-dancer-circus artist-interactive experience designer-producer-consultant-grant writer. They are a Lead Collaborator with Vision Driven Consulting, a graduate of the Securing the Roots Fellowship program and a member of the incoming core leadership team of the grassroots, membership-based collective Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists.