Online Colloquium No. 20: Integral Politics (2): Transforming Political Culture towards Dialogue and Inclusion

Datum und Uhrzeit
Dauer
2 Stunden
Referent

Bernard LeRoux

Dialogues Facilitation Gothenburg

Details

Integral Politics (2):
Transforming a Top-down Political and Administrative Culture to one of Dialogue and Inclusion

The challenge of building a culture of dialogue and inclusion within local government is full of obstacles. The colloquium will highlight the steps that make such a shift possible and also the problems that arise – mostly within the local government organization. The shift requires a new way of thinking and new ways of working. This is often difficult for sectors of the organization where linear planning is the norm. When faced with complex problems or tension, control is often the answer. We are attempting to create a culture where we move between certainty and uncertainty, together with politicians, civil servants and the public. The story of Falköping, a municipality in West Sweden, illustrates our journey.

Shortbio

Bernard le Roux (* 1963), Mediator and Facilitator of complex social conflicts, has studied Commerce and Law at the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town. He has 20 years of professional experience in mediation and facilitation in different social fields. He is currently working with the Swedish Association of Municipalities and Regions (SALAR) with local authorities and regions on a number of dialogue processes involving complex problems. As a consultant, he supports several local authorities in developing new forms of public participation and is involved in a larger project involving training and policy formation for mediation of social conflicts in Colombia.