Are we #OneTeamGov? A casual social.

In the good ole days, we'd meet at a pub. We'd show up just to support each other, to feel seen, to have a laugh. It's been a while, so we're gonna give it a try.

You have sweeping permission to be tentative, socially awkward, and/or to leave early if it is just too hard. Only your hosts will be expected to tough it out a bit :)

We do ask that you RSVP 2 days in advance so that we can prep the venue.

What to Expect

We'll gather on the upper mezzanine of the Bard and Banker pub. Unfortunately, this space is not wheelchair accessible (we are looking into other venues that do not have this limitation, and may shift if we hear there is a need.)

You'll be greeted by hosts and offered a name tag, and introduced to someone if you don't already have someone to say hi to. After about 30 minutes (or when we get a critical mass), we'll offer some group orientation.

OneTeamGov events are usually lightly structured to liberate connection opportunity. A simple pile of post it notes, covering whatever attendees are interested in, some dot voting, and the freedom to wander are typical.

Side chats are also typical for people happy to see each other again, or excited by a new connection.

To offer some sensemaking and scaffolding, let's consider answering this: how might we act on OneTeamGov principles?

As a reminder, these are:

• Work in the open and positively.
• Take practical action
• Experiment and iterate.
• Be diverse and inclusive.
• Care deeply about citizens.
• Work across borders.
• Embrace technology.

Which of these principles are becoming easier to apply? What fantastic, inspiring examples to you have to share? What is particularly hard as of late: from a systemic or personal lens? What barriers can we remove together?

Schedule & Dress

For this casual event, come as you can, when you can, but note that we have a hard stop at 6:30. Your office or work from home attire is acceptable. Most folx opt for business casual, but hey, we're meeting at a pub.

An Event Without Borders

While OneTeamGov is centered around practical actions for public sector reform/improvement, this does not limit participation to just public servants! Teams solving public interest problems often include a much more diverse group of people (or, they should).

Feel free to bring a guest that is public service curious (i.e. wants to solve meaningful and interesting challenges), or that might contribute positively to improving how we all serve people well.

What about sensitive topics?

These events have been known to be a "therapy couch" at times, where we lament our failures, and grapple with tough stuff. That's okay if it's in the spirit of improvement, and, public servants adhere to an oath. For example, we "conduct [ourselves] honestly and ethically, in a manner that maintains and enhances the public's trust and confidence in the public service and does not bring it into disrepute." (Here's the full BCPS Oath.)

If we sense a need for an alternative venue where more sensitive challenges can be addressed, your hosts have some ideas - let's chat.

We're looking forward to seeing you!