Org Design in Practice

The Grassroots Game-Changer:  Using Community Organizing Principles
to Create Dynamic, People-First Organizations

Robyn Rohde – Partner & Sr. Consultant
and
Kelle Snow – Founder & Principal Consultant
with Thornbird Consulting

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Discover how to transform your organization design by applying principles of community organizing—relational leadership, co-creation, and grassroots adaptability—in order to build genuine connections, foster adaptability, and empower responsive, inclusive organizations. Gain tools to prioritize people and cultivate meaningful connections for thriving in complex environments.

This session introduces a fresh perspective by integrating principles of community organizing – relational leadership, co-creation, and grassroots adaptability – into organization design practices.

Participants will explore how these relational approaches foster organizations that are connected, adaptive, and truly human-centered. Through case examples, interactive exercises, and collaborative learning, we offer techniques to help organization designers support structures that reflect the complexity and interdependence of their systems. Whether you are designing for startups or large-scale organizations, we hope to empower you to add people at the core.

Robyn Rohde is a seasoned trainer, facilitator, and community organizer whose values of freedom and justice serve as the foundation for her 16 years of experience in leadership, education, and facilitation. As a Partner at Thornbird Consulting, she has led projects focused on adaptive, relational structures within organizations and communities, blending her expertise in strategic planning, education, and community organizing to create transformative experiences and community-driven change. Outside of work, Robyn loves playing Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and adventuring with her 11-year-old daughter.
Kelle Snow is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Thornbird Consulting, specializing in learning and development and a human-centered approach to workshop design. With a master’s in educational psychology and values rooted in creativity and authenticity, Kelle creates engaging workshops that empower participants to exercise agency and embrace dissent, fostering lasting impact. She uses data-driven strategies and innovative curriculum design to deliver measurable results. When not designing transformative workshops, you can find Kelle walking barefoot in the grass or making messes with her two small children.

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We have 2.5 days planned of engaging content
and outstanding networking opportunities
with this welcoming community
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