Beyond Linear
Complexity and Systems-Leadership Exchange
March 11 & 12, 2027 at Georgia Tech
Optional Atlanta Systems Experience on March 10
About the Event:
Organized by Systems. Change. Educators. Unite. and hosted in partnership with SCEU member Dori Pap and the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact at Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business, Beyond Linear will be an opportunity to gather and discuss:
What is missing in social change education with regards to systems, complexity, and moving that learning into informed action?
How do “design” and “healing” fit into this work, and what practices from all these modalities are complementary?
What is the role of systems and complexity educators in filling any gaps in teaching and implementation of this learning and practice?
How might we collaborate and learn from each other across different arenas (systems dynamics, systems change, complexity science, Indigenous ways of knowing and being, design thinking, community healing modalities, etc) in service of shared goals?
This event will be designed for educators of any level (pre-K through adult leadership education) as well as organizational leaders, facilitators, thought partners, and others interested in this conversation.
What to Expect:
Wednesday, March 10 - 4pm to ~9pm
An optional experience (capped at 40 attendees) where we will learn about efforts to contribute to shifting the Atlanta food system through a visit to Global Growers Network and a dinner prepared by the Refugee Women’s Network
The garden tour includes a short (less than .5 miles) walking experience across uneven surfaces. There will be space to sit and enjoy the garden for those who don’t walk it.
Thursday, March 11 - 8am to 8pm
Plenary sessions, concurrent exchanges, and an opportunity to reflect and synthesize together facilitated by global experts, thought leaders, and educators bringing a range of perspectives on systems, complexity, and informed action
A gallery walk + audio experience bringing in voices of educators and experts
Breakfast, snacks, community lunch, & an evening meal with community reception included
Friday, March 12 - 8am to 1pm
More time for workshops, teaching, and plenary sessions
Breakfast, community lunch, & closing reflections
If you stay in Atlanta Friday evening, we will organize a pay-on-your-own dinner gathering in the evening, for those who want to join
Beyond Linear Contributors
(more to be added when confirmed!)
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Cassie Bingham
Director at UVU Center for Social Impact
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Chris Corrigan
Process Artist, Teacher, and Facilitator
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Daniela Papi-Thornton
SCEU Catalyst
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Ian Sanderson
Complexity Education & Consultant
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Jenny Gillett
Senior Expert in Innovation Education, International Baccalaureate
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Kesho Scott
Diversity Trainer/Consultant & Associate Professor of American Studies and Sociology, Grinnell College
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Linda Booth Sweeney
Systems Author, Strategist, and Educator
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Sheri Marlin
Executive Director, the Waters Center
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Susan Sannings
Associate Dean and Executive Director of Civic Education and Innovation, Grinnell College
The first 20 registrants to Beyond Linear will receive a free hard copy of the Waters Center for Systems Thinking publication The Systems Thinking Facilitator's Toolkit, presented in-person at the gathering!
Costs & Logistics
Beyond Linear will be hosted at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business (800 W. Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30308).
Registration for Beyond Linear includes breakfast, lunch, & an evening reception on March 11 and breakfast & lunch on March 12.
For those who opt-in to attend the March 10th evening site visit, bus transportation to the site and a catered dinner will be provided.
Registration Fees
Registration for March 11 (full day) & March 12 (morning): $600
Optional add-on:
Evening of March 10th - garden visit & dinner: $250
Accommodations
Attendees will be responsible for their accommodations and transportation. The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is a close and convenient option - more information to come about booking rooms in our hotel block for those who are interested!
Would you like to register a group of your colleagues?
Are you interested in providing sponsorship at the event?
Do you have an idea or suggestion for us?
Please send us an email at info@sceunetwork.com!
Cancellation Terms:
If your registration is cancelled before January 1, 2027, your full registration fees will be returned to you less a $50 processing fee. If your registration is cancelled between Jan 2 and February 11, half of your registration fees will be returned to you. Cancellations received after February 11, 2027 are non-refundable, although you can always transfer your ticket to a colleague who is equally interested in this work.