For WordCamp Philly this year, we are privileged to have Marc Coleman deliver the keynote talk. In the first talk of the day, Marc will present on the risks and rewards of community.

About the Keynote

“When it’s better for everyone, it’s better for everyone.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

In advance of his talk, Marc has shared with us a few notes to enable us to inform attendees what they can expect in his keynote address. The following points are drawn from those notes.

Whether based on place, purpose, principles, or software, any community is only as strong as the interactions amongst its members. Marc’s talk will touch on the the power of diverse perspectives and offers some actionable parameters for supporting empathetic dialogue.

Communities by definition are diverse. Dialog among those with different perspectives has the potential for great friction. Celebrating those diverse perspectives is the key to a stronger community.

All of our worlds are interconnected, like a big sociological Venn diagram. The rich with the poor, people of all faiths and people of none. Those with deep experience and those just getting their feet wet.

Communities based on non-empathy are meant to divide. In communities with empathy, everyone can be included.

About Marc Coleman

Marc Coleman is the founder, chief executive officer and president of The Tactile Group — a Philadelphia-based application development and web design agency. With a diverse staff of 13 in 2017, the firm’s mission states “Designed to give a damn, we actively seek work whose goal is to improve the quality of life for all people.” The company’s clients include the U.S. Department of Education, the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, PGW, and the City of Boston.