Dear Agile Community,
It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of unease that I pen this open letter today. Our community, which has long championed values of people-centricity, inclusivity, respect, and mutual support, now finds itself at a critical juncture. The decision to proceed with Agile 2023 in Florida—a state whose leadership has shown an increasing disregard for the values we uphold—has stirred a deep sense of disappointment in me.
In our collective quest to become truly Agile, we have always sought to eliminate harmful language, foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, and discard outmoded models of scientific management. We have prided ourselves on our commitment to put people before processes and products—a commitment we've woven into the fabric of our practices, principles, and cultural ethos.
However, the decision to host this year's conference in Florida sends a message that runs counter to these values. By embracing a location increasingly known for its hostility towards a diverse range of individuals, we risk alienating those we claim to support and inadvertently undermine the very principles that underpin our community.
Writing this letter has been a profoundly challenging exercise. Over the past weeks and months, I've grappled with my thoughts, fears, and the potential backlash that might ensue. However, the deafening silence from our community on this issue has become too pressing to ignore. The absence of this crucial conversation in public spaces feels like an uncomfortable sidestep—a concerning shift from our people-focused ethos towards an undue emphasis on 'productivity' and 'delivery.'
The disconcerting reality is, I now find myself questioning the authenticity of our community's commitment to inclusivity and respect. Witnessing colleagues, friends, and respected figures from our community sharing cheerful pictures and experiences from Florida, has led me to ask: Are we being genuine in our dedication to Agile principles, or are we losing sight of our moral compass?
By proceeding with Agile 2023 in Florida, we send a worrying signal. Are we implicitly accepting the discrimination perpetuated by the state's leadership? As self-proclaimed principled Agilists, should we not be standing against such injustices instead of acquiescing for the sake of self-promotion or convenience?
Let me clarify, this isn't about politics—it's about standing up for what's right. It's about using our collective influence to counter bigotry and uphold the principles of inclusivity and justice. It's about truly living our Agile values of prioritizing people over profits.
So, I implore each member of our community to pause, reflect, and question the decision to attend Agile 2023. Is it truly in alignment with your values? Are we collectively being the human-centered, respectful community we claim to be? Or are we, perhaps unknowingly, veering off our path?
As we look forward to another year of agility, growth, and innovation, let's make sure we're also keeping sight of our core values and principles. Our actions speak louder than our words, and it's time we reassess our actions in the light of the values we hold dear.
#Agile2023 #PrincipledAgilists #PeopleBeforeProfits #StandForJustice #Reflections
Yours sincerely,
Ed Schaefer