WORLD | Introducing OmbudsLinked

OmbudsLinked is a LinkedIn discussion group established in October 2021. It is an independent forum, not affiliated with any Ombudsman associations, with the aim of creating space for all types of practicing Ombudsman regardless of model, sector, standards of practice, etc. to congregate, network, share information and ideas, build camaraderie, and unite the profession.

OmbudsLinked is a closed group, which is intended to allow members to speak freely without judgment or scrutiny of individuals outside the Ombudsman profession. Accordingly, members must be invited by a member or request to join. The group administrators – Caroline Adams, Rob Behrens, Elizabeth Hill, and Jennifer Mahony – monitor the requests to join and each week they offer the following:

• Provocation Tuesday – weekly post to think more deeply about how we work and how that changes depending on what we do and where we do it.
  
  
• Reflection Thursday – a weekly reflection prompt to help us share our experiences and insights about the ombudsman Life.
  
  
• Funny Friday – jokes, cartoons, and anecdotes about the Ombudsman life.

OmbudsLinked group members are encouraged to:

• Engage with the posts and share their own! This might include posting articles of interest, questions, polls, events, job postings, etc. Whatever is on their mind.
  
  
• Invite other practicing Ombudsman in their LinkedIn network to join!
  
  
• Attend gatherings and offer ideas for group gatherings! We aim to host monthly get-togethers to discuss specific topics, socialize, play games and have some fun. So far, we have hosted a winter holiday trivia hour and social hour to welcome the new year.  

Interested Ombudsman may request to join OmbudsLinked here.

On Twitter? You and others are invited to follow us @OmbudsLinked

The group also seeks a classical and advocate Ombudsman to help moderate OmbudsLinked. This requires posting three times per week every five or six weeks and hosting up to three one-hour social events each year. If you or someone you know is interested or has any further questions, please contact Elisabeth Hill.

Source: Elisabetz Hill, J.D., Associate Director, Ombuds Office, Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner, University of Colorado Boulder