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Did you know that 1 in 7 people will need a blood transfusion, but only 1 in 20 people donate? Join Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (https://www.giveblood.org/donate/prepare-for-your-donation/) for an on-campus blood drive and help support patients in our region. Each donation can help save up to three lives.  Donors are eligible to receive a free T-shirt and A1c testing. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit the Living Well program schedule (https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=856524&stype=-8&sTG=38&sVT=2295&sView=day&sLoc=0&sTrn=100000094&date=04/21/26) to save your spot. Review our Terms & Conditions for participating in our offerings: https://livingwell.tamu.edu/terms-conditions/. (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/terms-conditions/)

This four-hour course helps participants build confidence and skill in handling difficult conversations at work. The session introduces a structured approach for understanding the nature of challenging discussions and walks through seven stages for managing them effectively.​ Participants learn how empathy, preparation and clear communication can reduce defensiveness, strengthen working relationships and keep conversations focused on solutions. Interactive activities and realistic scenarios provide opportunities to practice key skills in a supportive learning environment.​ By the end of the course, participants are better equipped to prepare for difficult conversations, apply best practices and close discussions with clear next steps.Register via TrainTraq by April 16th. If the registration deadline has passed or the date for this section does not work for you, visit the Course Details (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/CourseDetails.aspx?cnum=2114894) page and select the Upcoming Sections tab to view additional options. Participants will receive a Zoom link after registration. For more information, contact Organizational Development at orgdev@tamu.edu (mailto:orgdev@tamu.edu).

This month's Common Grounds Speaker Series features J. J. Macias, Training Manager, Organizational Development. This will be a one-hour presentation before the USC Meeting. The series can be attended in person at the General Services Complex in Room 101A or via Zoom. Feedback doesn't have to feel awkward or stressful. We'll talk about how mindset and emotional intelligence shape the way feedback is shared and received, especially during challenging conversations, and we'll share simple strategies you can use right away. At a world‑class university like Texas A&M, learning from one another is essential. Join us to build feedback skills that support continuous learning, professional growth, and positive change across your unit.J. J. Macias serves as Training Manager within Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness at Texas A&M University. In this role, he advances the university's staff development vision by facilitating the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic training programs. He works closely with staff to promote continuous process improvement and organizational growth. J. J. has dedicated his entire career to Texas A&M, previously serving as a Learning and Organization Development Consultant and a Security & Training Associate. His professional background includes expertise in training delivery, facilitation, performance management systems, and instructional design. He maintains a particular focus on impactful leadership initiatives, notably contributing to the nationally recognized, Association for Talent Development award-winning leadership program.