Robert's in the midst of Open Space

[Nancy Weatherhead]

Hi Justin,

 

I have been a part of OST events where a form of 'voting' or convergence has
been a part of the process. once all topics are in, then those present are
invited to prioritize those things that are most urgent to be moved forward.
This is slightly different from a process where you are voting for a
specific purpose.  I agree with Chris that the two processes are very
different.  The time frame is also very tight.  I would hesitate in
including a vote in Open Space. this would most like have the opposite
effect to your desire to talk about local issues and get support for various
projects which, as you have noted, is ideal for Open Space.

 

I too am curious to see what others may think and what you might come up
with.

 

Thanks,

Nancy

 

  _____  

From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Chris
Corrigan
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2006 7:26 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Robert's in the midst of Open Space

 

You could use Open Space to open space on the decisions that need to be
made, to harvest some deeper wisdom about what your group might do.  Then
you could sit in a council circle  as the closing circle, and have the
proposals deliberated upon using a wisdom council sort of model, either
formally or informally constituted.  After the meeting is over, I'd be
surprised if you felt it was necessary to take a vote, but if you needed to
for legal reasons, you could do it then. 

But honestly, Open Space Technology and Robert's Rules of Order are just
about the opposite ends of the spectrum of meeting methods.  Keep us posted
on this detente of process!

Chris

On 11/9/06, Justin T. Sampson <justin at krasama.com> wrote:

Howdy,

I'm planning to use Open Space for a small meeting on Saturday. I
described the context a while ago and got some great advice on
using OST for small groups. Some major points I remember are to
(1) trust the group and (2) get rid of the tables. :) 

I have a more specific question now, pertaining to how the
organization operates formally. This meeting is the monthly
meeting of a local (city-wide) political party, usually a friendly
but somewhat dull Robert's Rules style (I serve as chair). The 
main purpose of these meetings, in my mind at least, is to bring
together activists to talk about local issues and get ideas and
support for various projects, which OST is perfect for.

However, another important function of the meetings is to make 
formal decisions as an organization, such as passing resolutions,
electing officers, or approving budgets. For these things we are
required by our bylaws to take a vote of the members present. Do
any of you have stories or ideas to share about effectively 
calling for a formal vote on some proposal in the midst of Open
Space festivities? Should I just schedule an abbreviated Robert's
meeting after or before the Open Space portion of the meeting, or
can I safely hold a Robert's meeting as just another Open Space 
session?

The whole meeting is very short, 2-3 hours. We would likely have
only a couple, if any, formal motions to consider. But I want to
make sure I have some answer when it comes up!

Cheers,
Justin

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-- 
CHRIS CORRIGAN 
Consultation - Facilitation
Open Space Technology


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