Introduction

[Larry Peterson]

 "Strategic Plan
>for the Poor" .  It is also possible to do Strategic Plan With the "Poor".
Mainstream Access in St. Catherines, Ontario has been using Open Space for 3
years to set the staffing agenda for its outreach centre. I led the first
event with 80 participants, 60 of them "clients" who are diagnosed as
disabled or developmentally delayed. Some with real physical disabilities
and others with real mental challenges. With some before hand coaching and
preparation, they set the agenda and ensured reports (with some assistance)
were written. It worked so well that that the organization now does it
quarterly (at least) and the staff set their agenda based on what emerges
from the community. I learned just recently that one person who had not
talked in 5 years, said his first words putting up his topic -- this is true.

I have also led Open Space events with the homeless and those who work with
them. It worked well. There have been a number of successful Open Space
events within and between hospitals in Toronto. One that engaged
conversations with potential patients who are poor would be exciting.