OS for small group

[BJ Peters]

Betty-- Some of us on this list use a combination of Appreciative Inquiry and
Open Space in our work. I do that often and have found it to be quite
effective.  Group size and several things you said about the state of flux
strongly brought forth in me the thought of the AI/OS possibility. If you are
interested in further discussion, feel free to contact me off the list. In
harmony --BJ

Betty Didcoct wrote:

> For the past 6 years, I have been facilitating the semi-annual, six day
> board meetings for an international non=profit group. For the meeting
> coming up, I have been asked to do more of a reatreat format. We probably
> have about 3 days we can devote to "retreat" type activities, interspersed
> (or could be contiguous) any time during the six days.
>
> The group is an international membership non-profit organization - the
> professional group for teachers and practitioners of a healing/spiritual
> practice. (The Reiki Alliance if you are interested)
>
> The group is about 15-18 years old and in the past 5 years has blossomed in
> membership to about 800 people from all around the world. They are used to
> handling topics which take lots of deep consideration.
>
> At their annual week-long international conference in April, I facilitated
> an open space for the participants (about 175) part of the time. (I could
> only get 3 one hour sessions, but we were able to spill over into some free
> time)  So the board members are somewhat familiar with the process.
>
> My question is this - there are only 5 board members (plus one exec
> director,and  one newsletter editor.) My experience facilitating about 7-8
> OS has been with groups of 100-250 and all in the context of
> conferences/gatherings. I am having trouble envisioning how the process
> would be productive for such a small number.
>
> The organization is in flux and needs to change. The original director has
> retired. Many of the "older" members are stepping back from many years of
> taking volunteer leadership roles. Regional organizations (some affiliated
> and some not) are becoming more developed. Membership criteria is being
> questioned. There is a feeling that something new is afoot (maybe even the
> dissolution of the organization,) but no one can quite grab the essence of
> it.
>
> Any hints from the pros out there who have used Open Space with small groups?
>
> Thanks
>
> -Betty
>
> _________________________________________________________________
>  Betty Didcoct              TIES Consulting
>    betty at ic.org               Building TIES between people to
>    phone:   360-221-3064      facilitate better meetings &
>    fax:     360-221-7828      healthier organizations
> __________________________________________________________________
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