Open Space Prep and Follow-up

[Esther Ewing]

Thank you very much Jay. I really appreciate this response.

Esther

At 01:59 PM 11/18/99 -0500, you wrote:
>In a message dated 11/15/99 6:44:08 PM, eewing at inforamp.net writes:
>
><< What kind of up front do you do to prepare groups and organizations to do
>OS?
>Or put another way, what preparation work do you do ahead of the OS to raise
>the chances of success and implementation? >>
>
>My clients often ask me for a brief letter on how to prepare for Open Space.
>Below  is an example of what I would say, when asked.  This would be about
>it.  - J
>
>
>
>Get ready for a whole new way of doing business!
>
>On Wednesday and Thursday, in Steamboat Springs, the CLIENT will gather in
>Open Space to consider the retreat theme:
>
>HOW DO WE USE OUR FOCUS AS A STRATEGIC THINKING ORGANIZATION TO ACTUALLY MEET
>THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES WITH OUR PROGRAMS?
>
>We all know there is more to do, more to be, and more to become.  We can take
>ourselves, our regions, our Foundation, and our society to a whole new level.
>
>
>What is Open Space?
>Open Space is a means of meeting to share critical information in a
>self-organizing fashion.  It is used to mobilize talent around business
>issues in surprising and unpredictable ways.  Open Space is also used (and
>was initially designed) to convene conferences in ways that maximize
>interaction and participation.
>
>The Foundation embraces it now as a simple yet powerful meeting process that
>lets you quickly organize discussion groups about topics you care most deeply
>about, with just those people who share your passions.  This is your chance
>to convene a discussion group on a topic close to your heart!
>
>
>What happens exactly?
>We start the day in a circle.  A facilitator states the theme and some simple
>guidelines.  Participants who wish to convene a discussion group step into
>the circle and announce their topic.  They post it with a time and place.
>Everyone chooses how to spend their time.  There is no other agenda.  We end
>the day in a circle.
>
>
>How do you get ready?
>There is absolutely nothing you must do to prepare for open space.  Just come
>with an open mind, and see what happens.  Your heart will tell you what to do
>next.  You may be inspired to present an issue for discussion, or you may
>not.  You may choose to go to session after session, or you may not.  Instead
>you may find yourself settling into a comfortable spot, and letting people
>come to you.  Or you may walk around the grounds.  You will find your own
>perfect way to experience Open Space.
>
>Of course, many people ruminate on the theme before hand, and prepare a topic
>for presentation, and even materials.  If you are so inspired, go for it!
>And then spread the word!  This is your chance to put your passion out in the
>marketplace of ideas, and find out who else shares it.
>
>See You in Steamboat!
>
>Jay W. Vogt
>
>Jay W. Vogt
>Peoplesworth
>166 Hubbard Street
>Concord, MA 01742-2448 USA
>(978) 371-3134 - Voice
>(978) 287-5431 - Fax
>jaywv at aol.com - Email
>
>
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