An inquiry

[Chris Corrigan]

Okay...here is the description of OS...What I love about this is that it
was written by the sponsor...all of the following came true by the
way...

CJC




Some Basic Information about the Open Space Process


What is Open Space?
Open Space is a “meeting technology” which draws on some very old
principles: inclusivity, passion, responsibility, working together and
respect.  It encourages action rather than endless discussion and
leadership rather than blame.

We use this form of meeting because we are looking for answers from
around the room.  We are looking for people in the community who are
willing to collaborate with others, have ideas to share and, most
important, are prepared to commit to act.

Open Space is not for everyone.  It is for those who are passionate
about the problems facing urban Aboriginal people in the Vancouver area
and who want to take responsibility for solving those problems.

Where’s the agenda?
The agenda will be created in the morning, around a circle.  It will be
driven by what people want to talk about and it will provide the time
needed for ideas to be expressed on the actual issues that matter to the
people in the room.  There will be no Keynote Speakers, no long drawn
out Panel Discussions, no Expert Reports, no Power Point
presentations
.we promise!  If you have issues, bring them.  If you have
recommendations, bring them.  If you have solutions, bring them with
you.  If you are ready to contribute to the efforts of others, come with
your sleeves rolled up.  There will be a lot of work to do.

The work will take place in dialogue groups convened by anyone who
wishes to step forward and identify an issue, a problem, an area of
concern or potential.  The groups will be composed of individuals who
have a shared interest in the issue.  Some groups will be small, others
will be larger.  Some may grow in size, others may shrink in size.

Who will follow up on our recommendations?
We all will.  Following the meeting, the Planning Committee will review
all of the solutions generated by the meeting and work at bringing
together the people who have the capacity to make each one happen.  They
will organize and publish the issues, recommendations and solutions from
the discussions in Open Space and they will follow up on the commitments
made in Open Space, with the people who made the commitments.

 Who will make the Urban Aboriginal Forum a success?
 We all will.  The CEO of an important corporation may work in a
dialogue group with a street worker, a Cabinet Minister, a single mom
and maybe, a former drug dealer.  They will share a common interest in
working together on an important issue.  They will offer each other
their ideas and solutions.  Some may move to another group.  Others may
arrive and pitch in.  They may finish their work in an hour or stay
together for the entire day and agree to meet for breakfast the next
day!  They will make a difference and they will make the Urban
Aboriginal Forum a success.


--
CHRIS CORRIGAN
108-1035 Pacific Street
Vancouver BC
V6E 4G7

Phone: 604.683.3080
Fax: 604.683.3036

(GO LEAFS GO!)