Open Space with Bengali Youth

[Ralph Copleman]

Lin,

Relax, I think you have a lot less to be concerned about that you may feel.

1.  How to make young men who may not write in English  feel comfortable
about posting in the market place

If they're uncomfortable writing in English, let them use another language.
Someone else (a translator, a friend) can translate the words into English,
if need be, on the same piece of paper.  They can make their little
announcements in both languages.

2.  Any suggestions on any cultural no nos - I am concerned about
perceptions  of yet another 'outside' coming in to tell them what to do
(which of course is precisely why Open Space)

The concern about "outsiders" has little to do with any cultural issues.
It's a legitimate psycho-social concern for any "system".  If you are
worried about cultural issues, ask the sponsors what to be on the look-out
for.

3.  I do not speak any Bengali - it is likely that most of the young men
will be Muslim - and I want to begin the circle in such a way that it will
be respectful of their religious beliefs.

I don't think not speaking Bengali is a religious issue, and further, I
don't think the way you "begin the circle" is either.  Just because they're
are a bit different from you does not mean how you proceed to open the space
is necessarily offensive in some way.  All of us, I'm convinced, are much
more alike than we are different.

Enjoy.

Ralph Copleman

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