Democracy and Open Space

[J. Richardson]

Peggy Wrote:
It has been my belief for years that voting sets up a dynamic of taking
people from an experience in another way of organizing back into the
familiar.

Peggy and all -- my experience is similar.  I observe the energy of the
group and the room change when moving to voting.  The high energy often
turns into almost a suspension of energy.  My perception might be that
people are moving back into the "same old thing" and are disappointed -- at
this point, I am still watching.  And then there is Michael H's
non-convergence!!

The points on democracy are well taken.  And in the midst of the OST event,
self-governance can be evident -- and what about after the event when
actions are not fulfilled?  I know, I know whatever happens is the only
thing.....
<grin>

Judi

----- Original Message -----
From: Peggy Holman <peggy at opencirclecompany.com>
To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 7:27 PM
Subject: Re: Democracy and Open Space


> >From Michael M Pannwitz:
>
> > Dear Kerry,
> > why vote?
>
> Ah, Michael, what a wonderful question!  Why indeed?  I cheer to hear you
> say:
>
> >...regard the result of the prioritisation (or consolidation) only as
> additional information about their system and not as the main basis for
> direct >action. Proposals for actions are invited after reading the
> proceedings or after the reading and prioritisation (or consolidation).
>
> It has been my belief for years that voting sets up a dynamic of taking
> people from an experience in another way of organizing back into the
> familiar.  While it may make the trip home safer, it misses an opportunity
> for experiencing a whole shift in thinking about how decisions are made.
>
> Open Space invites alignment.  It is not about consensus or majority rule
> but rather about passionate, responsible action that is informed by
> individual passion and responsibility coupled with an immersion into a
> collective inquiry that seems to create a greater sense of interdependence
> and alignment, even at times, collective consciousness.  I can act alone
or
> with others who are attracted to my proposal.  I don't need permission.
> While this sounds like it could really get out of control, there does seem
> to be some sort of self-correcting force at work.
>
> I find stories hard to come by, perhaps in part because butterfly
> conversations  may be a common place that someone lets go of an idea that
> may be well intentioned but not productive.
>
>
> Michael Pannwitz said:
> > I keep reminding myself that open space is an action and planning
> > methodology and a window opener to the open space nature of all
> > organisations and not a process of "democracy" (see Birgitts note on
> > democracy).
>
> I wonder if Open Space is a powerful expression of democracy?  Open Space
is
> grounded in passion and responsibility.  I remember being taught that
> democracy is about freedom and responsibility.  The first of the
definitions
> from Birgitt (thank for them) is "government by the people, either
directly
> or through elected representatives."  In ongoing Open Space, is not taking
> responsible action on that which someone cares about in the context of a
> purpose and givens that interconnect participants an act of
self-governance?
> >
>
> Peggy
>
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