Do we have an old tradition to find the next OSonOS host?

[Harrison Owen]

At 10:41 AM 6/20/2003 +0200, you wrote:

>Dear Open Space Friends!
>
>During the last days, reading some postings, it sounds a bit for me,  that
>India is already fixed as the next OSonOS country. Perhaps I missed or
>misunderstood something.
>
>I am a little bit confused, because I thought that all participants are
>integrated in finding or suggesting next hosts during the annual colleague
>exchange. I remember the procudure of raising suggestions as an agenda
>topic or as a suggestion during the closing circle. I like the idea to go
>to India, but I also remember older discussions about Portugal, Haiti,
>Turkey and Africa. What do experienced "OS Oldies" think, and any ideas
>regarding this point from new colleagues?

The process is an incredibly complex one. Like many associations and
institutions we have dozens of committee meetings, consensus sessions,
large amounts of politicing, and always start planning for the annual do at
least five years in advance, with multiple site visits prior to selection
of venue.

And if you believe that one, I will tell you another. This one rather more
factual.

Somebody invites us, and we come. And if two people (places) extend an
invitation, we go to the first place first, and the second place second.
Following this ancient tradition, we have pretty well worked our way around
the world. It is true that in Berlin we had some discussion -- but it
remained true that somebody invited us (Chris and Laurel) and we came. Last
year in OZ, Thomas made an offer, as also did several wonderful folks from
India. I haven't heard from them recently, so they may have had a change of
heart. That does happen. Anyhow, we are going to Swenmark. So where next? I
would guess that if India is still on, we head there, and if something has
changed, doubtless there will be some wonderful person(s) extending an
invitation (or not).

One thing to be kept in mind is that creating the space for OSONOS involves
no small amount of effort in addition to endless amounts of fun. And if it
ain't fun, we don't do it. Since there is no OS core staff, Organizational
Budget, etc.--  whoever extends the invitation  has to be prepared to carry
the load. Typically, that load becomes much lighter when shared, so having
something of an OS community in place there (wherever there is) is more
than useful, as I am sure all previous hosts(esses) can attest. And
certainly as the convener of the original series of OSONOSs -- I know it
takes more than wishful thinking to pull it off.  This means among other
things -- that even though the Fiji Islands might be a wonderful place, we
are a little short on the Space-nics on site.

Other considerations are easy access by air with economic fares available,
comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price etc, etc, etc.

ho












Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854 USA
phone 301-365-2093
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhowen/index.htm

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