Fw: What could be left out |
Harrison Owen
hhowen at comcast.net
Wed Jul 14 04:27:07 PDT 2004
Went to the wrong place??
ho
----- Original Message -----
From: "Harrison Owen" <hhowen at comcast.net>
To: "Malcolm Best" <malcolm.best at alum.mit.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: What could be left out |
> Malcolm Wrote: What are the key activities and non-activities that I can
> engage in to facilitate
> emergence of a higher order of creativity in a group?
>
> If we take the common experience in Open Space as our guide -- then the
> answer to your (very good!) question might be -- Provide focus (presence),
> direction in the sense of suggesting a way forward, but not giving the
> detailed steps -- and plenty of space (psychological, mental, and even
> physical) for the group to move around in. And if you were to combine
these
> thoughts with the parting shot from Zelle about an "invitation" offered
> repetatively -- we really might have something. When I think back on the
> times when the time was short, and the stakes were high -- and a Leader
> steped forward, he/she never appeared with "the plan" -- but rather with
an
> invitation, presence, direction, and lots of space to work things out in.
I
> guess I would add: Continuing Presence. This was not a one time shot, see
> you in the mroning sort of thing -- but a real presence. I (he/she) am
> there. With you. All the way.
>
> Harrison
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Malcolm Best" <malcolm.best at alum.mit.edu>
> To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 11:30 AM
> Subject: What could be left out |
>
>
> > I am intrigued by the question about what could be left out.
> >
> > Lately I am coming to believe that our "salvation" and a path to
> sustainable
> > living in the world will come from the emergent properties, including
> > intelligence and collaborative learning, in certain kinds of groups. My
> > avid interest is to discover what allows a group, at a particular time
and
> > in a particular context, to self organize and exhibit intelligence much
> > higher than any member, while other groups turn into dumb mobs. What
are
> > the key activities and non-activities that I can engage in to facilitate
> > emergence of a higher order of creativity in a group?
> >
> > Kevin Kelly ("Out of Control") listed 4 characteristics of what he
called
> > "swarm systems":
> >
> > The absence of imposed centralized control
> > The autonomous nature of subunits
> > The high connectivity between subunits
> > The webby nonlinear causality of peers influencing peers
> >
> > This last one relates to 'Whatever happens is the only thing that
> could." -
> > permission to influence and be influenced because there's no way of
> avoiding
> > that anyway.
> >
> > Howard Rheingold ("Smart Mobs") quotes Michael Suk-Young Chwe on public
> > rituals (like an Open Space opening):' "Public rituals are social
> practices
> > that generate common knowledge", which enables groups to solve
> coordination
> > problems'.
> >
> > Instinctive (as in "selected for during evolution") drives that hold
> > individuals back or channel them into irrelevant noise, dumb groups
down.
> > For example when I ask myself "when should I contribute?" (status,
> > reputation, credibility), "who is free riding?" (it's all a free ride),
> and
> > "should that be sanctioned?" (two feet) - these are settled with maximum
> > trust and minimum friction in the Open Space framework.
> >
> > Thanks to everyone for marvelous writings in this list.
> > Malcolm Best
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Automatic digest processor" <LISTSERV at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
> > To: "Recipients of OSLIST digests" <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
> > Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 11:00 PM
> > Subject: OSLIST Digest - 11 Jul 2004 to 12 Jul 2004 (#2004-188)
> >
> >
> > > There are 3 messages totalling 782 lines in this issue.
> > >
> > > Topics of the day:
> > >
> > > 1. OSLIST Digest - 10 Jul 2004 to 11 Jul 2004 (#2004-187) (2)
> > > 2. the dark side of circle practices -- and related themes
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 15:15:44 +0200
> > > From: "Pannwitz, Michael M" <mmpanne at boscop.de>
> > > Subject: Re: OSLIST Digest - 10 Jul 2004 to 11 Jul 2004 (#2004-187)
> > >
> > > Dear Ralph,
> > > how do you usually explain it?
> > > (one part in my explanation is to quote a couple of old German
> > > sayings, one of which translates to: If the dog would not have taken
> > > a shit he would have caught the rabbit...German: Wenn der Hund nicht
> > > geschissen hätte, hät er den Has gefangen)
> > > (The other one goes "Wenn das Wörtchen wenn nicht wär, wär mein Vater
> > > Millionär" which roughly goes like. If it were not for the word if my
> > > father would be rich)
> > >
> > > You can easily see that I would certainly not leave this one off
> > > because there is usually a boistrous chuckle...
> > >
> > > As far as Harrisson losing his mind is concerned: there is definitely
> > > space in open space for losing your mind (or other things)...in the
> > > most recent os I facilitated just a week ago under the heading of
> > > "Adventure growing old...and that in a foreign homeland" one issue
> > > was "Be crazy" which definitely drew the largest crowd.
> > > Greetings from Berlin
> > > mmp
> > >
> > > On Mon, 12 Jul 2004 08:54:54 -0400, Ralph Copleman wrote:
> > >
> > > >So, what can we do without?
> > > >
> > > >I've been thinking maybe next time I'll leave out ,"Whatever happens
is
> > the
> > > >only thing that could."
> > > >
> > > >Not because it isn't true, but because I have never explained it in a
> way
> > I
> > > >myself clearly understand. We're talking maybe 200 times here - and
I
> > never
> > > >seem to nail it. (On the other hand, nobody ever asks me to explain
it
> > > >further, so maybe I do nail it.)
> > > >
> > > >Or maybe I'll post it on the wall with the other three, as I always
do,
> > and
> > > >then not mention any of them specifically - just say there's a list
of
> > > >guidelines one can use if one wishes.
> > > >
> > > >I don't know. What do you think?
> > > >
> > > >And Harrison, yes, you've definitely lost your mind. But please
don't
> go
> > > >looking for it.
> > > >
> > > >Ralph Copleman
> > > >
> > > >*
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Michael M Pannwitz
> > > boscop
> > > Draisweg 1
> > > 12209 Berlin, Germany
> > > FON +49 - 30-772 8000 FAX +49 - 30-773 92 464
> > >
> > > Informationen zu open space und future search:
> > > www.michaelmpannwitz.de
> > >
> > > 123 Berliner open space-Veranstaltungen von 12 BegleiterInnen in 16
> > verschiedenen Bereichen:
> > > www.openspace-landschaft.de
> > >
> > > An der E-Gruppe "openspacedeutsch" interessiert? Enfach eine mail an
> mich.
> > >
> > > *
> > > *
> > > ==========================================================
> > >
> > > Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 18:25:41 -0400
> > > From: Zelle Nelson <zelle at knowplacelikehome.com>
> > > Subject: Re: the dark side of circle practices -- and related themes
> > >
> > >
> > > some thoughts on our role as facilitator...
> > >
> > > Harrison Owen wrote:
> > >
> > > >...And what about all those other great experiments -- Dialogue,
> > Appreciative
> > > >Inquiry, Community Building, and I suppose "Circle practices"
(although
> I
> > am
> > > >not quite sure what they are)? Speaking just for my self -- I must
say
> > that
> > > >each of these have been profound teachers. From the practitioners of
> > > >Dialogue I have learned what intense and productive communication can
> be
> > > >like. From Appreciative Inquiry I have learned the incredible power
of
> a
> > > >positive, appreciate approach to my fellow human beings. And from
Scott
> > Peck
> > > >and Co. I have learned much about the nature and function of
effective
> > human
> > > >community. Each of these has opened my eyes, sharpened my attention,
> and
> > > >raised my expectations in terms of what and how we can function at
> > optimal
> > > >levels both individually and collectively. But my deepest learning
> occurs
> > > >when with open sharpened, eyes I see exactly the same things
happening
> > in
> > > >Open Space -- all by themselves, and all without the overt
intervention
> > of
> > > >some prescribed, facilitated process. I find my emerging conclusion
to
> be
> > > >basically mind-blowing -- although some may take it to mean that I
have
> > > >blown (lost) my mind. It seems to me that genuine dialogue, deep
> > > >appreciation of difference, and the manifestation of real community
are
> > all
> > > >the natural concomitants of any fully functional self-organizing
> system.
> > If
> > > >this is true, the real focus should be on enabling/allowing the
> > > >self-organizing system (which we all are) to do what it alone can
do --
> > > >rather than trying to "fix" apparent and real problems encountered
> along
> > the
> > > >way with special interventions and added processes, as fascinating as
> > those
> > > >processes and interventions might be. As I said, Don't fix it if it
> ain't
> > > >broke -- just make sure that "it" (good old self organizing system)
has
> > > >plenty of time and space in which to breath.
> > > >
> > > >Harrison
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > Zelle writes:
> > >
> > > I'm oscillating between two prime pillars: 1) Learning and adopting
> > > tools (Appreciative Inquiry, Dialog, etc.) to help us interact
> > > ultimately in a state of grace*** 2) Living, being, experiencing as
our
> > > path to learning and as a way of life.
> > >
> > > ***sidebar*** Living in a State of Grace means coming from a place
where
> > > peace is our ultimate goal in any relationship rather than striving to
> > > keep the status quo of a relationship at any cost. When we hold onto
our
> > > idea of a relationship at any cost we are coming from a place of
fear -
> > > fear of loss, fear of pain - Living in a State of Grace does not mean
we
> > > hold the relationship as a sacred cow, but rather we hold the people
> > > involved as sacred. I never want to see you walking down the street
and
> > > feel I need to cross over to the other side to avoid talking to you,
> > > whether we agree on certain issues or not. To learn more about how to
> > > more fully live in a State of Grace visit
> www.stateofgracedocument.com***
> > >
> > > The way of being I hold is a paradox. In Open Space I can use the
tools
> > > I've learned towards better relationships with others and myself. And
I
> > > can practice being in Open Space, living as the waves and tides of my
> > > internal and external world compel me to move, act, speak, listen, and
> > > be. I seek to live by the principles of Open Space, since I see the
act
> > > of formally opening space as an acknowledgment of what is already out
> > > there to be lived. I need neither skills nor advanced training to take
> > > responsibility for myself and my passions, yet in my experience, I
more
> > > richly engage in bountiful relationships when I utilize skills and
tools
> > > which I have been taught or have created to facilitate living the
> > > reality of responsibility and passion.
> > >
> > > To address what Harrison wrote:
> > >
> > > "It seems to me that genuine dialogue, deep
> > > appreciation of difference, and the manifestation of real community
are
> > all
> > > the natural concomitants of any fully functional self-organizing
system.
> > If
> > > this is true, the real focus should be on enabling/allowing the
> > > self-organizing system (which we all are) to do what it alone can
do --
> > > rather than trying to "fix" apparent and real problems encountered
along
> > the
> > > way with special interventions and added processes, as fascinating as
> > those
> > > processes and interventions might be."
> > >
> > > Having learned many skills and tools which enable me to better know
how
> > > I wish to be in relationship with others has greatly enhanced my
ability
> > > to act and move within a "formally" - being in circle, stating the law
> > > and principles, creating a marketplace of ideas - opened space. I am
> > > more "fully functional" within a "self-organizing system" because of
the
> > > tools I have learned. Leaving space open for others to learn
techniques
> > > within the bounds of a "formally" opened space, in my experience, can
be
> > > beneficial. Our challenge as facilitators of Open Space is to know
when
> > > to hold um and know when to fold um - know when to offer aid in
> > > facilitating dynamically changing relationships and when to simply
hold
> > > space for each individual to find their own way and their own
learning.
> > > As I've seen from posts here and heard from discussions with
colleagues
> > > the ultimate path to knowing when to do what comes full circle back to
> > > following our passion and our responsibility on an individual basis as
> > > spirit arises.
> > >
> > > When "formally" holding space I like to provide opportunities for
topics
> > > to be posted relevant to facilitating the resolution of the questions
> > > addressed in the invitation, including opportunities for learning
tools
> > > and processes that foster fruitful relationships. These opportunities
> > > must, in my opinion be as voluntary as the other topics which arise.
> > > Often these opportunities are offered outside of the "formally" opened
> > > space and are not a prerequisite of being involved in an Open Space
> event.
> > >
> > > In my experience once I "formally" open space I rarely do anything but
> > > hold space and try to bounce back any attempts to bring me in to
> > > facilitate a discussion, by saying something like, "This part of the
> > > meeting is yours. You have the ability and the responsibility to
follow
> > > your own two feet and solve problems and challenges on your own."
> > > Outside of "formally" opened space I tend to still stay out of trying
to
> > > "teach" something that I "know" unless I am invited to do so.
> > >
> > > In my experience tools and skills which help us to be more fully
present
> > > in dynamic relationships (Appreciative Inquiry, Dialogue, State of
Grace
> > > Documents, Byron Katie's Loving What Is) focus on
> > >
> > > "enabling/allowing the self-organizing system (which we all are) to do
> > what it alone can do"
> > >
> > > Do we need these tools to be and self-organize into active,
responsible,
> > > passionate bodies? - No. Do these tools enable and allow self
organizing
> > > systems to be more fulfilling, fruitful, and rewarding? - In my
> > > experience, Yes. As long as these tools and skills are not "required"
as
> > > a ticket for admission into a seemingly open space.
> > >
> > > With Grace and Love,
> > >
> > > Zelle
> > >
> > > ************
> > > Zelle Nelson
> > > Engaging the Soul at Work/Know Place Like Home/State of Grace Document
> > >
> > > www.stateofgracedocument.com
> > >
> > > zelle at maureenandzelle.com
> > > office - 828.693.0802
> > > mobile - 847.951.7030
> > >
> > > Ravenswood - Isle of Skye
> > > 2021 Greenville Hwy
> > > Flat Rock, NC 28731
> > >
> > > >----- Original Message -----
> > > >From: "Artur Silva" <arturfsilva at yahoo.com>
> > > >To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
> > > >Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 1:00 PM
> > > >Subject: Re: the dark side of circle practices
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >>--- chris macrae <wcbn007 at easynet.co.uk> wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>>The process starts erring to absolute democracy of
> > > >>>everyone must have
> > > >>>equal time contributions to speak at each phase
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>(...) In other
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>>word's the circle's communal harmony ... can
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>co-create such
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>>deep love of nice
> > > >>>behaviours to each other that it misses the biggest
> > > >>>spiral out above our
> > > >>>communal thinking's common denominator
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>That's interesting, Chris.
> > > >>
> > > >>I have been, at times, in situations like that one -
> > > >>circles (or squares) where everyone must "be in
> > > >>place", must "speak in his turn" and must have a "nice
> > > >>behavior".
> > > >>
> > > >>They call this democratic, but in fact it is a
> > > >>dictatorship. In a democracy I can stay silent if I
> > > >>want. When everyone is obliged to speak that is not
> > > >>democratic. This can be a "rules' dictatorship"
> > > >>(created by the rules previously defined,) a "leader's
> > > >>dictatorship" (the leader(s) imposes that everyone
> > > >>must speak), or even a more interesting type - a
> > > >>"majority's dictatorship" (where the rule is created
> > > >>at the moment by the majority).
> > > >>
> > > >>Apart from claiming to be democratic, this type of
> > > >>groups/sessions also claim that they are following
> > > >>"good principles". The two I have heard more often are
> > > >>"appreciation" (like in "appreciative inquiry") and
> > > >>"dialog".
> > > >>
> > > >>Democracy (and Open Space) are made of dialogs AND of
> > > >>discussions. If one suppresses discussion and impose
> > > >>dialog (as in "everyone must be nice to each other and
> > > >>hear the other with appreciation") then there is no
> > > >>democracy and no open space, I think.
> > > >>
> > > >>Apart from the fact that there are some people that I
> > > >>don't want to hear with appreciation (say, Bush, to
> > > >>give only one example) the point is even more strange.
> > > >>"Playing the appreciative game" (an expression I have
> > > >>created just know) is only one form of "playing games"
> > > >>- and that is the essence of Argyris and Schon's Model
> > > >>1.
> > > >>
> > > >>If, in a meeting or organization, one imposes dialog
> > > >>and appreciation, then a close session or organization
> > > >>will come to place.
> > > >>
> > > >>Artur
> > > >>
> > > >>PS: I never heard to call this "circle" and even less
> > > >>Open Space. But I would not be too surprised if some
> > > >>would call that. I have already referred to a
> > > >>respectable group of practitioners of "Communities of
> > > >>Practice", USA based, that not long ago claimed that
> > > >>they had used "Open Space" (OST) in a meeting because:
> > > >>
> > > >>- they assembled in a circle
> > > >>- they gave participants the opportunity to ADD issues
> > > >>to a large group of issues pre-prepared by the
> > > >>organizers
> > > >>- they divided the large group in small groups to
> > > >>discuss those issues (by choice of the organizers, if
> > > >>I recall well - but I recall well that there was no
> > > >>reference to "the law" - people were not expected to
> > > >>leave their group! That would not be considered
> > > >>"appreciative" to the other group members, I
> > > >>suspect...)
> > > >>
> > > >>But don't worry about what some people do "in your
> > > >>name", Harrison. You can always remember what some
> > > >>have done (and are doing) in His name. And at least
> > > >>about you I know that you exists - something I am not
> > > >>prepared to say about the Other...
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>__________________________________
> > > >>Do you Yahoo!?
> > > >>New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages!
> > > >>http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
> > > >>
> > > >>*
> > > >>*
> > > >>==========================================================
> > > >>OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > > >>------------------------------
> > > >>To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > > >>view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > > >>http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> > > >>
> > >
> > >
> > > *
> > > some thoughts on our role as facilitator...<br>
> > > <br>
> > > Harrison Owen wrote:<br>
> > >
> > > <blockquote type="cite"
> > > cite="mid001401c4667b$af6f3d10$dc7dfea9 at holaptop">
> > > <pre wrap="">...And what about all those other great experiments --
> > Dialogue, Appreciative
> > > Inquiry, Community Building, and I suppose "Circle practices"
(although
> I
> > am
> > > not quite sure what they are)? Speaking just for my self -- I must say
> > that
> > > each of these have been profound teachers. From the practitioners of
> > > Dialogue I have learned what intense and productive communication can
be
> > > like. From Appreciative Inquiry I have learned the incredible power of
a
> > > positive, appreciate approach to my fellow human beings. And from
Scott
> > Peck
> > > and Co. I have learned much about the nature and function of effective
> > human
> > > community. Each of these has opened my eyes, sharpened my attention,
and
> > > raised my expectations in terms of what and how we can function at
> optimal
> > > levels both individually and collectively. But my deepest learning
> occurs
> > > when with open sharpened, eyes I see exactly the same things
happening
> in
> > > Open Space -- all by themselves, and all without the overt
intervention
> of
> > > some prescribed, facilitated process. I find my emerging conclusion to
> be
> > > basically mind-blowing -- although some may take it to mean that I
have
> > > blown (lost) my mind. It seems to me that genuine dialogue, deep
> > > appreciation of difference, and the manifestation of real community
are
> > all
> > > the natural concomitants of any fully functional self-organizing
system.
> > If
> > > this is true, the real focus should be on enabling/allowing the
> > > self-organizing system (which we all are) to do what it alone can
do --
> > > rather than trying to "fix" apparent and real problems encountered
along
> > the
> > > way with special interventions and added processes, as fascinating as
> > those
> > > processes and interventions might be. As I said, Don't fix it if it
> ain't
> > > broke -- just make sure that "it" (good old self organizing system)
has
> > > plenty of time and space in which to breath.
> > >
> > > Harrison
> > >
> > >
> >
> > *
> > *
> > ==========================================================
> > OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > ------------------------------
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> > To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
>
*
*
==========================================================
OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
------------------------------
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
>From Thu Jul 15 00:41:15 2004
Message-Id: <THU.15.JUL.2004.004115.0500.>
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 00:41:15 -0500
Reply-To: ted at chicagohumanist.org
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Ted Ernst <ted at chicagohumanist.org>
Subject: Re: [Fwd: The Giving Conference - Chicago - July 9-11]
In-Reply-To: <40A5598D.2040606 at chriscorrigan.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Not sure if anyone's already reported back, but this was an amazing
conference. I'm not sure that I can articulate any more than that at the
moment, but perhaps this message will spark some reflections from MichaelH,
ChrisC, DougG or SusanK who were all in attendance. Hopefully I'll find a
way to add my thoughts along the way as well. One outcome is that I've
started a blog at http://tedernst.blogspot.com Want to come play with me?
:-)
peace,
ted
___
Humanize the Earth! http://www.chicagohumanist.org
> -----Original Message-----
> From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On
> Behalf Of Chris Corrigan
> Sent: Friday, May 14, 2004 6:43 PM
> To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> Subject: Re: [Fwd: The Giving Conference - Chicago - July 9-11]
>
>
> Michael Herman wrote:
>
> > maybe chris will say more now, but
> > either way, we will certainly report back with whatever
> results show
> > up.
>
> Hi folks:
>
> I will say a few things more. This conference is exciting to
> me because it's all about offering what we have to give and
> making connections to direct that effort towards something.
> It certainly has its lineage in the current work going on
> around the world with Practice of Peace, and in fact, it's
> rooted in the very spirit in which Harrison offered OST to all of us.
>
> I'd love to see OST facilitators there because I think we
> bring something very valuable to offer people who are
> motivated to create networks and align resources towards
> action. I have no idea what will come of this conference in
> Chicago, but I am sure that if Open Space is involved, then
> whatever we do will be widely replicable elsewhere. It's
> about finding the most efficient way to get people and
> resources together to get down to work.
>
> You can keep up with some of the thinking behind the
> conference by visiting the weblog of our little movement at
> http://www.gifthub.org
>
> If you can make it to Chicago in July, it'll be great to see
> you and have you join the mix as we explore some seriously
> interesting possibilities.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Chris
>
> --
> CHRIS CORRIGAN
> Bowen Island, BC, Canada
> (604) 947-9236
>
> Consultation - Facilitation
> Open Space Technology
>
> Weblog: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot
> Homepage: http://www.chriscorrigan.com chris at chriscorrigan.com
>
> *
> *
> ==========================================================
> OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> ------------------------------
> To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
>
> To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
>
>
*
*
==========================================================
OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
------------------------------
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
>From Thu Jul 15 07:19:05 2004
Message-Id: <THU.15.JUL.2004.071905.0500.>
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:19:05 -0500
Reply-To: ashcooper at earthlink.net
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Ashley Cooper <ashcooper at earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Fwd: The Giving Conference - Chicago - July 9-11]
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
i'll share my reflections on the giving conference. you can visit
http://ashleycoop.blogspot.com/2004_07_01_ashleycoop_archive.html#1089784875
40767254 to read these same words with all of the appropriate links, or you
can surf on over to the giving conference wiki and play in the proceedings
yourself.
http://www.globalchicago.net/giving/givingwiki.cgi?GivingConferenceWikiHome
a constant joke at the giving conference was amazement at the fact that
people actually showed up, from locations far and near. the joke revolved
around the "why". popular opinion seemed to find the invitation fairly
vague. what made people come? and who were the people that were moved to be
there?
from my perspective, two prominent pieces were the main attractors of this
conference. the theme, opening space for giving to flourish, attracted a
group of people whose visions included the gifts they personally had to
offer and extended beyond themselves to giving for the greater good. the
sessions generated were quite impressive, here's a few of them:
* Social Venture Bank -- how to establish a "social venture bank" that
could provide seed funding and planning support to help new, long-term,
sustainable collaborations get off the ground.
* Better World Project Stories Online Giving Auction Market -- inviting
stories from all kinds of people, networks and communities, with all kinds
of purposes and passions generally aligned with simple principles capturing
the essence of "highest good" and enable them to offer their visions in an
efficient marketplace where they can get the funding and other kinds of
support they need to realize their dreams (large and small) of a better
world.
* Essential Foundations For Sustaining Giving -- What is essential in an
organization/community to encourage and sustain giving and flourishing
* Building Bridges between the Left and the Business and Professional
Communities
* Giving As Meaning/Purpose
* Gift And The Property Of Movement -- If one of the essential properties
of a gift is that it must keep moving, what does this mean or how do we
relate to this?
* Living In Truth
the other attracting component that i noticed was that everyone who showed
up had deep respect and admiration for the person(s) that they knew who had
extended to them the invitation. the power of networks and personal
connections was very evident as this eclectic group mixed with one another,
sharing wisdom, resources, connections, and much more. i continue to be
moved by the possibilities and the increased efficiency of action that is
made possible when the right people are connected with one another.
during one circle, a participant asked, "who are we?" if you're curious
about the priests, educators, facilitators, writers, techies,
philanthropists, inventors, entrepreneurs, activists, financial advisors or
other types that showed up, peruse the list of participants.
as i settle back into being home, it is this question that continues to
echo inside my head: "WHO ARE WE?" i think about all of the people that i
am connected to. i think about all of you who have mentioned the kavanah
post, who are we that choose to be intentional, aware of our actions,
directing our hearts to Spirit, living in truth, sharing our gifts and
passions with ourselves, our neighbors, our communities? a shining network
of truth livers. WHO ARE WE? and how do we continue to connect and unite
with one another so that the ripples of our actions spread wider and deeper
into the hearts of beings all across this planet?
warm regards,
ashley
> [Original Message]
> From: Ted Ernst <ted at chicagohumanist.org>
> To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
> Date: 7/15/2004 12:51:20 AM
> Subject: Re: [Fwd: The Giving Conference - Chicago - July 9-11]
>
> Not sure if anyone's already reported back, but this was an amazing
> conference. I'm not sure that I can articulate any more than that at the
> moment, but perhaps this message will spark some reflections from
MichaelH,
> ChrisC, DougG or SusanK who were all in attendance. Hopefully I'll find a
> way to add my thoughts along the way as well. One outcome is that I've
> started a blog at http://tedernst.blogspot.com Want to come play with me?
> :-)
>
> peace,
> ted
> ___
> Humanize the Earth! http://www.chicagohumanist.org
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On
> > Behalf Of Chris Corrigan
> > Sent: Friday, May 14, 2004 6:43 PM
> > To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > Subject: Re: [Fwd: The Giving Conference - Chicago - July 9-11]
> >
> >
> > Michael Herman wrote:
> >
> > > maybe chris will say more now, but
> > > either way, we will certainly report back with whatever
> > results show
> > > up.
> >
> > Hi folks:
> >
> > I will say a few things more. This conference is exciting to
> > me because it's all about offering what we have to give and
> > making connections to direct that effort towards something.
> > It certainly has its lineage in the current work going on
> > around the world with Practice of Peace, and in fact, it's
> > rooted in the very spirit in which Harrison offered OST to all of us.
> >
> > I'd love to see OST facilitators there because I think we
> > bring something very valuable to offer people who are
> > motivated to create networks and align resources towards
> > action. I have no idea what will come of this conference in
> > Chicago, but I am sure that if Open Space is involved, then
> > whatever we do will be widely replicable elsewhere. It's
> > about finding the most efficient way to get people and
> > resources together to get down to work.
> >
> > You can keep up with some of the thinking behind the
> > conference by visiting the weblog of our little movement at
> > http://www.gifthub.org
> >
> > If you can make it to Chicago in July, it'll be great to see
> > you and have you join the mix as we explore some seriously
> > interesting possibilities.
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Chris
> >
> > --
> > CHRIS CORRIGAN
> > Bowen Island, BC, Canada
> > (604) 947-9236
> >
> > Consultation - Facilitation
> > Open Space Technology
> >
> > Weblog: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot
> > Homepage: http://www.chriscorrigan.com chris at chriscorrigan.com
> >
> > *
> > *
> > ==========================================================
> > OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > ------------------------------
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> > To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
> >
>
> *
> *
> ==========================================================
> OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> ------------------------------
> To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
>
> To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
*
*
==========================================================
OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
------------------------------
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
More information about the OSList
mailing list