Help in planning an approach to an organization with great value differences

[Jack Ricchiuto]

Bob,

I just finished a very successful process helping a large faith based non-profit service organization here in Cleveland (Ohio) tackle the question of what it means to govern and strategize as a faith based provider to a very diverse community. The heart of the process was Open Space and it raised an unprecedented level of consensus in the organization. I can't say that I did anything unusually different than the hundreds of times I've done Open Space; the process speaks for itself. 

There is no virtue in fretting over results ahead of time and less virtue in making thing more complicated than they need to be. The important work was helping the planning decision makers connect with their passion for inclusion and creativity. Once again, faith in open space does its magic.

jack

_/\_
jack ricchiuto
www.designinglife.com
two.one.six.three.seven.three.seven.four.seven.five


------------Original Message------------
From: Bob Sullens <wwsully at pacbell.net>
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Date: Wed, Nov-10-2004 5:42 PM
Subject: Help in planning an approach to an organization with great value differences
Greetings,

I have been asked to work with an area organization of a mainline protestant denomination to develop a strategic plan.   The organization consists of 70-80 clergy and lay members responsible for a specific geographic area in California.  

The group has had a history of intergroup conflict based on liberal vs. conservative(evangelical) approaches to scripture, doctrine, human sexuality, peace work and social justice issues.

In the last year they had a facilitated reconciliation conference, that appears to have improved the interpersonal relationships.  Their goal now is to develop a strategic plan that they can agree on.

Any suggestions about how best to approach this task would be appreciated.  I was think that a standard open space approach would work well.  Other possibilities are a Future Search Conference or an appreciative inquiry approach. 

Thanks,
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