open space Iraq

[Zachary Metz]

Hi folks, 
 
I just wanted to offer a quick but from the heart note about Open Space in Iraq.  Iraq is in the news every single day, and the news is clearly grim and mostly painful. I am here now, in Kirkuk, and we (a team from Columbia University Center for International Conflict Resolution) just finishd two workshops with forty people, both culminating in a one-day Open Space. In August we did one with 20 people, so now at least 60 people have had this experience. 
 
I intend to write all of this up, but I just want to say that all of these OS experiences have been very poweful for all involved. The opportunity to listen and be heard in a safe and creative environment has profound impact here. In the closing, many people spoke of the power of the experience and the new opportunities this raises. Please keep in mind that these OS experiences were happening under armed gaurd, and many participants needed to take serious risks to get to the event. Hope is something that is slowly but surely being drained from these communities and at least I am hopeful that OS has helped keep people hopeful, which is all that we can ask at this moment really.
 
I look forward to seeing some of you in Goa. Take care all, Zachary Metz

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