preparing the sponsor for open space

Kimberley Willing Kim.Willing at TASSIE.NET.AU
Fri Jan 21 03:30:51 PST 2005


Hi OSLIST,

In early March I will be facilitating an Open Space for an Australia wide
network of natural resource management (NRM) facilitators looking into the
question of the 'NRM Journey - On the right track? ..... the challenges and
opportunites before us as we facilitate NRM into the future.'

This network of facilitators is half way its current program and the aim is
enable them to exchange ideas, experiences and channel their passion and
creativity towards an even more effective network (and future for their
program).   The group who are providing this opportunity are called
the 'Network Development Group' (NDG) and they have a kind of pastoral care
role for the professional development of the network.  This group is made
up of 2 volunteers from each state but is still a little unclear as to
whether the whole network is happy for them to undertake their role on
their behalf.  The NDG is really beginning to see the broader possibilities
of their role in looking after the interests of the network - in areas such
as mentoring, communications, advocacy (managing upwards) etc.

Although the NDG are responsible for 'rolling out' this conference and
biannual meetings, the ultimate sponsors of the conference are probably the
executive made up of 2 people from each of the agencies involved in this
national NRM program.  The decision to hold an Open Space forum reflects
the evolution of trust that these people have in the network.

I have met with the NDG to build their understanding of Open Space and they
are aware of the importance of 'enrolling' the executive in the possibility
of the conference.  They will thus be inviting one of the exec to open the
conference before handing over to me.

Logistics are all handled and invitations going out to those who are
considered to be part of the system (ie; not only the facilitator network
but other partners too).

MY QUESTION IS regarding the work that needs to be done with the NDG and
the executive prior to the open space.  I have the luxury of a whole day
with the NDG in a couple of weeks and am wondering what we would be best
placed to do with the considerable investment of their time.  I don't
believe the executive are attending this meeting.

The NDG are keen to embark on developing a 5yr strategic plan and I am
conflicted as to how much of the thinking behind this should be developed
prior to the Open Space - especially given that they are not clear that
they have the mandate of the network re: their existence, their make up and
their role.

So far, the NDG's thoughts for what they want to achieve at our mtg (in
preparation for the Open Space) are:

To reflect on what they have achieved since formed (GOOD)
To explore the 'givens' of the Group and, I would add, the givens for the
open space.(CAN WE DO THIS WITHOUT THE EXEC PRESENT?  PERHAPS THEY COULD
INTERVIEW THE EXEC PRIOR TO THIS MTG?)
To agree on a structure for the Strategic planning framework (GOOD)
To set out some strategic themes, directions, big picture goals that they
can take to the forum for further input. (Dangerous??)

They are considering spending time developing a vision, and set of
objectives to 'test' at the Open Space forum.......

Anyway, if anyone can relate to my dilemma and has any thoughts on how best
to prepare this group, I would appreciate hearing from you.  I note that
Birgitt often does a mini Open Space with the 'leaders' on the issues and
opportunities for leadership prior to the main event, and assists them in a
meeting to look at their strategic planning after the Open Space.....

I am confused as to how to proceed if the entire network does not recognise
the role of the Group or think it is credible - however, the NDG IS the
group creating the opportunity for the facilitators to step into - I guess
some will step in and then say - 'but who gave you the right to provide
this opportunity for me?'

Hhhhmmmmmmmmmm,

Love to you all from the southern tip of Australia,

Kim Willing

Groundswell
10 Hillborough Rd
South Hobart 7004

03 62 233357
0428399798
Kim.Willing at tassie.net.au

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