Timing for really large groups

[Harrison Owen]

Re: Timing for really large groupsWhy go to the Wall? I think there are practical and symbolic reasons (and symbols help us create our reality -- they are IMPORTANT). The practical ones include putting people in proximity with each other so that they can negotiate times, combine sessions, seek understanding as to what the convener had in mind... and a whole mess more. The notion of putting signup sheets at the place of meeting would work with very small groups, I guess, but with anything more than 100 people I think you would have even more confusion that by going to the wall. And of course, when you place a sign that says This group will meet here -- it is implied that the group will actually meet. However, when a sign goes up on the wall that only expresses an intention -- which may be changed to a different time, a different place, or even a different subject. In fact it may be changed out of existence.  In short a whole mess of really good and essential things take place at the Wall. 

Seen through the eyes of a "standard conference organizer" -- I grant you the whole thing appears chaotic, disorderly, and a real mess. It might also seem to be very inefficient. Much better to have everything in proper order with clear procedure. But I think it is worth while to notice how efficient it really is. When  Michael Pannwitz and I did our gathering of 2008 -- all those folks sorted out the issues (236 of them) and themselves in about 20 minutes. If all of that had been done with the aid of a facilitator, it might have taken a week or so. And I don't think I am exaggerating. There is a large group process called Technology of Participation (TOP) which filters everything through the facilitator, can only work with much smaller groups, and for my impatient soul just seems to go on and on and on. At the end of which the facilitator is exhausted, and the people have expended several hours doing what could have taken place in 20 min or less. 

But for me the most compelling reason to "Go to the Wall" is symbolic. When 300, or better 2000 people charge that wall, the facilitator is definitely out of the picture. The point is made graphically, emotionally, kinesthetically -- that The People are in charge. And all those folks who have been convinced by training, prior experience, or whatever -- that The People left to themselves (that is without the careful attention of a controlling manager/facilitator) can only end up in destructive chaos -- discover that despite their direst predictions that the People can do it. And while the Doubting Thomases, control freaks and other nervous sorts are muttering, "This can never work" -- it is already working. In fact, unless they mutter very quickly, it has already Worked! And everything is just rolling out. I think this experience may be one of the most valuable gained in Open Space. Obviously not everybody is pleased or convinced, after all -- if what just happened, happened with some regularity, a lot of folks who make their living controlling/managing other folks might have to seek alternate employment.

Harrison


Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD  20854
USA
301-365-2093
207-763-3261 (summer)
website www.openspaceworld.com


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jennifer Hurley 
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 6:01 PM
  Subject: Re: Timing for really large groups


  On 6/16/05 12:33 AM, "Joelle Lyons Everett" <JLEShelton at aol.com> wrote:


    From my experience as a participant in an Open Space of 700 or 800, I would endorse Lisa's suggestion to skip the sign-up at the wall.   It was hard to get close enough to the wall posters to read or write.   The large screen will help with the reading, so it will not be necessary for everyone to get to the wall at the start.


  I have never really understood the purpose of having people sign up at the wall.  It seems cumbersome to have people write on the wall.  Instead, I have been putting sign-up sheets wherever the discussion circles are.  Does anyone have a good reason for asking people to sign up at the wall?

  Thanks,
  Jennifer Hurley
  -------------------------------
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  Planning & Urban Design

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  P: 215-988-9440
  JLHurley at HFAdesign.com
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