Robert's in the midst of Open Space

[Justin T. Sampson]

Thanks everyone for sharing your ideas! Ultimately it all worked
out naturally, as I should have expected. The group had come
together in a single circle toward the end of the meeting anyway.
A couple of things had come up needing formal approval, such as
using the organization's name on a certain legal filing (a permit
to hold an anti-war protest). The issues had been considered
sufficiently already, so -- when someone asked, "hey Justin, are
you chairing this meeting or what?" -- we just went very briefly
through Robert's formalities: motion, second, those in favor,
those opposed; three motions were made, and all were approved
unanimously.

I'll write more about the meeting in another email with a new
subject...

Cheers,
Justin


On 11/11/06, Chris Corrigan <chris at chriscorrigan.com> wrote:

> You could use Open Space to open space on the decisions that
> need to be made, to harvest some deeper wisdom about what your
> group might do. Then you could sit in a council circle as the
> closing circle, and have the proposals deliberated upon using a
> wisdom council sort of model, either formally or informally
> constituted. After the meeting is over, I'd be surprised if you
> felt it was necessary to take a vote, but if you needed to for
> legal reasons, you could do it then.
>
> But honestly, Open Space Technology and Robert's Rules of Order
> are just about the opposite ends of the spectrum of meeting
> methods. Keep us posted on this detente of process!
>
> Chris
>
>
> On 11/9/06, Justin T. Sampson <justin at krasama.com> wrote:
>
> > Howdy,
> >
> > I'm planning to use Open Space for a small meeting on
> > Saturday. I described the context a while ago and got some
> > great advice on using OST for small groups. Some major points
> > I remember are to (1) trust the group and (2) get rid of the
> > tables. :)
> >
> > I have a more specific question now, pertaining to how the
> > organization operates formally. This meeting is the monthly
> > meeting of a local (city-wide) political party, usually a
> > friendly but somewhat dull Robert's Rules style (I serve as
> > chair). The main purpose of these meetings, in my mind at
> > least, is to bring together activists to talk about local
> > issues and get ideas and support for various projects, which
> > OST is perfect for.
> >
> > However, another important function of the meetings is to make
> > formal decisions as an organization, such as passing
> > resolutions, electing officers, or approving budgets. For
> > these things we are required by our bylaws to take a vote of
> > the members present. Do any of you have stories or ideas to
> > share about effectively calling for a formal vote on some
> > proposal in the midst of Open Space festivities? Should I just
> > schedule an abbreviated Robert's meeting after or before the
> > Open Space portion of the meeting, or can I safely hold a
> > Robert's meeting as just another Open Space session?
> >
> > The whole meeting is very short, 2-3 hours. We would likely
> > have only a couple, if any, formal motions to consider. But I
> > want to make sure I have some answer when it comes up!
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Justin

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