Robert's in the midst of Open Space

[Chris Corrigan]

That's the spirit Justin...a light touch and structure that serves the work.

Cheers,

Chris

On 11/11/06, Justin T. Sampson <justin at krasama.com> wrote:
>
> 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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-- 
CHRIS CORRIGAN
Consultation - Facilitation
Open Space Technology


Weblog: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot
Site: http://www.chriscorrigan.com

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