The Theme

[Eric Lilius]

Yana,

I have never had the impression that "hot" or hidden issues were to be 
kept aside in Open Space.  Recognising what there is passion for and 
being ultimately responsible for expressing that passion is the essence 
of participation in Open Space. The choice to keep issues hidden is made 
by participants because the perceived risk is too high.

To quote Harrison Owen

"Open Space is appropriate in situations where a major issue must be 
resolved, characterized by high levels of complexity, high levels of 
diversity (in terms of the people involved), the presence of potential 
or actual conflict, and with a decision time of yesterday."

http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?OpenSpaceElevatorSpeeches


The theme is a place to start, particularly at an OSONOS, where many of 
the participants have expewrience with Open Space and are eager to dive in.
An OSONOS stirs up new stuff over the 2.5 days. The emerging group 
energy nurtures new thoughts, feelings and relationships. The space 
becomes increasingly open and safe. The NOW expands. Dreams are important.

At the OSONOS in Halifax, Judi Richardson opened the space and included 
a suggestion that we bring forth whatever wants to speak.
What better invitation than that to bring forth whatever is hidden?

Ultimately, it comes down to feeling safe to risk bringing forth what 
needs to be expressed.

Eric

Yana Demenko wrote:
> Yes, Chris, on the one hand, you are right ... Whatever needs to 
> happen will happen during the OSonOS and sometimes there is no need in 
> posting the theme. But worldwide OS community is transforming all the 
> time. IMHO, today we got a lot of "hot" and hidden issues inside. To 
> hide them for now is not a constructive way. Don't you think so? Why 
> not to put them on the board and start to talk about? I think that 
> OSonOS is a right time for that kind of issues.
>
> Just for example ... have a look on the table of content of 15th 
> WOSonOS's book of proceedings (there was the theme as you know). And 
> what do you see? Issue #1 - A different way of training for OS 
> facilitators. Go to that particular page and you will see a bit more! 
> People from Eastern Europe, Asia, Canada and Australia are talking 
> about "schools" differences. I think it is a good result of using the 
> theme.
>
> Has it a chance to appear without a theme? Maybe :) but there were 
> also some "peacemaking goals" of the hosting team ;)
>
> Best,
> Yana Demenko
>
> [post] p.o.box 4-?, Kyiv-1, 01001, Ukraine
> [e-mail] yana at demenko.info
> [web] www.demenko.info
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: Chris Corrigan
> To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 9:37 PM
> Subject: Re: The Theme
>
>
> Sometimes the theme is important, for a certain focus, for work that 
> is directed to fairly concrete results.  For open conferences though, 
> I can't remember the themes of any of the conferences I have been at, 
> let alone the ones in Open Space.  It's interesting that despite weak 
> themes, people come anyway.  Open Space is then perfect in this 
> situation.  I always invite people in the opening circle to simply 
> connect with the energy that brought them to the gathering and see if 
> there is a compelling question that they are willing to host a 
> conversation around.
>
> I have to admit a rather nagging frustration with conference 
> organizers who insist on action outcomes from meetings that are poorly 
> planned.  There is nothing wrong with a conference being an open 
> learning experience. Conferences are not the same thing as organizing 
> meetings.
>
> My basic template for OSOnOS  is simply this: open space for 2.5 days. 
> Whatever needs to happen will happen.   At the OSonOS meetings I have 
> been a part of, it's the quality of the interaction that matters, not 
> the focus on notes, or action planning.  Just being with others, 
> enjoying each other's company and learning a few new things is enough 
> for me.
>
> In this case then, it makes all kinds of sense to have an invitation 
> that is light on the theme and heavy on the "look who is coming" 
> part.  Having a website set up with an RSS feed to continue to update 
> people about the conference as the plan is unfolding is a useful 
> idea.  As people confirm, you post their names to the site and it 
> inspires others to come. Once everyone is in the room, open space and 
> get out of the way.  What could be simpler?
>
> Chris
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Eric Lilius
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