Opening Space in Iran

Tue Nov 13 19:03:10 PST 2007

It is of interest that OS is happening in 
countries that have high political and cultural 
conflict, and that at least 2 of these events 
are with the media (radio/broadcasting). 
	Gail

>I have just facilitated one OST for three 
>hours last week during an associated meeting of 
>the Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU) 44th General 
>Assembly hosted by the government of Iran. The 
>number of participants were only 20 people from 
>countries as Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, 
>Iran, Nepal, Indonesia and Fiji. Topic was how 
>to overcome the digital divide. Most of the 
>participants were senior managers of the 
>respective national broadcasting stations. The 
>event was sponsored by a German political 
>Foundation and the ABU Secretariat. The location 
>was kind of nice although very spontaneous. We 
>conducted it in the teahouse area of the huge 
>congress center of the Islamic Republic Iranian 
>Broadcasting (IRIB). While the open space took 
>place we could enjoy some of the amazing teas.
>Jost H. Wagner
>Consultant - Trainer
>IAF Certified Professional Facilitator©

Dear Jost,
great! So, now I can "activate" Iran (making it 
the 132nd os-country on the map) and add Iran to 
your list of countries in the world map.
While looking through the archives of our 
listserve searching for Iran I found a long 
string where Raffi spoke of some of his ancestors 
coming from there...so thats part of his interest.
Interesting that you mentioned a German political 
Foundation as being one of the sponsors. You know 
but most of the members of our list probably dont 
that there are 5 major political Foundations not 
only active in Germany and Europe but all over 
the world and interested in supporting innovative 
approaches. The training I conducted in Karachi 
for people from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri 
Lanka (the Indians could not attend because of 
tensions which resulted in them not getting 
visas)was sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert 
Stiftung, associated with the Social Democratic 
Party in Germany. I facilitate about 8 os events 
on various topics around youth violence in 
Germany for them.
My closest contact at the Foundation is now at 
the office of this Foundatin in Shanghai...I 
think they have close to 100 offices around the 
world...I am reporting on this at some length to 
encourage os-workers around the world to look at 
their programs and activities which are in many 
of the fields that many of us are engaged in.
Greetings from Berlin, mmp

Dear friends in OS
I haven't been working in Iran, but I did 
facilitate an OST-meeting for an Iranian 
international alumni-organization meeting in 
Sweden a few years back.

Quite an experience. I opened space using English 
but otherwise most was conducted in Persian as 
was the closing circle. Quite a joy to hold the 
space during closing circle hearing sounds not 
understanding a word but still getting the 
essence. As always - it worked wonders.
Warm regards
Thomas, Sweden

If the plans come through, I will facilitate an 
Open Space in Tehran on Radio Management 7-8 
Feb'08 for IRIB (Islamic Republic Iranian 
Broadcasting)...through the request of 
Asia-Pacific Institute For Broadcasting 
Development (AIBD).

Best Regards,
Prabu Naidu
IAF Certified Professional Facilitator
Singapore

-- 
Gail West, ICA
3F, No. 12, Lane 5, Tien Mou West Road
Taipei, Taiwan 111
8862) 2871-3150
icataiw at ms69.hinet.net
skype:   gwestica

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>From  Tue Nov 13 19:17:38 2007
Message-Id: <TUE.13.NOV.2007.191738.0800.>
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:17:38 -0800
Reply-To: lisaheft at openingspace.net
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Lisa Heft <lisaheft at openingspace.net>
Subject: OS with communities where writing is a challenge
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Hello, Michael, and welcome to the OSLIST and this marvelous community.  =
I
look forward to meeting you when you come to San Francisco next year.

=20

Michael wrote:

... some (maybe even a large part) of the group may not be able to =
write.
This literacy issue relates to education, not any kind of physical or
intellectual disability.

...what are the options? Do those people tend to self organise for =
someone
with written language skills to post their topic (and read other =
people's
topics)? Given that there may (or may

not) be some level of shame around illiteracy, should the matter be
addressed up front at the beginning of the OS? If so, would this be the =
role
of the Sponsor or the OS Facilitator?

...Has anyone experienced this situation?

=20

I have worked with groups of mixed levels of literacy - in this case, to =
me,
it is similar to groups with mixed languages.

=20

If possible, the client (host, sponsor) can identify in advance what are =
the
language and literacy needs, and we can make some adjustments.=20

In a mix where people will be helping each other - I would simply design =
in
some support for that rich diversity.

=20

It might depend on the actual group you are working with. =20

For example when I work in prison (doing workshops and dialogue circles, =
not
quite Open Space) I simply name (when I explain instructions or process)
that 'we don't all read, so feel free to draw instead or ask someone =
next to
you to help you write'.  Just as a matter of fact, a fact about "we".  =
If I
know there might be a shame situation (not to assume that, though) I say
'and for any of you who don't have your reading glasses feel free to ask
someone sitting next to you to help'.   Simply create an environment =
where
people are actively helping each other. Make it perfectly natural for =
folks
to write text or draw - either or - for their topic signs.  In a group =
that
really knows each other (like in prison) folks always know who to turn =
to
(the people who can draw, the people who can write, and so on).

=20

It also depends on the overall design of course - but for example - =
people
who want to post topics on the agenda can come up to a table (I put it =
in
the aisle so the circle still feels round) to draw/write their signs =
(text
or symbol or drawing) - there can be a helper sitting at the table who =
helps
write signs (or adds text) for anyone who wishes that assistance.  And =
you
can name this as a support at that table.  Realize that a drawing or =
image
will draw people to a discussion just as well as text, for those people =
who
decide to post signs in that way.

=20

If the majority of the group is of an oral culture, more than just a
subgroup, you may want to shift the design a little bit - as in that =
case
most folks will need to capture in their audio memory a string of topics =
-
and the brain simply cannot hold that many topics in memory.  So you =
could
adjust to have (I don't know how big your group is but) the first 5 =
topics
named aloud - then go into that discussion session, then reconvene in =
circle
for the next 5 topics convenors to name their topics, then go into that
discussion session, and so on - in and out so the mind remembers the
selection of discussion topics for that round.

=20

And as an assist in either version, you can either label the discussion
areas around the room / post-its as such things as a leaf, a star, a =
fish
and so on, or combine that with a letter ("A" and a star for example).

=20

I know the fabulous John Engle and others will add some good ideas from
their own experiences...

=20

Let us know how it goes and what you find out,

=20

Lisa

___________________________

L i s a   H e f t

Consultant, Facilitator, Educator

O p e n i n g  S p a c e

 <mailto:lisaheft at openingspace.net> lisaheft at openingspace.net

 <http://www.openingspace.net> www.openingspace.net=20

=20

=20

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<div class=3DSection1>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>Hello, Michael, and welcome to the =
OSLIST
and this marvelous community.  I look forward to meeting you when =
you come
to San Francisco next year.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>Michael wrote:</span></font></p>

... some
(maybe even a large part) of the group may not be able to write. This =
literacy
issue relates to education, not any kind of physical or intellectual
disability.

...what
are the options? Do those people tend to self organise for someone with =
written
language skills to post their topic (and read other people's topics)? =
Given
that there may (or may

not) be
some level of shame around illiteracy, should the matter be addressed up =
front
at the beginning of the OS? If so, would this be the role of the Sponsor =
or the
OS Facilitator?

<p class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D'margin-left:.25in'><i><font size=3D2
face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic'>...Has
anyone experienced this situation?</span></font></i></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>I have worked with groups of mixed =
levels of
literacy – in this case, to me, it is similar to groups with mixed
languages.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

If possible, the client (host, =
sponsor) can
identify in advance what are the language and literacy needs, and we can =
make
some adjustments.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>In a mix where people will be helping =
each
other – I would simply design in some support for that rich =
diversity.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>It might depend on the actual group =
you are
working with.  </span></font></p>

For example when I work in prison =
(doing
workshops and dialogue circles, not quite Open Space) I simply name =
(when I
explain instructions or process) that ‘we don’t all read, so =
feel
free to draw instead or ask someone next to you to help you =
write’. 
Just as a matter of fact, a fact about “we”.  If I know =
there
might be a shame situation (not to assume that, though) I say ‘and =
for
any of you who don’t have your reading glasses feel free to ask =
someone sitting
next to you to help’.   Simply create an environment =
where
people are actively helping each other. Make it perfectly natural for =
folks to
write text or draw – either or – for their topic =
signs.  In a
group that really knows each other (like in prison) folks always know =
who to
turn to (the people who can draw, the people who can write, and so =
on).

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>It also depends on the overall design =
of
course – but for example – people who want to post topics on =
the
agenda can come up to a table (I put it in the aisle so the circle still =
feels
round) to draw/write their signs (text or symbol or drawing) – =
there can
be a helper sitting at the table who helps write signs (or adds text) =
for
anyone who wishes that assistance.  And you can name this as a =
support at
that table.  Realize that a drawing or image will draw people to a
discussion just as well as text, for those people who decide to post =
signs in
that way.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>If the <u>majority</u> of the group =
is of an
oral culture, more than just a subgroup, you may want to shift the =
design a
little bit – as in that case most folks will need to capture in =
their
audio memory a string of topics – and the brain simply cannot hold =
that
many topics in memory.  So you could adjust to have (I don’t =
know
how big your group is but) the first 5 topics named aloud – then =
go into
that discussion session, then reconvene in circle for the next 5 topics =
convenors
to name their topics, then go into that discussion session, and so on =
–
in and out so the mind remembers the selection of discussion topics for =
that
round.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>And as an assist in either version, =
you can
either label the discussion areas around the room / post-its as such =
things as
a leaf, a star, a fish and so on, or combine that with a letter =
(“A”
and a star for example).</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>I know the fabulous John Engle and =
others
will add some good ideas from their own experiences...</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>Let us know how it goes and what you =
find
out,</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'>Lisa</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3D"Trebuchet =
MS"><span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet =
MS";color:black'>___________________________</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3D"Trebuchet =
MS"><span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet =
MS";color:blue;font-weight:bold'>L
i s a   H e f t</span></font></b></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3D"Trebuchet =
MS"><span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet =
MS";color:blue'>Consultant,
Facilitator, Educator</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3D"Trebuchet =
MS"><span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:blue'>O p e n =
i n
g  S p a c e</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'><a =
href=3D"mailto:lisaheft at openingspace.net"><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>lisaheft at openingspace.net</span></font></a></span><=
/font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Trebuchet MS"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS"'><a =
href=3D"http://www.openingspace.net"><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>www.openingspace.net</span></font></a> =
</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
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