Conversations that Matter at Girl Scout Convention

[Michael Wood]

I have not used World Cafe but I often see it pop up in the same emails as conversations about Open Space. 
 
>From the WC web site, my limited understanding is that:
 
1. WC is a more controlled process than OS in that it is the Sponsor who frames the questions about what they want from the group
2. The Facilitator of WC plays a more directive role in what happens and when
3. WC moves towards converging themes to a kind of "collective mind" of the group. 
4. There is not necessarily any expectations that participants will exercise responsibility for outcomes after the event.
 
So it seems that WC is a kind of sophisticated brainstorming process to bring out creative thinking on a particular topic or theme?
 
Does anyone have any examples of where they have chosen to use WC instead of OS (or visa versa) and why you made that choice?
 
Michael Wood
 

________________________________

From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Christine Whitney Sanchez
Sent: Friday, 31 October 2008 3:46 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Conversations that Matter at Girl Scout Convention


Dear Appreciative Inquiry, World Cafe and Open Space Friends,
 
Today, the Girl Scout of the USA opens their 51st Convention in Indianapolis.  Over 6,000 girls and adults from across the US and around the world are being invited to use their voice, have conversations that matter and create the future for the Girl Scout Movement.  
 
The StoryWeaving Initiative has designed a process that weaves the principles and practices of AI, World Cafe and Open Space into the business meeting. Think Robert's Rules meets Conversations that Matter.
 
Hundreds of girl and adult volunteers are onsite right now, to support the conversations and capture the stories.  StoryWeaving has already taken off with 150 Digital StoryWeaver girls using their flip cameras to record members sharing their stories.  StoryLooms invite members to weave their stories along with other Girl Scout stories into pieces of art.  The 900 person Open Space for Sharing and Learning has just concluded with members posting 62 topics over two sessions.  Picture girls standing at the microphones, thanking the adults for truly listening to them and adults tearfully expressing their passion and gratitude for everything they learned.   Lisa Heft did a magnificent job of holding the space and inviting new thinking.   
 
Tonight, during the opening ceremonies, I will invite over 6,000 participants to swap their leadership stories in pairs, using an appreciative question to get started.  Tomorrow, following the Stewardship Report, Samantha Tan will invite members into café conversations focused on the core business strategy.  Saturday, Lisa Hinshaw will host a conversation based on Open Space, focused on the essentials for success, where members will have posted their topics online and onsite before the session begins.  Sunday, I will wrap up by inviting reflection and commitment to action.
 
Please send your good thoughts and hold us in your heart as Girl Scouts model participatory democracy and feminine leadership. 
 
Warm wishes from chilly Indianapolis,
 
Christine
 
Christine Whitney Sanchez
CWS - Collaborative Wisdom & Strategy
2717 E. Mountain Sky Avenue
Phoenix, AZ  85048-8990
480.759.0262
www.christinewhitneysanchez.com <http://www.christinewhitneysanchez.com/>  
 
Please consider the environment before you print this email
 
 
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