OS and mediation

[Scott Gassman]

As Lisa pointed out - 1) Because participants can use that time to talk
about new / emergent things as well as to reflect on things they have
learned or heard earlier in the conference.
- I am currently using Open Space for Mediators to explore their passions
and shared interests as Mediators.  This serves Mediators by enabling them
to reflect on their practice and to align
  regarding innovative possibilities.
Scott

On Mon, Nov 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM, Lisa Heft <lisaheft at openingspace.net>wrote:

> I may be unclear on what you are saying or asking: mediation is something
> that helps people articulate differences, hear each others' stories, decide
> what is or is not common ground, and so on.  Many different tools /
> processes can be used - something similar to counseling, or Restorative
> Justice Circles, or guided conversations, or many other processes.  Perhaps
> during a series of events or for a specific reason Open Space may be the
> right tool, for other situations, the wrong tool, I suspect. Those of you
> who specialize in mediation will of course have more knowledge about these
> things.
>
> And then there is conference design. Whether it is a mediators conference
> or a youth activist conference or a doctors conference.
>
> And I love what Bui said:
>
> But as with anything, it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
> Decide on the purpose first and then pick the tool.
>
>
> To me that is good design.
> Analyze objectives, desired outcomes, time available, space available,
> context, participant numbers, what comes before and after and so on - then
> select the tool(s) to best fit the need.
>
> I have found, Arno, that it is best - when mixing traditional conference
> (workshops, presentations, whatever) with some time also in Open Space (the
> more time the better to let participants do their thing) - it is really
> ideal to put the Open Space as the last part of the conference.
>
> 1) Because participants can use that time to talk about new / emergent
> things as well as to reflect on things they have learned or heard earlier in
> the conference.
>
> 2) Because the Closing Circle of an Open Space can be a great closure /
> closing reflection for a conference.
>
> And 3) Because if conference attendees experience OS earlier in the
> conference and then have to 'fit themselves into the shape of' a traditional
> conference after that (sitting listening to a speaker, listening in a
> workshop, listening to a panel presentation) - they can get uncomfortable
> and feel their time is more useful self-organizing and continuing to meet
> together to talk about what matters to them (including wandering back out
> into the hallways to continue their meaningful conversations that began in
> Open Space).
>
> So for a mixed-format conference I always recommend that OS be the final
> section...
>
> Lisa
>
> *
> Lisa Heft
> *
> Consultant, Facilitator, Educator
> *Opening Space*
> lisaheft at openingspace.net
>
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-- 
Scott Gassman
IdeaJuice
(917) 951 - 0258
scott.gassman at gmail.com
www.ideajuices.com

America Speaks on Scott:
http://www.americaspeaks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=919&nodeID=1

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