[OSList] Re Opening Space Again

[Francis Loughheed]

Larry,

I was most fascinated with your account of opening space for the United 
Church of Canada.  About 20 years ago, I was sitting in the Fellowship 
Room at Trinity United Church in Kingston, Ontario and saw a sign 
labelled "The Four Rules of Meetings".  The rules were: Whoever showed 
up are the right people, Whatever gets discussed is the right 
discussion, Whatever gets decided is the right decision, And, when it is 
done - it is over.  I wrote them down, and used those rules in any 
number of community consultations across Eastern and Northern Ontario.  
Three summers ago, I attended the funeral of a family friend at Trinity 
United in Kingston.  Following the service, I met the current Pastor and 
told him my story.  He suggested I explore Open Space and Harrison Owen 
- when I did, I realized I had arrived at "home".   Diane Gibault's 
training workshop gave me a very solid foundation on the Open Space 
process and I have had the priviledge of Opening Space for a number of 
clients.  Including, wonderfully enough last week,  with the County of 
Frontenac which surrounds the City of Kingston.  From your story and my 
experience, it would suggest that the United Church of Canada has been 
using Open Space for some time.

Congratulation on the success of your event and thanks for sharing your 
story.

Cheers,


Francis

P.S. Happy Belated Birthday Harrison - you influenced my life long 
before I came to know you!

-- 
Francis Loughheed MBA
Consultant - Facilitator
Tel.:     613-482-1131
Email:  loughheed at cogeco.ca
Blog:    anexcellenceagenda.blogspot.com