[OSList] Opening Space in NYC - Post Newtown with Dispute Resolvers

[Scott Gassman]

After listening - reading posts on the  "ACR-GNY" (Association of Conflict
Resolution - Greater New York) list serv,
post the Sandy Hook - Newtown, Connecticut, tragedy, I suggested on the
list serve that we come together face
to face via an Open Space to discuss our responses, thoughts, beliefs,
opinions and to listen with each other.
The call was heard and last weekend we spent a half-day with opening and
closing circles, a marketplace and 3
rounds of dialogue.

Described by one attendee "as a great day filled with open, honest
conversation and empathy towards others' views,"
another said, "thank you again for initiating this meeting. It was and
continues to be very useful and important to me.
I learned a lot, met fantastic people, and no longer am struggling with
feeling alienated." Another attendee said, "there
seemed to be a strong feeling of camaraderie. I can say that I came away
from it with a more renewed energy in my
capacity to help effectuate change."
Discovery and enthusiasm carried forward as members of the group decided to
keep the conversation going.

In March, I will facilitate another 1/2 day Open Space in Queens, NY,
focused on stopping borough wide violence.

Hopefully, these types of conversations can be replicated in all directions.

Scott Gassman

-- 
Scott Gassman
IdeaJuice
(917) 951 - 0258
scott.gassman at gmail.com
www.ideajuices.com

America Speaks on Scott:
http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
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