[OSList] Urgent support for ideas for OS event tomorrow

[Eric]

Dear Jamie,
My own experience with students, especially in regards to creation = change, is to simply allow and support their own efforts.  They all see the problems, and if given the opportunity will voice opinions, have ideas on solutions.  The smallest idea can be supported and enhanced often as easily as listening and encouraging.  Such small steps can result in things as simple as an art display, a poem reading or a bake sale.  However, peer influence can suddenly be insurmountable.  As one sees accomplishments, and suggests something more that others agree to!

Once a freshman in college had this weird idea about changing how people moved around the campus.  Every time he visited he spoke of this solution that none of us could understand.  Finally, someone suggested he draw a picture of it, so we could all see what he meant.  During my next visit to the campus watering-hole I noticed him in a corner with paint brushes on a bench.  He was usually alone, but clearly very diligent with his art.  What resulted was people would circle him to watch him work, and he would explain things as he painted.  He actually was painting on the concrete bench itself, which soon became a strong statement to the campus.  When he was told to remove his painting there was an outcry from the other students in support of his efforts - - more for beautifying the sterile concrete campus than presenting the alternative transit ideas.  Another more skilled artist reproduced his work, but the campus out-cry never stopped the
 cleaning of
 the bench.  However, when the watering-hole was reconstructed around the same time, the campus students demanded the benches and trees were saved, which are still there today!

Thus, as in open-space, the circle of students around this painter on the bench allowed the sharing of ideas and inspiring of peers.  Such free expression, ruled only by the law of two feet, allows people to share and discuss similar interests and support each other.  Using this always results in accomplishments, whether only a painting or the shared support of trees and benches.  Usually the results can be surprising, but always will inspire others to share and support each other. . . 

If your event only has seven students, be sure to enjoy and support them fully.  Send them a reminder the day of your event and allow them to invite friends.  Put a big sign out front, leave the door open, and set the coffee and goodies opposite the door so anyone who passes by has to walk past your circle to reach the coffee.  Our signs and invites would always say all welcome, and "Free Food" even if it was only coffee and donuts. 

Be sure the governors don't take charge, by supporting and encouraging the students. . . 
Take care,
eric


PS. I was the painter in the circle, and we soon started a student group using circles to develop student projects: http://www.starsusa.org/ and I filed a patent for the continuous motion transit system: http://www.starsusa.org/Resume/patents.html  

--------------------------------------------
On Mon, 10/14/13, Jamie Colston <jamiecolston at googlemail.com> wrote:

 Subject: Re: [OSList] Urgent support for ideas for OS event tomorrow
 To: "World wide Open Space Technology email list" <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
 Date: Monday, October 14, 2013, 6:05 AM
 
 Dear OS
 List, The open space I have planned
 with students, staff and governors tomorrow is almost here.
 What has happened in the last few days is that I have
 noticed a few things that I did not before. 
 The school have committed budget for me to come and
 work with the students to empower them to make a difference
 in the school - However this is not being backed up by their
 support in time. Only one of the staff is committed to
 coming to the open space and lots of people dropping by if
 they have the time. This is mirrored somewhat by the student
 population as a whole who have responded to the invite by
 the leaders of the student council to come to the open
 space. We have about 7 signed up self responsibly out of a
 school of 1000. We have however got 6 governors committed
 to joining us at the event. 
  What I know about the school is that they
 have quite severe communications issues. They have a new
 head teacher who has taken on this project and who I met and
 gave his blessing (supposedly) to the work. Students have
 felt disempowered, not listened to and unaware of how to
 make changes in the school because they have no real access
 to the staff in the school who in the past have not attended
 the meetings they are needed at. There is a genuine time
 issue and extreme pressure as with all schools.
  The students are really keen to make a
 difference and there is a genuine desire to help them do
 that. But it feels like no one here is taking responsibility
 for making it happen. Any thoughts
 welcome.
 Many thanks Jamie
  
 
 
  Jamie
 Colston
 
 Enabling
 young people to design inspiring events and host
 conversations that matter to
 them, empowering them to find their voice and take practical
 action towards
 creating a sustainable, peaceful and equitable
 world.
 M:
 07909 442006
 E:
 jamiecolston at gmail.com
 
 
 
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 In/Skype: Jamie Colston 
 Twitter: spearthwarrior