[OSList] Creative NJ

[Harrison Owen]

Pam - Good show! And just for the record, my experience, and I think that of
most others has been that the greater the passion/conflict the better and
deeper the experience. Of course it can get a little nervous making, and
there is a natural tendency to try and control the situation. BUT Don't do
it. It (control) doesn't work, and more to the point the people will be able
to handle it all just fine. So just remember to take a lot of deep breaths.
As for past experiences, everybody has their favorites - mine was 50
Palestinians and Israelis. These were not "peace-niks." On the contrary most
were operational military types. Very intense. Massive passion and conflict
with lots of loud voices, and waving arms. AND - when we got to the closing
circle, people were literally hugging and kissing each other. Blew my mind.
And all we did was just what we always do. Sit in a circle, create a
bulletin board, open a market place, and go to work. Works every time.
Enjoy!

 

Harrison  

 

Harrison Owen

7808 River Falls Dr.

Potomac, MD 20854

USA

 

189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)

Camden, Maine 04843

 

Phone 301-365-2093

(summer)  207-763-3261

 

www.openspaceworld.com 

www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)

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From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org
[mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Pamela Marvin
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2014 9:21 AM
To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Creative NJ

 

Hi Everyone,

   I am a member of the steering committee for Creative NJ. We worked with
Suzanne and Chuni to Open Space here in NJ 3 years ago. Since then we have
done Open Space Convenings in 6 communities in New Jersey ( with more
planned). As you may know NJ were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Many of our
communities are still struggling to get back on their feet. We received a
grant to use Open Space to help communities focus their recovery efforts.
Our first Open Space convening is May 2, in my home community of Highlands.
The planning is going well, but it has become clear that many of the
stakeholders at this event may be quite angry/emotional and there entrenched
factions. The concerns and issues likely to be raised, are closer to the
bone than at our other meetings.  We would particularly like to hear about
similar experiences with Open Space in highly charged, emotional situations.
We would appreciate any direction or advice you can give us, but we know if
all else fails we can follow Harrison's advice and take a nap.

Thanks for your help,

Pam Marvin

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