[OSList] A possible first for me - at least on the inspiring OS side - if not facilitating as well

[Harrison Owen]

Andrea ... Just say yes. What happens in grief stricken circumstances is
that space closes. People turn in on themselves and what would be a bad
situation becomes worse, or at least more painful. The "answer" is pretty
simple - just open some space and the healing will begin. Also, if I can be
of any help, I am just across the river. I know that Maryland does seem to
some like a foreign country, but the natives are generally friendly. Give me
a call if I can help. Or just give me a call, and we might have lunch.

 

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 Andrea Chiou
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2014 1:00 PM
To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] A possible first for me - at least on the inspiring OS
side - if not facilitating as well

 

Hi all - first time posting here, though I've been reading from this list
for probably 1/2 year or more.

 

I'm happy that I can have confidence with the support of this group - as I
have seen, as recently as today, all the support that is so freely and
lovingly given - especially to slightly jittery new facilitators...

 

The context for this email is:

 

My son's high school here in Fairfax County VA, has been experiencing a high
number of suicides - six in the past 2 years, two in one week alone in
February. There have also been others at nearby schools.  Recently, the
school sponsored a large gathering of administrators and specialists
inviting the parents to come listen.  IT was a one-way information feed. I
described it in a blog post here.
hhttp://adaptivecollaboration.com/2014/03/06/prevention-and-build-quality-in
-how-can-we-help-stem-teen-suicide/

 

As I mention in the post, my only suggestion that I wrote on the 'card' they
provided to parents for ideas was: conduct an open space.

 

I also suggested this later on a community Facebook group that was
established by parents to further the discussion and collaboration around
the issues of mental health and stemming suicide at our high school..

 

And today: I received THIS:

 

Dear Mrs. Chiou,

I am on the committee planning the upcoming FCPS Summit on Mental Health. I
noticed on the community of solutions Facebook page that you posted
information about the use of an Open Spaces format for encouraging
discussions and free exchange of information at a conference. I followed
your suggestion and googled it, listened to the presentation and read the
information.

I'd love to talk to you for a few minutes about the logistics of this
approach. Do you have a number where I could reach you?

Mary Ann Panarelli
Director, Intervention and Prevention Services
Fairfax County Public Schools
571-423-4020

 

I am floored!! Amazed. Humbled!

 

I have not responded yet . :-)

 

My experience with Open Space is through Agile Coach camp and Culture
Conference in Philly 2 years ago. And reading this list and following a few
especially agile folks who are passionate about OS (Dan is one)

 

My passion comes from knowing there are voices which aren't heard and need
to speak. I care about listening, giving people space to talk. 

 

My extreme passion in this particular case, comes about from the urgency of
this particular social problem. My own son is still a student there, and has
grappled himself with depression/lows and occasional suicidal thoughts. 

 

So, the question becomes, what do I do next?.  Of course, I will respond to
her with my phone number and a suggested time to speak with her. And I will
read the whole OST guide (I've seen that advice numerous times, but now I
need to get going on it).

 

What else do you suggest?  

 

Perhaps I can be more specific with my questions to you after I finish
reading the guide.  

 

Mean time, I am checking in with you:

I am glad; this is wonderful/scary.

I am afraid; first time.

I am sad; the trend of suicides in our community affecting our youth isn't
turning around.

I am glad; I have resources, people and ideas; even though I am not a mental
health specialist, I can do small things to make a big difference.

 

I'm IN!

 

Thank you for listening!

 

Andrea

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