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

[Skye Hirst]

Andrea  - so glad to see you here.   Skye


On Sun, Mar 23, 2014 at 4:28 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:

> 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 <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20>
>
> www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (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.  h
> http://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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-- 
*Skye Hirst, PhD*
President - The Autognomics Institute
*Conversations in Radical Self-Knowing*
www.autognomics.org
@autognomics

New Phone Number:
207-593-8074
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