[OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Harrison Owen]

This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing things in the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is that common people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a circle, creating a bulletin board and opening a market place – and then going to work … always seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my experience) has blood been shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I suspect the facilitator is the most nervous. I have also heard of innumerable suggestion for good things to do before, during, and after … but none … to the best of my knowledge have made any difference. This does not mean that people can’t and don’t kill each other, and of course we seem to be on the edge of doing that (killing) more extensively at the moment BUT I have never seen that take place in Open Space. It doesn’t even take place when the participants are sworn and professional killers of each other. Now there’s a mystery.

 

Harrison 

 

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Subject: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

 

Hi everyone, 

I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)

I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank you so much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all! 

 

Sponsors - how vital are they for opening a space? 

For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a significant conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the association, the question arises as to whether open space can be held without sponsors? Can a community have an open space without a sponsor? 

 

Some questions about empathy and open space -

The first one will be - Is empathy important for a successful open space?

And if empathy is important - 

How can empathic space be created and maintained for all its partners and voices that want to be heard? 

What techniques and tools do you use to bring empathy to the open space and how do you invite other participants to hold empathy together? 

Do you have any signs or metrics for measuring the levels of empathy in an open space?

 Did you come across occasions where it was difficult or impossible to create an empathic space?

 

Creating an open space that allows all participants a safe and comfortable space for expressing themselves  - 

In Open Space participants are invited to stand up and offer their topics for conversation in the marktplace . I’m wondering whether people who are not accustomed to make their voices heard or such who are at some disadvantage (social, age, gender, origin etc.) Feel safe and comfortable initiating conversations in such a space? 

What are the ways you know for making the space truly safe and inviting for all its participants? 

How much does advance preparation contribute to their participation and what should it include, in your opinion?

Thanks again for sharing,

Best wishes,

Sagit

 

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