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People often ask us Open Spacers how participants feel about their
gathering, and unfortunately we are not strong on evaluation. Last Fall I
did an Open Space for the YWCA -- 500 woman and me. Most folks seemed to
think that OS did the job. What follows is their evaluation -- it is a
LOT. But you may find some stuff here colleagues, clients, and other
interested colleagues. I did delete a few of the "insider"
references, but basically what you see is what they said. <br>
<br>
Harrison<br>
<br>
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The Change Initiative Evaluations by Open Space Participants <br>
<br>
</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=2> *
More energy and vitality here than at any convention. S. Huggins <br>
*All of my meetings will now be in Open
Space! G. Bolden, R.I. <br>
*Great process! Very empowering. Now What?
<br>
*Great networking. Ideas on print will
help target/direct resources. <br>
* The vision WAS NOT articulated. <br>
* You are responsible if you didn't get what you
wanted out of this. Take <br>
ownership of your problem. For me this was
an exciting, positive, <br>
experience. Let's keep it going. <br>
* I am proud to be associated with women who can
focus on important issues <br>
and put aside little annoyances. Our
movement is a critical point and this <br>
process gave us an opportunity to share,
vent, create, and, as we move <br>
forward, CHANGE! Thank you to the
wonderful, courageous women on the <br>
Steering Committee and to Harrison Owen
for pointing out what the ways we <br>
have always worked are best. P. Dowdy
<br>
*Please let's find a way to collaborate
with National Board to achieve the <br>
same goals. Local and National. Don't let
the language defeat the spirit! <br>
* The first night of the meeting was offensive
to me. <br>
Having a "catch all"
meditation before dinner was unnecessary. <br>
What is the point of having
speakers whose vocabulary is so limited they <br>
had to swear. Get them a
dictionary. <br>
* I really like Open Space. S. Huggins <br>
*Painful but productive. Positive
result hope for the future. <br>
* Process was what was needed; however too long.
Would have like to have <br>
seen the measurable results. <br>
*Kudos to the CI Committee. Now let's do
it. <br>
* This was a great event. So positiveso
"open" and empowering. <br>
* This was an exhilarating experience. To see so
many people come together <br>
with differing ideas and motivations and
in a free and open format come <br>
together to collate those ideas into a
plan of action and unity. Powerful! <br>
<br>
This has been a unique way of rapid
assessment, evaluation and prospective <br>
brainstorming to come up with what's
needed to salvage this fine <br>
organization. <br>
* The process allowed for participation by
allwhich is great. Although we <br>
now have the skills/experience to repeat
the process ourselves, we needed <br>
an "outside agent" to lead us
through it once, as an objectiveno <br>
agendaperson. Enjoyed the sharing, caring,
passion, and commitment of <br>
all! <br>
* The process provided a voice for all that
wished to use it. A first in my <br>
YW experience. The "no sayers"
are always with us but for the first time, <br>
our voices were louder! The effect is
positive if we never go further. I <br>
know we will. Thanks. <br>
*Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps
in this petty pace for day to <br>
day. <br>
* Outstanding process. The most productive,
positive, and inclusive national <br>
gathering I've attended. Thank you. Hear
others raise concerns re: <br>
collapsing related issue into one for vote
on priorities. I 'm glad you <br>
did. It was a big time saver to allow more
rapid voting. <br>
* You've helped me to remember what I love about
the YWCA. A way to make our <br>
voices heard. <br>
*Good sharing of information and
supportive collective spirit. <br>
* Great Cry for Change! Incredible energy;
wonderful exchange of ideas <br>
focused on the future of the YW. <br>
* How paternalistic to have Harrison seemingly
take ownership of this event. <br>
<br>
* Incredible. Inspiring. For the size and length
of this event, I found it <br>
to be very satisfying and rewarding. Glad
we had a good national board <br>
presence. Alexine is wonderful and I
believe she and other board members <br>
present can help us be prepared for the
next 100 years. Thanks to the <br>
Planning Committee. Kathy Luper, Fort
Worth. <br>
* New format energizing. Now can we leave all
"old" behind and move to 21st <br>
century. <br>
* Amazing. It was great to see the connection
between YWs and to find out <br>
what a women's organization really is
about. <br>
* Enjoyed the process we did not look to
the future enough, however. <br>
* Learned more and had better conversations and
connections than at any <br>
other YW function/convention. <br>
* Wish we could have focused on fewer issues
with results in mind. Great <br>
Job. Thank you. <br>
* The proof is in the pudding. <br>
* Interesting. Wellhandled processlots of time to talk
things over with <br>
coworkers and others engaged in the same
work. <br>
*Good process. I think the National YWCA could
help by giving training in <br>
consensus building. Some leaders of
sessions tried to control and promote <br>
own ideas. Poor leadership trait. <br>
* The open space meeting has offered me the
ability to have a voice. Thank <br>
you Owen and most importantly, thank you
Steering Committee. <br>
*Enjoyed the sisterhood and now let's
start the ownership. <br>
* Great potential....now let's make it happen
<br>
* I feel proud to be part of this historic
moment in the history of the <br>
YWCA. <br>
* Open Space great idea. If it's important to an
individual they <br>
participateif not, go elsewhere. <br>
* Process was cumbersome should have been given
a written agenda and <br>
procedures for Open Space. <br>
* Tell Harrison to throw away his bell. (Comment
added) Amen <br>
* Thanks to Open Space organizers! This is an
excellent process and I'm <br>
confident that we will move forward to
make change. <br>
*The math would take care of itself. There
was no need to try to group <br>
issues in the 11th hour before the vote. A
few things happen. <br>
The compiled list of issues by
the very nature of how it is presented <br>
(on easels) received greater
emphasis than the noncompiled ie stand <br>
alone issues because they are
not publicly posted. <br>
If I want to vote for a
particular issue that is critical to me, I would <br>
select all of those (or
several) multiple sessions on my topic and vote <br>
them. <br>
If someone chooses to vote for
five topics instead of the instructed <br>
vote then, the math process
creates greater emphasis on those 5 items <br>
(as opposed to listing those
five as the top five and diluting their <br>
impact with a next five. Math
works. <br>
* Harrison: Remove your hat in the presence of
ladies!!! Good session. <br>
* Harrison: The bush hat is goofy indoors.
<br>
*Process pulled us together. The proof is
in the pudding. Thanks to <br>
Steering Committee. Positive. <br>
*This meeting will become one of the most
important events in the history <br>
of the Y. The energy and vision and desire
to make the necessary changes <br>
to take us into the 21st century are an
account of everyone here. <br>
*Great process. What's next!!! Creative
chaos. <br>
*WOW. Lots of energy! A++ <br>
* The process is a good one; however it was
violated by people who come with <br>
a single agenda and organized prior to
move their agendaincluding adding <br>
comments to their reports which were not
discussed in the workshop. <br>
*A good process but the groups could have
used some help on assigning large <br>
rooms for known large groups and vv for
small. We'll hope the results are <br>
as positive as the work here! <br>
*Did we pay you to do this? Democratic
process has been around for awhile, <br>
sir. <br>
* Surely a woman could have led this process!!!
Who are we fooling when we <br>
don't support/hire our own kind. <br>
* This is just the right prescription for our
movement and for the <br>
hemorrhaging of our "structure"
it must feel like it did for our pioneer <br>
sisters at the start of this century. The
first night speakers were <br>
terribleespecially B. She was borderline
offensive. The Change Committee <br>
did a great job which must have taken lots
of courage. This is the kind of <br>
energy we need to have, keep, rekindle at
convention and all national <br>
meetings. <br>
* Was effort made to recruit young women and
help them overcome costs etc. <br>
*Good process for bubbling up issues. many
sessions were overshadowed by <br>
"wethey" and old tensions.
Disappointing level of "out of box" thinking. <br>
Thanks to the CI Steering Committee. Your
love of the YWCA will lead the <br>
changes. Peace Donna C. <br>
<br>
*This was fabulous. Small price to pay
Harrison to stand around and watch <br>
us change ourselves. He is a miracle
worker. We have paid him to empower <br>
us. Bravo. <br>
* I love the YWCA <br>
* I appreciate how the Steering Committee
allowed the process to work. S. <br>
Huggins <br>
* Challenging, interesting, focus. Now let's see
change. Soon. <br>
* Five meetings were hohum but the 6th a real
revelation. <br>
* Excellent process. Now let's design the
national conventions in this <br>
manner. We don't need highly paid singers
to help us sing! <br>
*Fantastic experience! The positive energy
and creativity were awesome. <br>
* Great sense of belonging and desire to
continue doing great things into <br>
the 21st century. <br>
* Let's make convention like this. No glitz. Low
expense. <br>
* Good experience. Meeting in the
"large" room was somewhat confusing due to <br>
so many groups and voices at one time.
<br>
* Most efficient hassle free YWCA national level
meeting I've been to in 15 <br>
years. Wonderful process. First time I'm
leaving with more hope than when <br>
I came. Thanks. <br>
* Thanks to the Steering Committee. Great Job
<br>
* Must make convention Open Space or we'll lose
it again. <br>
* Made many contact and friends. We can be
great! <br>
* The exhibit hall was awful. <br>
* Valuable workable process. Thanks. <br>
* Great job steering committee. You saw what the
movement needed and didn't <br>
let anything stand in your way. Here's to
all of us carrying this forward. <br>
<br>
* Frustrated with mixed messages. We should
either examine organization or <br>
examine program. Both a the same time
confuses the purpose. <br>
I like to eat at a table. No more box
lunches. <br>
* Open Space was a wonderful experience as a
process. The women of the YW <br>
have to allow it to flow as a process and
not allow personal or <br>
organizational frustrations to move the
process too quickly. The YW has <br>
been working toward changing various
structures and systems for years. <br>
What difference will two more months make.
Must react on systems processes <br>
not emotions. The breakout rooms made it
difficult at times for group <br>
members to participate to listen to one
another. Overall, I enjoyed <br>
myself. <br>
* Great process for meeting management and
allowing each individual to have <br>
voice and choice. Giving people chance to
address own interest/passion is <br>
meaningful and validating when others
collate around it. Love your next <br>
step categories. Do it, Talk it, etc.
<br>
* Taking home excellent ideas thanks to small
group discussion. Excellent <br>
process for networkingopen exchange.
<br>
* Process INTERESTING. It would have helped to
put LIKE items together <br>
FIRST. Anxious to see END result and
then to see if it REALLY results <br>
in CHANGE. <br>
* The process worked I'm very happy with
open space and plan to use it <br>
again! Now the hard part begins As
with every YW gathering the energy is <br>
phenomenal Hope is that we can carry
it thru our tasks ahead. <br>
* Energizing process empowering process now we
have to keep it going. Mary <br>
Novello, Montclair North Essex <br>
* My belief in the YWCA and in the beauty of a
women's organization has been <br>
reconfirmed. How wonderful to learn so
much from so many in a healthy and <br>
empowering environment. My deepest thanks
to the coordinators of this <br>
event! <br>
* Did we really need a man to lead the way? Was
there no woman who could do <br>
this? <br>
* Thank you Steering Committee for selecting
Harrison Owen. Thank you <br>
Harrison Owen for being here and teaching
us how to cut to the core. Thank <br>
you everyone who came to Dallas. The YWCA
will survive, thrive and <br>
prosper. <br>
* Excellent work in bringing everyone together..
Lots of logistical problems <br>
but the best discussion ever of
overcoming racism. <br>
* Terrific opportunity to speak openly about
issues and concerns would <br>
like convention process to have same king
of opportunity and same point. <br>
* A wonderfully empowering experience.
Fascinating to see the process work. <br>
* Delighted to have been a part of it. <br>
* Power is the key to success <br>
* Too expensive hotel meal $20 plate average?
Are we classist? <br>
* Love the bells Ditto <br>
*Great Women. Hotel too far and costly to
leave during free time no <br>
place to be outside!! Do not add
categories/grouping at later times. <br>
*Thank you Steering Committee, for giving
us some focus and jump starting <br>
the forward movement of this organization.
Wish we could have gotten much <br>
more done, but the time we had was
certainly full. Press on!! Myrna <br>
Deckert we need you to choose to
lead us!! We trust you! And we see <br>
your vision. <br>
* This did not function as an Open Space for me
<br>
* A wonderful way to bring structure to the most
creative of process! <br>
* Lots of energy in these halls. <br>
*Power to the women. <br>
* I'm grateful for the time effort that was
spent. It has been worthwhile. <br>
D. Cheek <br>
* I really appreciated the National Staff
members being here at there own <br>
expense in many (most? all?) cases. Also
Prema and Alexine's presence. <br>
* Enjoyed this meeting format very much.
Discussed many pertinent issues <br>
that need change and hopefully will be in
the very near future. <br>
* We have a good start on very necessary path.
Convention action must follow <br>
quickly. We're dying in the trenches!
<br>
*You must be kidding mistrust does not
lead to progress. <br>
* Everything very good except in final vote
there was not a safeguard to <br>
eliminate double voting by an individual
or group. <br>
* 4 NYC delegates and 6 world YW representatives
all urge an inexpensive, <br>
nofrills convention like this one. We
don't even want to pay for keynote <br>
speakers if we have some of our own. We
all want to get to the real tasks. <br>
<br>
* The process is good and helps to ensure that
many issues surface. My <br>
suggestion is that in this case, it would
have been better to DEFINE the <br>
1st question: rather than "What YWCA
issue are you passionate about," it <br>
would have been good to ask "What YW
issue for change are you passionate <br>
about." or "What National YW
issue for change..." (etc) <br>
*Great process especially ability to
do it on our own!! BUT Technology of <br>
DOS is old and we needed a more user
friendly (edit) program. Thanks <br>
Steering Committee. <br>
* Great process!! Congratulations on an amazing
2 = days of dialogs not <br>
debate. WE were all a part of History in
the making. You should all be so <br>
extremely proud!! Better together. <br>
*Very informative!! Gives all the
opportunity to participate, have a voice <br>
and set some organization and personal
priorities. <br>
*Great opportunity for all to talk
about/surface their own "beef"! Good to <br>
reinforce that the "fix' would not
take place overnight! <br>
* This was great. Thank you. <br>
*Open Space is a great concept and works
well. I think we got too bogged <br>
down at times talking about the present
and what we do instead of <br>
"breaking out of the box" and
visioning. I also realize I have had a <br>
responsibility to change the direction of
a discussion but didn't remember <br>
that until late in the process. <br>
*What an amazing way to talk to others...
and listen.. .and learn. I leave <br>
with more questions than I came with... I
leave with important answers... <br>
I leave with incredible resources...I
leave with enthusiasm and passion... <br>
and a song in my heart. When Shift
Happens... ain't it grand! CA, <br>
Westfield, NY <br>
*Your method is wonderful! Your message
would be better received sans <br>
violent words like "dropdead"
time. It's part of our YWCA effort to end <br>
violence in all it's forms. <br>
*Hate the Bells <br>
*The meeting was well organized. Issues
should be addressed quickly and <br>
fairly. Good format and organizer. Should
feel good about the success of <br>
this meeting. <br>
*What a process thank you,
committee, for having the vision to see that <br>
this is what we needed. I have faith in
the power of this group and I'm <br>
in!!! <br>
*Good process very efficient for
huge task and large number F.O. folks <br>
arduous, but necessary. Many thanks!
<br>
* What an incredible process and opportunity!
We're in all way! <br>
*This was my first YW national meeting.
Thank you Steering committee and <br>
Owen. It's been an incredible experience!
Blending "old" ideas with "new." <br>
Thank you so much. <br>
*The process was a great opportunity to
hear (hopefully) new and different <br>
voices. It now moves from these voices to
the power brokers to create true <br>
change. If we are truly abut our mission
than change will need to happen. <br>
If not than our mission is worth no
more than the paper we print it on. <br>
* I appreciate the opportunity afforded me by my
association to have a <br>
voice. Bit it is now out of my hands.
<br>
*Need more time with issues and book
before voting. <br>
* Interesting process. By 4th session on Sat.,
things were ready to wind <br>
down. All conveners weren't the same as
far as ability to lead. Needed to <br>
stick to topic. Nice seeing energy level
of so many women. <br>
* Enjoyed very much! Exhibit Hall meetings too
noisy! <br>
* Thanks much to the Steering Committee
you have done a magnificent job! <br>
*Interesting process Look and feels
like strategic planning. <br>
* Open Space Process was: Inclusive, embracing,
outstanding <br>
* Everyone listened and gave credence. Congrats
to All! <br>
* Like a butterfly, we are in our
chrysalis present form looks like mush, <br>
but the outcome should be BEAUTIFUL.
<br>
* The agenda and rules were great. I can hardly
wait to take this back home <br>
and try with other groups too. Thank you.
<br>
* I have seen the possibilities. Every time this
group of phenomenal women <br>
come together I am filled with awe. We do
have a collective power. Always <br>
remember that with Spirit, Passion and
Trust all is possible. <br>
* I'm taking Open Space home to my next project!
<br>
* Racial Justice was talked almost more here
than at any other YW event. <br>
Thanks. <br>
* Exciting! I'm always open to new ideas and
ways of doing things. <br>
Hooray for Honesty! <br>
* This was an issue identification process only;
where's the change process? <br>
<br>
*For the Change Initiative Committee
some past National Board members <br>
would have come if notified didn't
know about the event. Can we open up <br>
next convention meeting to them so they
see this great venture? <br>
* Excellent process <br>
* Exhib hall poor site for
discussion <br>
* We can take process to locals and
convention <br>
* We are moving forward! <br>
* Surprising to see that we are not all on the
same page <br>
*This has been one most positive and
hopeful YWCA National event that I <br>
have ever attended. My thanks to the
Change Initiative Committee. <br>
The Steering Committee has done a great
job putting this together, while <br>
being careful to stay in the background
and let the process work. Mary Ann <br>
Webb <br>
* Great Job Steering Committee. We
appreciate your efforts in keeping <br>
costs low, keeping an open mind and for
the process. Let's not let it stop <br>
here! <br>
* I really enjoyed the process. I felt it was a
very creative way to learn <br>
and share. Thank you. Jill Smolen <br>
* Great Process for rethinking priorities
can only hope that follow up is <br>
as enthusiastic. Representative of
collective thought. <br>
* Made more interpersonal connections than at
most national events. <br>
*Unpopular views are still unpopular
despite the Open Space. We'll all hope <br>
the change initiated here becomes reality!
<br>
* This was exciting! The Process is a Winner!!!
<br>
*And, the rest is up to US! <br>
* Sharing and Caring are evident! We must
implement! Don't let us down! <br>
* Thanks to all the volunteers on the CI
committee! <br>
* My passion for belonging and working for a
women's movement has deepened <br>
energized. Thank you to all for sharing.
Rose Hill <br>
Process was liberating! A lot of time was
spent identifying issues and <br>
narrowing them down instead F.O. the
"change" aspect. Many thanks to the <br>
Steering Committee for all their hard
work!! <br>
Day 1 Should have been spent on
"What Needs to Be Changed" Prioritize <br>
them <br>
Day 2 Should have been "How Can
This Be Changed" <br>
*I saw too many groups traveling around as
groupies. The purpose was to <br>
learn several messages in order to learn.
Not socialize! <br>
I was a skeptic, but I am a believer now!
Kudos to the Steering Committee, <br>
and ..many thanks for making it possible.
<br>
* This process enabled us to talk to each
others share best practices. <br>
This needs to continue. It put control of
the movement in our hands <br>
where it belongs. A lot of sharing of
"feelings" and some of "thinking." <br>
Need more thinking. More opportunities
like this could help us set past <br>
feelings to clearer thinking. <br>
* CATHARSIS! <br>
*Good info exchange Annie Clark,
Cleveland, OH <br>
*This could be an excellent model for
future conventions! Take care of <br>
business voting online. Let's continue to
get together to share, critique <br>
and grow as a YW. <br>
* Whether relatively new comer, long time member
old, young or whatever the <br>
process was stimulating, productive and
truly inclusive! <br>
*I love the Process. I love and care about
the YWCA. I feel like this <br>
process has allowed every one to have a
voice! <br>
* Great process! Appreciate all the hard work of
the Change Committee. I am <br>
optimistic that change will happen
shift happens doesn't it? Rita Dennis <br>
Clinton, IA <br>
<br>
* From "Hope Floats" The
beginning is sometimes scary The end is <br>
sometimes sad It's what's in the
middle that counts. This counts! <br>
I really appreciate the time and process
to really discuss our values, <br>
problems, etc. We're never carved this
time out before. I cautiously await <br>
the next step. <br>
* Great program! Very empowering democracy
in action! Thank you. <br>
* Thank you to the Open Space Steering
Committee! Who know the "box" was so <br>
big glad to get out of it and think!
<br>
*The agenda was obviously set before we
got here <br>
*Open Space worked very well. I was
surprised and pleased with the energy <br>
created by the process. Thank you. <br>
* Thank you Steering Committee! You did an
incredible job. I was <br>
disappointed that my issue got "lost
in cyberspace" and wasn't included in <br>
book!! <br>
* The agenda was set here by all of us. <br>
* Exciting, invigorating and thought provoking.
This session awakened my <br>
mind and thoughts to what I individually
must do and the work I need to do <br>
with my association board members and
staff. <br>
* This can work! Because of the caring and
commitment of every woman here! <br>
* Happy to be a part of it. Shows that we're not
only aware of the problems <br>
but willing to do something about them.
<br>
* What an impressive, intelligent, focused group
of women <br>
* Excellent Process Nat'l Conventions
should be this democratic. Good job <br>
* Steering Committee! Good food, Good plan ,
Good work! <br>
* Focus issues should have been grouped
(strategic focuspioneering, etc. <br>
* NOW Let's USE OUR Collective Power! <br>
* Excellent process everyone on equal
footing agenda less meeting a <br>
refreshing "first" for the YWCA!
<br>
* In over 20 years in the YWCA, this was the
most positive event I have <br>
attended. It was great. <br>
* The process leaves no room for excuses or
future complaints. <br>
* Wonderful process will take back home!
Thanks Steering Committee <br>
* I came a disbeliever but I've been converted!
<br>
*Congratulations on job welldone. Now go
for it next step! <br>
* Give one good reason why local YW s should
send dues to National <br>
* Good concept. Lose words and it will be better
i.e . "drop dead time" <br>
"punch in #s." too jarring given
what we see every day. <br>
* I like the process but feel a bit more time
should be spent on <br>
synthesizing into broad categories at the
front end process this would <br>
allow for more focused discussions. Also,
large room difficult for <br>
hearing. <br>
* Great forum; better than ED/Pres training.
Would like a copy of the model <br>
*You must move quickly. Time is not on our
side! <br>
* Congratulations to the Steering Committee.
Everything was very smooth and <br>
well organized. <br>
* Challenging and effective process!
Brought together the People involved <br>
on all levels. Great work. <br>
* Shift happens when collectively we care.
<br>
* I was feeling good about "the work"
until the end when "the committee" <br>
attempted to channel my vote and the
leadership! Sandra Boyce <br>
<br>
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Harrison Owen<br>
7808 River Falls Drive<br>
Potomac, MD 20854<br>
USA<br>
phone 301-469-9269<br>
fax 301-983-9314<br>
website <br>
<a href="http://www.mindspring.com/~owenhh" eudora="autourl">www.mindspring.com/~owenhh</a><br>
Open Space Institute websites<br>
<a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.org</a><br>
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