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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>Dear friends and
colleagues in Open Space,</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>I have just returned
to Canada from Australia and have a great wish to share with you and for our
archives what I think is a very important story of holding space. This is a note
about Open Space Technology in Australia and about the role that Brian
Bainbridge has played in the holding of space to make this all
possible.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=520140404-15082000></SPAN><FONT size=2><FONT
face="Arial Black"><FONT face=Arial>B<SPAN class=520140404-15082000>rian has
been facilitating Open Space Technology meetings for about a decade and has
become a friend to many of us. From that time, Brian has worked hard within
Australia to promote the use of Open Space Technology. In his style, he planted
seeds, mentored people, and behind the scenes, worked hard. He was instrumental
in starting the Open Space Institute in Australia and continued to hold space
for the Open Space Institute to gather momentum and for Open Space Technology to
become more widely used and accepted. </SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face="Arial Black"><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>Brian determined
that he might have more success if someone came from overseas to do Open Space
Technology training in Australia. I accepted his invitation and spent time in
July and August of 1999 and 2000 in Australia to lead training sessions,
including a session in the Open Space Organization this year. Brian was joined
by others in the behind the scenes organizing, including Viv McWaters in
Melbourne and Denis Cowan in Brisbane. There was a small group making up the
Institute working with Brian. It was a lot of work for them. We had people from
New Zealand and Australia including Tasmania at the programs. Brian held the
space for it all to happen, with his intention for it to
flourish.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>This year, driving
to the last day of the last session, Brian and I conversed about the future of
Open Space Technology in Australia and the future of the Open Space Institute in
Australia. We were pleased with the momentum that has emerged. The numbers of
people who attended the trainings and so on. Brian was hoping that there would
be a natural evolution of some of the people to take on leadership roles to move
the institute forward.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>On that day, in the
closing circle, I watched as three people within the circle made commitments to
moving the institute forward with their talents, time, and wisdom. I watched as
they planned to have a gathering to discuss their development with Open Space
Technology that did not have "Harrison or Birgitt at it to draw people" and that
they felt that they now had enough draw amongst themselves. The group agreed.
There was excitement in the room. And I watched Brian. He was clearly proud of
what was happening and greatly pleased. He commented on the sharing of
leadership that they and others would have together. There was a letting go on
Brian's part and a celebration on his part as well. It was
beautiful.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>I write this as a
testament to Brian and his holding of the space for Open Space Technology to
gain its momentum in Australia and New Zealand. He held the space and worked
hard behind the scenes while holding the space, attending to the details to make
it all possible, mentoring many people, tirelessly answering e-mails and
phone calls.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>Thank you
Brian,</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=520140404-15082000>And to the groups,
my thanks too---"good on you and go well"</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000>Blessings,</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000>Birgitt</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face="Arial Black"><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face="Arial Black"><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
class=520140404-15082000></SPAN></FONT>Birgitt Williams</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Make Genuine Contact!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Dalar Associates: organizational
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>effectiveness consultants</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Striving for Success? Ready to exceed
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>your expectations?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Contact us for consulting services,
</FONT><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>training, </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>conference and meeting facilitation,
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>and keynote speaking.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><A
href="http://www.openspacetechnology.com/">www.openspacetechnology.com</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Birgitt Williams</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Make Genuine Contact!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Dalar Associates: organizational
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>effectiveness consultants</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Striving for Success? Ready to exceed
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>your expectations?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>Contact us for consulting services,
</FONT><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>training, </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>conference and meeting facilitation,
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2>and keynote speaking.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><A
href="http://www.openspacetechnology.com/">www.openspacetechnology.com</A></FONT></DIV>
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