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<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=790485721-09022001>Hi
Chris,</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=790485721-09022001>I love
the unfolding of this frequently asked questions segment. To add to the
unfolding, I would like to suggest that if we are equating the unfolding FAQ
List with "givens" that we might consider holding true to "what is really a
"given". Givens are kept to their basic simplest minimum always using the
question "is this really a "given" or is this a goal or value or desire. A
simple way to handle this would be to take the concept out of your introduction
that these are "givens". OR, and this would be the bigger challenge and one that
I think would be a great exercise for the OS community on this list, work at
getting the list down to what truly are "givens". Nothing less than I would ask
of any organization that I am working with. AND, my experience has been that
management struggles hugely with getting at organizational "givens"--but when
they do, amazing creativity is possible regarding that which is not a "given".
Defining the "givens" tends to define the space.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=790485721-09022001></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=790485721-09022001>Love
and light and big smiles as I place this before you,</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=790485721-09022001>Birgitt</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV align=left class=OutlookMessageHeader dir=ltr><FONT face=Tahoma
size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> OSLIST
[mailto:OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]<B>On Behalf Of </B>Chris
Corrigan<BR><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, February 08, 2001 8:02 PM<BR><B>To:</B>
OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU<BR><B>Subject:</B> OSLIST FAQ Version 1.2, or
whatever<BR><BR></DIV></FONT>Following the good advice of a good half dozen
folks, here is another version of the OSLIST FAQ. It should be clear by
now that this thing will evolve over time and that is a good thing. Keep
the comments coming. I'm happy to be an agent of "include and
transcend."
<P>Chris
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Welcome to the OSLIST Frequently Asked
Questions List</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>This FAQ has been prepared to outline some of
the “givens” around the OSLIST, the online list for Open Space Technology
practitioners. This FAQ does not represent the official position of the
OSLIST membership, but rather, is the result of obersvation and participation
by a few list members who had the passion to create a FAQ.</FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>1. What is Open Space Technology?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>You'd be surprised how contentious an question
that one can be. Over the years on OSLIST list members have gone through
spells of defining Open Space Technology both explicitly and implicitly.
In fact one of the benefits of being subscribed to this list is that over time
a definition will emerge for each individual that makes sense.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Having said that, in 2000 a group of list
members wrestled with the challenge of crafting an Open Space Technology
definition that was 25 words or less, and among the results were the
following:</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>“Open Space is based in the belief that
organizations and communities run on passion and responsibility. It
allows groups of any size to self-organize around what they really care about
to get things done.” -- Peg Holman</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>“Open Space Technology is a natural
communication process that recognizes that people take responsibility to
pursue what they are passionate about, and it ensures that what is important
to each participant will be discussed." -- developed by a small group during
Birgitt Williams' Open Space training workshop in Halifax May 15-18,
2000</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>That is the short answer. How this happens
is the interesting part</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Open Space Technology meetings begin with all
the participants sitting in a circle, and no items on the agenda. The
meeting opens with an agenda setting exercise following which the group
self-organizes into smaller discussion groups. Discussion group
convenors are responsible for providing a report of the discussions, which is
immediately added to a book of proceedings. At the conclusion of the
meeting, or very shortly thereafter, participants receive a copy of the
proceedings including all of the discussion groups’ reports and any action
plans that were developed.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Open Space Technology meetings operate on four
principles and one law. The principles are:</FONT> <BR>
<UL>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Whoever comes is the right people</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Whatever happens is the only thing that could
have happened</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>When it starts is the right time</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>When it’s over it’s over</FONT> </LI></UL>
<P><BR><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>And the law is known as The Law of Two Feet
(sometimes referred to as "The Law of Mobility"). It states that “If you
find yourself in a situation where you are neither learning or contributing,
go somewhere where you can.”</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>As a result, Open Space Technology meetings are
characterized by self-organization and high degrees of freedom for
participants.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>If you want to know more about Open Space
Technology visit the site of the international Open Space Technology
community at <A
href="http://www.openspaceworld.org">http://www.openspaceworld.org</A> (a
companion site to this list) where you can find an Introduction to OST in many
languages and resources and links to other materials about OST on the
Web.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>For the record, Open Space Technology was
developed by Harrison Owen, a Maryland USA based consultant who was searching
for a way to create better meetings after hearing that the best parts of a
conference he organized were the coffee breaks. Open Space Technology
meetings are still known for capturing the "buzz" that permeates the gathering
and turning it towards action. Harrison wrote "the book" on Open Space
Technology, called "Open Space Technology: A User's Guide" which serves as an
important articulation of the mechanics and meaning of the process.</FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>2. What is OSLIST?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>OSLIST is the international mailing list for
Open Space Technology facilitators and those interested in the process.
It is a lively forum with 313 members (as of January 2001) and generates
around 10-15 messages per day, during its most active times.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>To join OSLIST, or to change your settings,
visit <A
href="http://listserv.boisestate.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=oslist&A=1">http://listserv.boisestate.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=oslist&A=1</A>
and fill out the form.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>You may also join OSLIST by sending a message to
the following address:</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica><A
href="mailto:listserv@listserv.boisestate.edu">listserv@listserv.boisestate.edu</A>.
IN THE BODY of this message type ONLY the following text: “subscribe oslist”
(don’t type the quotes!). Enter nothing in the SUBJECT field and nothing
else in the message (including, for instance, signatures, addresses,
etc.).</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Upon successfully registering for the list you
will receive a piece of mail containing useful information about OSLIST
including how to unsubscribe. It’s worthwhile saving this
treasure!</FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>3. Is the list archived?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Yes, the list is archived, and all material
posted to the list is also posted to the archive. The archive is
publicly accessible, so you may wish to keep this in mind if you choose to
post to the list.</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>The archives can be read and searched by
visiting <A
href="http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html">http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html</A></FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>4. What is the etiquette for posting to
OSLIST?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>There are no hard and fast rules about what to
post to OSLIST, but in general people appreciate the following:</FONT>
<UL>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Questions about working with Open Space
Technology</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Answers to relevant questions</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Stories about Open Space Technology
meetings</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Poems (there is a regular poetry contest that
happens every six months or so)</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Notices of upcoming Open Space Technology
training or conferences</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Resource material that may be of interest to
Open Space Technology facilitators</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Opportunities and calls for OST
facilitators.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Introductions from new subscribers</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Discussion about theories and ideas that can
help to improve the understanding and practice of Open Space
Technology</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Experiences working with Open Space
Organizations</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Accounts of other ways of "opening
space.".</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Posts in languages other than English are
acceptable. OSLIST has readers who speak German, Swedish, Russian,
Portuguese, Spanish and French among others and items have been posted in
all of these languages in the past.</FONT> </LI></UL><FONT
face=Arial,Helvetica>In general, OSLIST users seem to prefer that people avoid
the following:</FONT>
<UL>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Attachments. Please either post these
to a website and provide the link to the list, or ask people to indicate if
they wish to receive them off list.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Flaming. We are a pretty congenial
group, and flaming is relatively unknown amongst us. It would be nice
to keep it that way. If you have negative things to say about
individuals it would be appreciated if you could keep them off list.</FONT>
</LI></UL><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>It must also be said that the jury is
still out on small personal notes of appreciation or support to
individuals. Some feel that these are a waste of bandwidth and add to an
increasingly heavy personal email load. Others feel that personal
messages of support sent to the list provide valuable affirmation to
individuals by recognizing them within the worldwide community of Open Space
Technology practitioners. It’s best to use your own judgement on
this. If you do post notes like this to the list, be aware that the
reception of others may be mixed.</FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>5. What other online discussion forums are
there for Open Space Technology practitioners?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>The two most heavily visited online forums are
as follows:</FONT>
<UL>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Worldwide Open Space at <A
href="http://www.openspaceworld.org">http://www.openspaceworld.org</A>.
Registration is free.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>The Meta Network at <A
href="http://www.tmn.com/new">http://www.tmn.com/new</A>. Follow the
link to “make a new account” and fill out the form. Where you are
asked for your host or sponsor on The Meta Network enter “Openspace”</FONT>
</LI></UL><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>6. Where can I find out more about
Open Space Technology?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>The best place to start is at the Open Space
World website which can be found at: <A
href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/">http://www.openspaceworld.org/</A>.
Here you will find resources for facilitators, links to websites of Open Space
Technology practitioners, stories, poetry, training opportunities, conference
information and more.</FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>7. What is OSonOS?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>OSonOS stands for “Open Space on Open
Space.” It is an annual event that gathers together 150 or so Open Space
Technology practitioners to spend two or more days discussing issues related
to the practice of Open Space Technology. More information on OSonOS IX
(Vancouver Canada, August 18-21, 2001) can be found at <A
href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/osonos.html">http://www.openspaceworld.org/osonos.html</A></FONT>
<P><B><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>8. Does the OSLIST really have a Poet
Laureate?</FONT></B>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica>Of course! The title of OSLIST Poet
Laureate is awarded to the winner of the Biannual OSLIST Restricted Form
Poetry Contest. Anyone may enter this contest, and all list members have
an opportunity to vote for the winner. The winner is responsible for
organizing the next contest. The current OSLIST Poet Laureate is Jeff
Aitken.</FONT> <BR>
<P><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica><FONT size=-1>Updated February 8,
2001</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial,Helvetica><FONT size=-1>Please email
any additions or changes to Chris Corrigan <
corcom@interchange.ubc.ca ></FONT></FONT> <BR>
<P>-- <BR>CHRIS CORRIGAN <BR>Consultation - Facilitation <BR>Open Space
Technology
<P><A href="http://www.chriscorrigan.com">http://www.chriscorrigan.com</A>
<P>108-1035 Pacific Street <BR>Vancouver BC <BR>V6E 4G7
<P>Phone: 604.683.3080 <BR>Fax: 604.683.3036 <BR>corcom@interchange.ubc.ca
<BR> </P></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>