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At 12:03 PM 2/9/01 -0500, you wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><font face="arial" size=2>Dear OST
Friends: <br>
<br>
A discussion took place at the Open Space Institute - US board meeting
(via <br>
telephone) last month that is worth sharing. In fact, I took on the
<br>
responsibility to convey this discussion. It had to do with
accessibility to <br>
OST training programs. I began the discussion by asking the
question, "Why <br>
are the training sessions for OST usually so expensive?"
</font></blockquote><br>
David -- as usual you comments are right on the money (bad pun). And I
think the discussion you have engendered should be most helpful. I also
think it is important to remember that the situation has its complexities
(givens?) which need to be born in mind. The major one being that we
(whoever WE are) are not a corporation, education institution, or a
foundation. All of which means -- there is no budget to be allocated and
directed as "we" might choose. An exception here might be
OSI(US) which is a legal entity (501-c-3), collects money, and could
distribute same. Having no official connection to OSI, I can speak
with impunity, but I would be very careful before jumping into the grant
making business. I have been there, and know it is possible, but not with
out fair and (usually) elaborate review procedures, checks and balances,
evaluations and all the other administrivia necessary to exercise
fiduciary responsibility. Personally, I wouldn't want to go there. But I
think there are some alternatives which you and others are raising.<br>
<br>
<i>First, "Each one teach one" </i>. From the beginning, Open
Space has been free -- but with one cost. That we share what we learn
along the way. So supposing all those who cared took it upon themselves
to share what they know. Specifically, after your 3rd or 4th Open Space,
invite someone to join you for the next one as your
"mentee."<br>
<br>
<i>Second, Lend your book.</i> I think it is fair and accurate to say
that most people who "do" Open Space have never darkened the
door of a training program. Nor have they felt the need to -- and they do
just fine. Just read the book and do it. It happens, most of the
time, I think. And if you happen to have a copy of<i> the User's
Guide</i> sitting on a shelf gathering dust -- lend it out. Of course,
folks could buy their own books, and if they are so stupid as to pay full
price, entry into Open Space will cost a grand total of $24.95.<br>
<br>
<i>Third, Start your own Training Program</i> You don't need a licence. A
good head, good heart, and some experience will do. After all, that is
the way it all began. Ten years ago the only resources for such an effort
were personal experience and word of mouth stories from those also
thrashing about in the same pond. Things are rather different now. We
have this listserve, I have written a few books, and if some other folks
will put pen to paper (fingers to the keyboard) I needn't feel like
the Lone Ranger in that department forthwith. Actually, there are
something like 3 books in German, and one in Swedish, so it is getting
better. Add in our global website
<a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.org</a>
The MetaNet Connection
<a href="http://www.tmn.com/new" eudora="autourl">www.tmn.com/new</a> ,
and the new Training website established by my self-selected colleagues
and me
<a href="http://www.openspaceworld.com/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.com</a>
(see "Papers" for lots of poop and propaganda) --- there is more than enough out there right now for any concerned person to produce all sorts of programs<br>
<br>
And then we come to <i>The Training Programs. </i>As the major perpetrator in this area, (now thankfully joined by Birgitt, Micahel P. and I am sure others) -- I can honestly say -- I would love to get out of the training business. It's been great fun, I've learned a lot -- but a couple more years of this, and I am ready to go fishing. So get ready folks -- the space is open and the field is yours. But while I am getting my fishing poles in order, I do have a few observations. First on cost. It is true, the programs I have been involved with do cost money -- usually something like $1000-1500 (US). At least that is the official price for folks who have the means to pay. I think that is quite reasonable, and actually my corporate friends tell me it is ridiculously cheap compared to other programs of a similar sort and duration. It is a curious fact that all too often in that monied environment, folks don't think they are getting anything unless they pay a good deal for it. And I have no problem robbing Peter to pay for Paul. As Michael Herman notes, and I concur -- nobody has been excluded because of money. Typically we have folks who pay little more than actual cost (and sometimes not even that) up to the whole enchilada. And we can only do the former because we do the latter. To be honest, I do know of a few folks who could have paid, but choose not to -- and that is their choice. Lastly, and not to put too fine a point on it -- I totally subscribe to the principle that <i>A Worker is worthy (or at least should be) of his hire.</i> It is not just about money, but so long as I and my family have to eat, money in this present society is damn useful. <br>
<br>
So anyhow, Folks there are some thoughts and lots of opportunities. Enjoy yourself.<br>
<br>
Harrison<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<x-sigsep><p></x-sigsep>
<div align="center">
Harrison Owen<br>
7808 River Falls Drive<br>
Potomac, MD 20854 USA<br>
phone 301-469-9269<br>
fax 301-983-9314<br>
Open Space Training <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.com/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.com</a> <br>
Open Space Institute <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.org</a><br>
Personal website <a href="http://www.mindspring.com/~owenhh" eudora="autourl">www.mindspring.com/~owenhh</a><br>
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