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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>Dear Brendan –<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>You wrote of an
upcoming OS for a client:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;
margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=2
color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";
color:black'><</span></font> her major concern is about using a
non-Aboriginal white male as the facilitator - see honest and forthright
comments below - and this event would be in a different part of the country
from where I live and where I'm not known locally in the indigenous community -
any thoughts on this query? <span class=GramE>Any stories of this sort of
cross-cultural/gender scenario?></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>I know what you
are like and you are a most amazing model of a humble, open, life-affirming, spiritual
man. <span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>What a gift to those who may
not have experienced someone like that of your culture. <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>And yes, no
matter how fabulous we are as individuals, people see what they first see and
make assumptions about what they see (white man, or young person, or old
person, or whatever).<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>And when the
participants are survivors of brutality or violation, this can trigger even
more emotional response – for some, you cease to be an individual and you
wear the mask of their oppressor. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>And this potential
hostility thing your client mentions – it could just as well be hostility
towards your client’s organization – a good thing to find out. Is
that organization full of people who are not of the culture they are serving? <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Just wondering…<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>And yet if the
invitation is thoughtfully developed and shared person to person, if every
effort is made to invite more and diverse (even within a culture) people to
participate, and every effort is made to help folks with less perceived (or actual
or historical) power to be able to be and feel welcome at the meeting (their
peers inviting them, the availability of childcare, nutrition, transport, and materials
in different languages) -- and if Open Space is chosen as the process for the
meeting – all of these elements actively model a shift to new
possibilities and the potential of co-creation. <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>The facilitator
(ideally) interviews some participants, learns the words and codes of a culture
(even if an outsider’s understanding of those words and codes), learns
about the issues, listens for the tender parts -- to hold space for the people and
their work and to name and frame things thoughtfully in the opening.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Ideally the theme is co-created by a host
group including members of the culture of the participant group – so the
right words and the right focusing question <span class=GramE>is</span>
found.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Plus the way you talk and
introduce the guidelines of the meeting – and even your physical presence
- show that you are there to serve them. <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>And in Open Space the facilitator gets
out of the way very quickly and becomes invisible.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>All these things can help someone not of
the participants’ culture to serve the participants.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>And then they get the extra added bonus
of experiencing a person who *<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>looks</span></b>*
like the kind of person they’ve had bad experiences with – but who
is different, in every way.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It
gives hope, and a visceral experience of goodness, and it renews faith.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>I have had
experiences where I am really obviously not of the participants’
culture.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Open Space puts the
meeting in the hands of the participants.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>And participants’ comments indicate they felt served by this
not-of-their-culture person – that is, if they notice me at all by the
end.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Usually – and more
appropriately, their closing comments are not ‘look what she did’
but ‘look what we did’. <span class=GramE>As it should be.</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span class=GramE><font size=2 color=black
face="Trebuchet MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";
color:black'>Having said that, it is also great to support emerging leaders.</span></font></span><font
size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>I have an OS coming up for a conference of young activists under 24
years of age. <span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span class=GramE>I
l-o-v-e working with young people.</span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Although, I am a ‘geezer’ – an old lady to some (I’m
50), and though some of you younger folks on this list who have met me have
mentioned that I’m cool and full of young person energy and we share many
sensibilities -- people who don’t know me don’t know that.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Well, this usually works out in Open Space
(because people can feel your energy and support by the way you Open Space), and
because just like anybody else, my role shifts quickly into totally present /
completely invisible as the young participants fill the space and get to work.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>However, in a
particular OS I’m about to do (for people of people of all ages), the
younger delegates in this conference have indicated their frustration that typically
the older folks lead all the events - they want to see themselves as equal
leaders this year.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>So it’s
reasonable to give them a young person *<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>as</span></b>*
their OS facilitator.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>There were no
local young OS facilitators to be found, so I searched for, interviewed and
found an amazing, incredible 20 year old man who has all the wisdom and life
experience to really *<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>get</span></b>* Open
Space values.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>And I am training him
in the months before the event – he will be the facilitator (I will be
present to support him) for this conference.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>So: not only do they get one of their
own as a facilitator, but this young man gets one-on-one mentoring, training
and support to learn and feel confident about this method, plus he has this
great professional experience for his resume, plus I get the most incredible
delight of working with him and learning from him. <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Plus my cats get to hold space as he
walks the circle in my living room (Lucy cat is mesmerized by Robby’s
calm presence and intention as he opens space). <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>And everyone is served.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span class=GramE>Including the cat.</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>I don’t know
if you have the time to train a facilitator or co-facilitator (if you want to
do it with 2 of you facilitating), but this is a delightful option.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>I know you will
do so well, no matter what you and your client decide.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>When people are invited with openness
and intention, when they come to the meeting and see the circle, when they feel
the facilitator’s invitation and presence, when they jump into Open Space,
they will do great work together.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>And when they meet you – whether you are the sole facilitator or
supporting or co-facilitating with another, they will thrive in your presence.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>Wish I could be
there, Brendan – tell us how it goes,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'>Lisa<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'>___________________________</span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-no-proof:yes'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=2
color=blue face="Trebuchet MS"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";
color:blue;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;mso-no-proof:yes'>L i s
a<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>H e f t<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:blue;mso-no-proof:
yes'>Consultant, Facilitator, Educator<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:blue;mso-no-proof:
yes'>O p e n i n g<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>S p a c e<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'>2325 Oregon<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'>Berkeley, California<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'>94705-1106<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>USA<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'>+01 510 548-8449<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'><a href="mailto:lisaheft@openingspace.net"><font color=black><span
style='color:black'>lisaheft@openingspace.net</span></font></a></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-no-proof:yes'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black;mso-no-proof:
yes'><a href="http://www.openingspace.net"><font color=black><span
style='color:black'>www.openingspace.net</span></font></a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face="Trebuchet MS"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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