<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b>The Short Story of
the OSI US Institute Retreat<br><br></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span> What
follows is the shorter transcript of what transpired at our recent Open Space
Institute US face-to-face meeting held in Sarasota, Florida over a period of 4
days, including travel time, at the beginning of April.<span> </span>As is often the case in Open Space, the
summary notes cannot capture the depth and intent of the conversations,
breakthroughs and initiatives that emerged.<span>
</span>We invite you to visit the OSI US website for some of the details <a href="http://osius.org/proceedings" target="_blank">http://osius.org/proceedings</a> knowing
that they are just the beginning of another chapter in the compelling story of
Open Space – one of many around the world. <br><br>Ours is a story of invitation
brimming with enthusiasm and hope as we welcome each other: <span> </span>facilitators, participants, groups, OS institutes
and people everywhere who have been touched by Open Space, a simple process
with much to offer in addressing the big issues that we face in the world today.<span> <br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span>In
another posting, you can read the <b>Back Story</b> which provides a more intimate
rendering of what happened. <br><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span>On
April 1<sup>st</sup> and April 2<sup>nd</sup> 2011, the OSI US Institute met in
face-to-face Open Space meetings in Sarasota, Florida.<span> </span>Eight of the 9 individuals on the board were
present, Lisa Heft, Peggy Holman, Christine Whitney-Sanchez, Harold Shinsato,
Ed Laboy, Karen Davis, Doug Germann and Suzanne Daigle.<span> </span>Phelim joined us from London at the closing
circle on Sunday via Skype.<br><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span> </span><u>Our
convening theme was</u>:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">HOW DO WE ENVISION
(and ENVERSION) OUR PUPOSE, ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS STEWARDS OVER THE SEVEN ( 7) GENERATIONS WITHIN AND BEYOND OUR BORDERS?</p>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What is our strategic intent?</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What does our work imply?</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What are the larger issues of what we are about
– <br> and what do we intend to do to serve them?</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Who are we serving? <br></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What is our strategic purpose in relationship to
other institutes in other countries?</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">What emerged from the topics
posted and conversations that ensued were three broad initiatives, each
symbolizing a deep intent for inclusive invitation, increased transparency and
a shared collaboration in everything that we do which extends well beyond our
borders. <span><br></span><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">The three areas were: </p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.75in;"><span><span>1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Grounding (i.e. revisiting or reaffirming) our OSI
US Purpose</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.75in;"><span><span>2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Open Space Manifesto-ing</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.75in;"><span><span>3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Resourcing Open Space</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the months ahead, we will be sharing more about what we
see as possibilities on these three broad initiatives and how we want to invite
our Open Space community to be a part in the spirit of whoever wants to join.<br><br> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During our meetings, we also tackled our infamous bin (i.e.
agenda initiatives and follow-up items) recognizing a dwindling passion and
energy for this catch-all list of things to do.<span>
</span>New bin rules were established more in keeping with our overall mission,
purpose and passion.<br><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the end of our Open Space gathering, individual members
came forward with commitments and offerings most of which tied directly to our
three broad initiative areas. </p>
<br>Suzanne<br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Suzanne Daigle<br>NuFocus Strategic Group<br>7159 Victoria Circle<br>University Park, FL 34201<br>FL <a href="tel:941-359-8877" value="+19413598877" target="_blank">941-359-8877</a>; <br>
CT <a href="tel:203-722-2009" value="+12037222009" target="_blank">203-722-2009</a><br><a href="http://www.nufocusgroup.com" target="_blank">www.nufocusgroup.com</a><br>
<a href="mailto:s.daigle@nufocusgroup.com" target="_blank">s.daigle@nufocusgroup.com</a><br>twitter @suzannedaigle<br><br>
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