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For those who want to see a version of this letter on our official
stationary - go here:<a
href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/k0xq0057iksdf9x/Invitation%20to%20join%20OSI%20US.pdf">
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k0xq0057iksdf9x/Invitation%20to%20join%20OSI%20US.pdf</a>.
The exact text of our letter is below:<br>
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An invitation to donate and become a member of the Open Space
Institute-USA<br>
<br>
Dear Open Space Friends and Colleagues,<br>
<br>
We live in incredible times!<br>
<br>
All the conditions of use for Open Space Technology are there in the
World right now in so many sectors and situations:<br>
<ul>
<li>Real issues of concern</li>
<li>High levels of complexity</li>
<li>Diversity – people and points of view</li>
<li>Genuine urgency</li>
<li>Passion, conflict and confusion</li>
</ul>
Isn’t it wonderful that Open Space Technology provides such a simple
and effective way for people and groups to self-organize and to take
responsibility in areas that matter deeply to them; where we feel we
can make a difference? Isn’t it amazing to be part of this community
of practice where there is such wisdom, caring and generosity in
sharing experiences and stories, whether we are just starting as
Open Space practitioners or have been involved in this work longer,
perhaps since it began nearly 30 years ago? There is so much to be
grateful for not the least of which how Harrison Owen, creator of
Open Space, made sure that Open Space was open – open-hearted,
open-minded, open source.<br>
<br>
Open Space Institute USA are partners with others in this global
community of practice. Our purpose is to gently hold space for Open
Space by providing access to resources on Open Space Technology, by
connecting individuals and groups to inform, inspire, mentor and
sustain each other in opening and holding space and by being an
inclusive learning community.<br>
<br>
We invite you to consider joining OSI-US or to renew your membership
by making a donation on line. Any amount is greatly appreciated.<br>
Click the donate button on our website or if you prefer, send a
check to the following address:<br>
<br>
<b>Open Space Institute c/o Harold Shinsato, PO Box 66,
Stevensville, MT 59870</b><br>
<br>
Anyone can join from anywhere in the world. To learn more about the
benefits of membership and how your contribution helps support the
work of Open Space Institute – US, please visit our website.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://osius.org/">http://osius.org/</a><br>
<br>
In recent years, we:<br>
Supported World Open Space on Open Space in various ways,
contributing to WOSonOS 2012 in London and acting as the fiscal
agent for WOSonOS 2013 in Florida.<br>
<ul>
<li>Contributed to enable our friends in Latin America to be part
of the London WOSonOS and Haiti to attend the training and
WOSonOS in Florida.</li>
<li>Worked collaboratively with Access Queen who supports many in
different ways to help them come to WOSonOS or to participate in
the training of large groups and communities that happen during
that time in the host country.</li>
<li>Financially contributed to the OST NING site to help support
the learning, collaboration and sharing around OST in multiple
languages.</li>
<li>Continued to fund, enhance and maintain the technology and
OSLIST site.</li>
<li>Supplied Skype video conferencing for the Open Space Hotline.</li>
</ul>
Looking ahead, we are brimming with excitement and ideas feeling the
exponential growth of Open Space around the world. In addition to
holding space for Open Space, many of us see opportunities to expand
communications and sharing between us using technology. We imagine
the possibility of many projects with many joining in. We see
opportunities for partnering with our friends in Scrum and Agile and
with large community groups who are using Open Space with their
clients, in organizations and with many groups.<br>
<br>
Please join us in holding space for Open Space!<br>
<br>
Thank you from the Open Space Institute –US Board<br>
<br>
Sharon Joy Chao, Tricia Chirumbole, Suzanne Daigle, Karen Davis,
Doug Germann, Ed Laboy, Chuni Li, Phelim McDermott, Jasmina Nikolic,
Harold Shinsato<br>
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