<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=windows-1252"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;">Hi all - first time posting here, though I’ve been reading from this list for probably 1/2 year or more.<div><br></div><div>I’m happy that I can have confidence with the support of this group - as I have seen, as recently as today, all the support that is so freely and lovingly given - especially to slightly jittery new facilitators...</div><div><br></div><div>The context for this email is:</div><div><br></div><div>My son’s high school here in Fairfax County VA, has been experiencing a high number of suicides - six in the past 2 years, two in one week alone in February. There have also been others at nearby schools. Recently, the school sponsored a large gathering of administrators and specialists inviting the parents to come listen. IT was a one-way information feed. I described it in a blog post here. h<a href="http://adaptivecollaboration.com/2014/03/06/prevention-and-build-quality-in-how-can-we-help-stem-teen-suicide/">http://adaptivecollaboration.com/2014/03/06/prevention-and-build-quality-in-how-can-we-help-stem-teen-suicide/</a></div><div><br></div><div>As I mention in the post, my only suggestion that I wrote on the ‘card’ they provided to parents for ideas was: conduct an open space…</div><div><br></div><div>I also suggested this later on a community Facebook group that was established by parents to further the discussion and collaboration around the issues of mental health and stemming suicide at our high school..</div><div><br></div><div>And today: I received THIS:</div><div><br></div><div>Dear Mrs. Chiou,<br><br>I am on the committee planning the upcoming FCPS Summit on Mental Health. I noticed on the community of solutions Facebook page that you posted information about the use of an Open Spaces format for encouraging discussions and free exchange of information at a conference. I followed your suggestion and googled it, listened to the presentation and read the information.<br><br>I'd love to talk to you for a few minutes about the logistics of this approach. Do you have a number where I could reach you?<br><br>Mary Ann Panarelli<br>Director, Intervention and Prevention Services<br>Fairfax County Public Schools<br>571-423-4020<br></div><div><br></div><div>I am floored!! Amazed. Humbled!</div><div><br></div><div>I have not responded yet … :-)</div><div><br></div><div>My experience with Open Space is through Agile Coach camp and Culture Conference in Philly 2 years ago. And reading this list and following a few especially agile folks who are passionate about OS (Dan is one)</div><div><br></div><div>My passion comes from knowing there are voices which aren’t heard and need to speak. I care about listening, giving people space to talk. </div><div><br></div><div>My extreme passion in this particular case, comes about from the urgency of this particular social problem. My own son is still a student there, and has grappled himself with depression/lows and occasional suicidal thoughts. </div><div><br></div><div>So, the question becomes, what do I do next?. Of course, I will respond to her with my phone number and a suggested time to speak with her. And I will read the whole OST guide (I’ve seen that advice numerous times, but now I need to get going on it).</div><div><br></div><div>What else do you suggest? </div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps I can be more specific with my questions to you after I finish reading the guide. </div><div><br></div><div>Mean time, I am checking in with you:</div><div>I am glad; this is wonderful/scary.</div><div>I am afraid; first time.</div><div>I am sad; the trend of suicides in our community affecting our youth isn’t turning around.</div><div>I am glad; I have resources, people and ideas; even though I am not a mental health specialist, I can do small things to make a big difference.</div><div><br></div><div>I’m IN!</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for listening!</div><div><br></div><div>Andrea</div></body></html>