Thanks for your comments and questions Birgitt and Larry. I am going to try to address these very briefly as I remember them, okay?
Larry, I concurr with your distinction between a "Learning Circle on OS Training" (which gathers for reflection, conversation, sharing learnings) and DOING OS training. And I concurr that when we say we want to "DO", then we undertake the doing as individuals. So, the group that might now meet here on OS training, would meet as interested individuals who are looking at offering a particular approach to OS training. Is that the implication of your remarks?? Would this be what you might say? "The OSI provides a networked environment for us to "reflect, converse, share learnings" in a Learning Circle which someone calls-- and if we decide to DO, then we act as individuals." If so, I agree with that. I think where I was confused (and probably "caused" confusion) is that I called a "Learning Circle" which reflected, conversed and shared learnings and then at that same gathering, we said: "We want make sure there is an OS training in the NW of the US. And we want to take what we've learned and evolve one. Let's look at what, and how?" While we had an implicit understanding (I believe) that we weren't "prescribing THE OS training" nor were we doing THE "OSI" training-- we hadn't really clarified these two points explicitly for ourselves--- hence the discussion at the following gathering re. OSI: "authorising", etc Also, your questions and comments prompted me to move beyond the question I was addressing and to look at the specific "definition" of what is a Learning Circle-- and also how does OSI provide a "forum" for networking in order to ACT. Thank you. What do you think of the conclusions I've reached above?? Re. Birgitt's points: I agree with Birgitt's emphasis on clarifying who has power and has taken responsibility for the WHOLE. And HOW you do that, and what that means, etc. And you've made a REALLY important point that we haven't done that as yet. There is an OSI Board. Perhaps NOW is the right time for it to initiate such a discussion? The OSI of US Founding group has been supporting several particular outcomes: getting the website working; setting up the fundamental elements of a communication network; inviting people to help create what the OSI is and will do; and getting the story out to the OS community that the OSIs are existing and can be the learning communities we make them. We're almost "there" in terms of having most of these tangible things actually completed (for now), I think. Sounds as if it's time for more attention to the questions you're raising. Anyhow, THANKS for your focusing questions and timely comments. I hope we can use them to grow the OSI learning community we all want to live in!!! I'll be in Paris for the next three months (till July 1st). I'll still be accessible by e-mail, and I'll try to keep abreast of whatever discussions are happening in our on-line environment. Lots of love! Anne