Hey folks, I apologize to those who might get this message more than once (through the listserve). I will be moving to a different house in Nashville and thus my address and phone are changing (email address will stay the same) . . . I have noted the new info at the bottom of the message.
Happy Day :-) b You're invited . . . Open Space Technology An introduction to a strange new world of self-organizing systems. Harrison Owen, the originator of Open Space Technology and the Open Space approach for planning, working, and learning in organization, will provide an environment for you to immerse yourself in the emergence/evolution and process facilitation of this model for transformation in organizations. This will be the first training to be held in the Southeast USA. The program (January 26-30) will include lecture, discussion, and plenty of Open Space . . . But it won't be ALL Open Space What IS Open Space Technology? Included with this invitation is a link to Harrison Owen's "Opening Space for Emerging Order." "http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/9215/oststemergent.htm"; Within this single paper is a brief history of the "discovery" of Open Space, anecdotes of Open Space successes, a description of the process including the 4 principles and the Law, and a concise wrapping of it all as a process which actually gives organizations "permission" to find the power within to self-organize . . . The bottom line is that Open Space is a process which is proving to be MUCH more than a "meeting process" or planning tool. Open Space unleashes the power of the organization from within. What appears to develop is what some people are calling the "ongoing Open Space Organization." This new organization faces the issues and opportunities of these transformative times not by mandate and committee but by self-organization. Open Space creates a sense of community within the organization and a level of communication which transcends all previously perceived barriers. How to find more information about Open Space Technology: Web-sites are springing up all around us about Open Space. There are currently 4 Open Space Institutes (United States, Canada, Austria, & Australia), and the internet is becoming a place for documenting Open Space research and stories. Currently, the sites with the most information are: The Global Open Space Institute: "http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/9215/"; Open Space Institute: "http://www.tmn.com/openspace/"; H.H. Owen & Co.: "http://www.tmn.com/~owen/"; What happens during the 5 days of training? Day 1: (Evening) Expanding Now - The role of the Facilitator Welcome, Introductions, Overview Day 2: Setting the context - Organizations in Transformation Chaos and Creativity - The Beginning of Transformation First Open Space - theme: Gifts of Chaos The Process of Transformation Life with Open Space (Evening Fireside) Day 3: Setting the Context (continued) The Forms of Transformation Second Open Space - theme: Gifts of the Spirit Sustaining Transformation: Creating Culture that Works in Open Space Day 4: Third Open Space - A learning Expedition Creating Organizations that work - now and for the next millenium. Day 5: Closing the Space Nuts and bolts (Questions and answers) Closing to finish at noon (plus or minus) How to get the MOST from this training: 1) Read Open Space Technology: A User's Guide 2) Convene an Open Space event even if only with neighborhood children If you REALLY want to be ready for this training: Read Expanding Our Now Where to get these books: Open Space Technology: A User's Guide ($24.95) & Expanding Our Now ($24.95) are both published by Berrett-Koehler and should be available in any bookstore . . . OR . . . you may order them by sending to the following address. Make checks payable to ABBOTT PUBLISHING in US dollars. Shipping is $2.50 per copy in the USA. Quantity discounts and special shipping is available. Other books written by Harrison Owen are available. Please inquire if interested. H.H. Owen & Company 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, Maryland 20854 - USA Phone 301-469-9269 / Fax 301-983-9314 Dates: January 26-30, 1999 (reserve room for 26, 27, 28, 29) Place: Twin Pines Resort & Conference Center - Just South of Birmingham, Alabama Website: "http://www.twinpinesresort.com/"; Phone: 205-672-7575 Fax: 205-672-2103 Make room reservations directly with the conference center and reference "The Owen Group" Space is limited to the first 40 registrations only. Costs: Rooms, all meals, and all conference facilities Single Occupancy: $129.91/person/night Double Occupancy: $116.82/person/night Registration and training fee: $1000 per person. Please make checks payable to Barry Owen in US dollars and send to: Barry Owen The Owen Group 5518 Kendall Drive Nashville, TN 37209 Discounts: Pay only $895 per person for: Registrations mailed by December 15, 1998 3 or more participants from the same organization Consultants registering with their clients Please call if you are in need of an alternative cost/payment arrangement. Cancellations - must be received in writing by fax or mail no later than December 15, 1998. Any cancellations received after December 15, 1998 will be refunded less a $200 charge. No refund will be made for cancellations received after January 19, 1999 Contact for additional Info: Barry Owen 5518 Kendall Drive Nashville, TN 37209 Phone 615-292-0709 (356-2888 After November 3) Fax 615-327-3248 email bar...@bellsouth.net -- The Global Open Space Institute Website "http://www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/9215"; Simply living the FourFold Way in Open Space
