Hi Chris, I love the unfolding of this frequently asked questions segment. To add to the unfolding, I would like to suggest that if we are equating the unfolding FAQ List with "givens" that we might consider holding true to "what is really a "given". Givens are kept to their basic simplest minimum always using the question "is this really a "given" or is this a goal or value or desire. A simple way to handle this would be to take the concept out of your introduction that these are "givens". OR, and this would be the bigger challenge and one that I think would be a great exercise for the OS community on this list, work at getting the list down to what truly are "givens". Nothing less than I would ask of any organization that I am working with. AND, my experience has been that management struggles hugely with getting at organizational "givens"--but when they do, amazing creativity is possible regarding that which is not a "given". Defining the "givens" tends to define the space.
Love and light and big smiles as I place this before you, Birgitt -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu]On Behalf Of Chris Corrigan Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 8:02 PM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: OSLIST FAQ Version 1.2, or whatever Following the good advice of a good half dozen folks, here is another version of the OSLIST FAQ. It should be clear by now that this thing will evolve over time and that is a good thing. Keep the comments coming. I'm happy to be an agent of "include and transcend." Chris Welcome to the OSLIST Frequently Asked Questions List This FAQ has been prepared to outline some of the givens around the OSLIST, the online list for Open Space Technology practitioners. This FAQ does not represent the official position of the OSLIST membership, but rather, is the result of obersvation and participation by a few list members who had the passion to create a FAQ. 1. What is Open Space Technology? You'd be surprised how contentious an question that one can be. Over the years on OSLIST list members have gone through spells of defining Open Space Technology both explicitly and implicitly. In fact one of the benefits of being subscribed to this list is that over time a definition will emerge for each individual that makes sense. Having said that, in 2000 a group of list members wrestled with the challenge of crafting an Open Space Technology definition that was 25 words or less, and among the results were the following: Open Space is based in the belief that organizations and communities run on passion and responsibility. It allows groups of any size to self-organize around what they really care about to get things done. -- Peg Holman Open Space Technology is a natural communication process that recognizes that people take responsibility to pursue what they are passionate about, and it ensures that what is important to each participant will be discussed." -- developed by a small group during Birgitt Williams' Open Space training workshop in Halifax May 15-18, 2000 That is the short answer. How this happens is the interesting part Open Space Technology meetings begin with all the participants sitting in a circle, and no items on the agenda. The meeting opens with an agenda setting exercise following which the group self-organizes into smaller discussion groups. Discussion group convenors are responsible for providing a report of the discussions, which is immediately added to a book of proceedings. At the conclusion of the meeting, or very shortly thereafter, participants receive a copy of the proceedings including all of the discussion groups reports and any action plans that were developed. Open Space Technology meetings operate on four principles and one law. The principles are: a.. Whoever comes is the right people b.. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened c.. When it starts is the right time d.. When its over its over And the law is known as The Law of Two Feet (sometimes referred to as "The Law of Mobility"). It states that If you find yourself in a situation where you are neither learning or contributing, go somewhere where you can. As a result, Open Space Technology meetings are characterized by self-organization and high degrees of freedom for participants. If you want to know more about Open Space Technology visit the site of the international Open Space Technology community at http://www.openspaceworld.org (a companion site to this list) where you can find an Introduction to OST in many languages and resources and links to other materials about OST on the Web. For the record, Open Space Technology was developed by Harrison Owen, a Maryland USA based consultant who was searching for a way to create better meetings after hearing that the best parts of a conference he organized were the coffee breaks. Open Space Technology meetings are still known for capturing the "buzz" that permeates the gathering and turning it towards action. Harrison wrote "the book" on Open Space Technology, called "Open Space Technology: A User's Guide" which serves as an important articulation of the mechanics and meaning of the process. 2. What is OSLIST? OSLIST is the international mailing list for Open Space Technology facilitators and those interested in the process. It is a lively forum with 313 members (as of January 2001) and generates around 10-15 messages per day, during its most active times. To join OSLIST, or to change your settings, visit http://listserv.boisestate.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=oslist&A=1 and fill out the form. You may also join OSLIST by sending a message to the following address: lists...@listserv.boisestate.edu. IN THE BODY of this message type ONLY the following text: subscribe oslist (dont type the quotes!). Enter nothing in the SUBJECT field and nothing else in the message (including, for instance, signatures, addresses, etc.). Upon successfully registering for the list you will receive a piece of mail containing useful information about OSLIST including how to unsubscribe. Its worthwhile saving this treasure! 3. Is the list archived? Yes, the list is archived, and all material posted to the list is also posted to the archive. The archive is publicly accessible, so you may wish to keep this in mind if you choose to post to the list. The archives can be read and searched by visiting http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html 4. What is the etiquette for posting to OSLIST? There are no hard and fast rules about what to post to OSLIST, but in general people appreciate the following: a.. Questions about working with Open Space Technology b.. Answers to relevant questions c.. Stories about Open Space Technology meetings d.. Poems (there is a regular poetry contest that happens every six months or so) e.. Notices of upcoming Open Space Technology training or conferences f.. Resource material that may be of interest to Open Space Technology facilitators g.. Opportunities and calls for OST facilitators. h.. Introductions from new subscribers i.. Discussion about theories and ideas that can help to improve the understanding and practice of Open Space Technology j.. Experiences working with Open Space Organizations k.. Accounts of other ways of "opening space.". l.. Posts in languages other than English are acceptable. OSLIST has readers who speak German, Swedish, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish and French among others and items have been posted in all of these languages in the past. In general, OSLIST users seem to prefer that people avoid the following: a.. Attachments. Please either post these to a website and provide the link to the list, or ask people to indicate if they wish to receive them off list. b.. Flaming. We are a pretty congenial group, and flaming is relatively unknown amongst us. It would be nice to keep it that way. If you have negative things to say about individuals it would be appreciated if you could keep them off list. It must also be said that the jury is still out on small personal notes of appreciation or support to individuals. Some feel that these are a waste of bandwidth and add to an increasingly heavy personal email load. Others feel that personal messages of support sent to the list provide valuable affirmation to individuals by recognizing them within the worldwide community of Open Space Technology practitioners. Its best to use your own judgement on this. If you do post notes like this to the list, be aware that the reception of others may be mixed. 5. What other online discussion forums are there for Open Space Technology practitioners? The two most heavily visited online forums are as follows: a.. Worldwide Open Space at http://www.openspaceworld.org. Registration is free. b.. The Meta Network at http://www.tmn.com/new. Follow the link to make a new account and fill out the form. Where you are asked for your host or sponsor on The Meta Network enter Openspace 6. Where can I find out more about Open Space Technology? The best place to start is at the Open Space World website which can be found at: http://www.openspaceworld.org/. Here you will find resources for facilitators, links to websites of Open Space Technology practitioners, stories, poetry, training opportunities, conference information and more. 7. What is OSonOS? OSonOS stands for Open Space on Open Space. It is an annual event that gathers together 150 or so Open Space Technology practitioners to spend two or more days discussing issues related to the practice of Open Space Technology. More information on OSonOS IX (Vancouver Canada, August 18-21, 2001) can be found at http://www.openspaceworld.org/osonos.html 8. Does the OSLIST really have a Poet Laureate? Of course! The title of OSLIST Poet Laureate is awarded to the winner of the Biannual OSLIST Restricted Form Poetry Contest. Anyone may enter this contest, and all list members have an opportunity to vote for the winner. The winner is responsible for organizing the next contest. The current OSLIST Poet Laureate is Jeff Aitken. Updated February 8, 2001 Please email any additions or changes to Chris Corrigan < cor...@interchange.ubc.ca > -- CHRIS CORRIGAN Consultation - Facilitation Open Space Technology http://www.chriscorrigan.com 108-1035 Pacific Street Vancouver BC V6E 4G7 Phone: 604.683.3080 Fax: 604.683.3036 cor...@interchange.ubc.ca