Thanks, Juanita and Peggy, for bringing these questions to us. What has enabled the Open Space listserv to flourish? The minimal structure and nonintrusive operation of the list remain true to the four principles and one law. We raise topics for and participate in the discussions we care about. Although much of the discussion centers around Open Space, we also talk about world events, psychological and spiritual musings and personal stories. No thought police determine what those topics can be and, therefore, we share responsibility for keeping the discussions flowing. Similarly, when interest in a topic has been satisfied, it will naturally drop off...but not necessarily forever. Any one of us might pick it up again at a later time, which sometimes has the effect of taking our shared learning to the next evolutionary level.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of their level of interest or experience - really welcome. Often a new contributor or former lurker is appreciated right away. Newbies bring fresh questions and ideas or new spins on well-worn topics. Enough old timers always seem to be around to offer seasoned advice. Conflict is embraced as our teacher. People disagree, usually respectfully. Harrison is a frequent contributor. Opinions from the horse's mouth are rarely the only or last word but often inspire (or provoke :-) generative dialogue. A diverse international mixture of perspectives and experience is prolifically and generously offered by good souls. Spirit is an acknowledged presence. Poetry abounds. In what ways has the listserv helped the Open Space community of practice to evolve? The bountiful sharing of ideas, tools, resources and stories is only surpassed by the number of folks out there practicing Open Space. I am a member of several other learning and practice communities, none of which holds a candle to this one in terms of the the sense of community and the groundedness of practice. In what ways has it affected you and your own practice to evolve? When something big happens in the world, I eagerly check out the postings on the list. I am often inspired and I always learn. On the morning of 9/11, one of the first things I did was to post to the list as a way to connect with kindred spirits around the world. More recently, the My own practice in Open Space has been supported and sometime challenged by the postings. When I have had a specific question or have called for help, it is always forthcoming. Most of the time I lurk to learn from the Q & A and case examples of others. What wishes do you have for the list's future? That it remain focused on our touchstone of Open Space practice while ever opening to what is being called for in the world. Christine Christine Whitney Sanchez Triune Milagro, LTD 480.759.0262 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.triunemilagro.com Invoking the wisdom and capacity of the human spirit! -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu]On Behalf Of Peggy Holman Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 4:44 PM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: A question about OS listserv Friends, I was on the phone with Juanita Brown this morning (our first meeting). No doubt many of you know of her; she is the creator of the World Cafe (http://www.theworldcafe.com/). It was love at first conversation for me as I heard so much compatibility with why I love Open Space expressed in her stories about the World Cafe. Apparently, she has heard about the OS list from several colleagues (including the irresistible Alan Stewart). She asked me what I thought makes it work (actually, she asked this much more beautifully but I'm saving her wording for you below). I believe her interest derives from wishing to create a similar resource for the World Cafe community. I suggested she pose her question to the list itself. As I ponder my own response, her questions seemed perfect for the new year -- a moment to reflect on what makes this list such a gift, what it has meant to you as an individual and to us as a community. Here are Juanita's questions, with a couple I've added inspired by her inquiry: What has enabled the Open Space listserv to flourish? In what ways has the listserv helped the Open Space community of practice to evolve? And I would add: In what ways has it affected you and your own practice to evolve? What wishes do you have for the list's future? I'll forward responses to Juanita every few days. I've encouraged her to sign up and see for herself, so we may all soon have the pleasure of her company. In any case, I look forward to learning, once again, from all who are attracted to this inquiry. From snowy Seattle, Peggy ________________________________ Peggy Holman The Open Circle Company 15347 SE 49th Place Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 746-6274 www.opencirclecompany.com _______________________________________ The World Café Living Knowledge Through Conversations That Matter http://www.theworldcafe.com To subscribe to the World Café listserv send an email to: theworldcafe-requ...@communityfrontiers.com Type the word Subscribe in the subject line of your message * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
