Andrea ... Just say yes. What happens in grief stricken circumstances is that space closes. People turn in on themselves and what would be a bad situation becomes worse, or at least more painful. The "answer" is pretty simple - just open some space and the healing will begin. Also, if I can be of any help, I am just across the river. I know that Maryland does seem to some like a foreign country, but the natives are generally friendly. Give me a call if I can help. Or just give me a call, and we might have lunch.
Harrison Harrison Owen 7808 River Falls Dr. Potomac, MD 20854 USA 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer) Camden, Maine 04843 Phone 301-365-2093 (summer) 207-763-3261 www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com (Personal Website) To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go to: <http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org From: oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Andrea Chiou Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2014 1:00 PM To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Subject: [OSList] A possible first for me - at least on the inspiring OS side - if not facilitating as well Hi all - first time posting here, though I've been reading from this list for probably 1/2 year or more. 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... The context for this email is: 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. hhttp://adaptivecollaboration.com/2014/03/06/prevention-and-build-quality-in -how-can-we-help-stem-teen-suicide/ 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. 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.. And today: I received THIS: Dear Mrs. Chiou, 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. 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? Mary Ann Panarelli Director, Intervention and Prevention Services Fairfax County Public Schools 571-423-4020 I am floored!! Amazed. Humbled! I have not responded yet . :-) 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) 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. 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. 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). What else do you suggest? Perhaps I can be more specific with my questions to you after I finish reading the guide. Mean time, I am checking in with you: I am glad; this is wonderful/scary. I am afraid; first time. I am sad; the trend of suicides in our community affecting our youth isn't turning around. 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. I'm IN! Thank you for listening! Andrea
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