Hi Patrice, I've looked through the website. Love what you say (and the graphic) about OST. I understand you have facilitated a number of OST events in the past and that your reach out for support is that this one is for a larger group than you have previously worked with...and that it is online. Probably you have past experience with offering OST online. Online certainly requires additional skills, planning.
I find that the OST format, exactly as outlined in Harrison's Open Space: a User's Guide, is the best formula to tap into the field of infinite possibilities. I believe that underpinning the field of possibilities is the field of love. Making adjustments to the OST format, adding things, has an effect on accessing that field of love. I have a mantra for myself of "don't put up blocks to love" when I am preparing for my OST meetings. With larger groups in an online environment, I prefer to use Qiqochat because of the added features that I value. You are fortunate that your husband is your tech guru and thus the risk of technology problems is greatly reduced. With larger groups online, I have looked at the dynamics of people posting topics and fully participating. In my experience, voices get silenced (by personal choice) when there are a lot of people. I find that about 100 people in the group, maybe less, has more people involved in posting topics. A group of 100 might post 60-80 topics. For this reason, I prefer to have concurrent OST meetings with about 100 in a zoom room, having the opening, posting topics. They can all be part of the same summit. Then in each zoom room of posted topics, people do head off to break out rooms. With less people, greater and hopefully lasting connections get made. If I read your information correctly, you are anticipating 50 topics. With 1000 people, there should be many more than that. It may be the least likely topic that makes the biggest difference. I go back to Peggy's advice about the importance of a clear and compelling purpose (theme) for the meeting. If you get that right, the rest sorts itself out within the simple structure offered by OST. I read through the website, and couldn't find the specific purpose (theme) for your OST summit. Examples of themes are "issues and opportunities for freedom of religion and beliefs for youth"; "opportunities gained from our diversity to strengthen freedom of religion and beliefs for youth"; and the one that I think is most suitable in view of your desire to create a movement is "issues and opportunities for developing and sustaining a movement for religion and beliefs for youth". It is important to know what your central attractor field is, what people are being invited to. I am particularly attracted to OST events that are intended to make a change in the future. I have studied the outcomes of OST events for some decades now, those that have long lasting effects, and those that might have those effects but they are not visible. I am less interested personally, in evaluating an event based on the wonderful comments that participants always make at the end of an OST in the closing circle. This is a bias I have. What are people saying, what matters to them, four months after the OST event? If set up well, that long term effect is much more likely. Thank you for asking for suggestions. I have offered what I have. I wish you great success. Warmly, Birgitt [image: Picture] *Birgitt Williams* *Senior consultant-author-mentor to leaders and consultants * *Specialist in organizational and systemic transformation, leadership development, and the benefits of nourishing a culture of leadership.* www.dalarinternational.com *Upcoming Workshops* *Whole Person Process Facilitation* | September 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2023 | Online *Individual Health and Balance* | November 24, December 1, 8 & 15, 2023 | Online *Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way *| January 8-13, 2024 | Online >> Learn More & Register <http://www.dalarinternational.com/upcoming-workshops/> for any of these workshops here. 16 Sunny Acres Dr., Etowah, North Carolina, USA 28729 Phone: 01-919-522-7750 Like us on Facebook <https://dalarinternational.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35ed818c946a88ba7344da05f&id=6677c35b38&e=e7zyhHfiqG> Connect on LinkedIn <https://dalarinternational.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35ed818c946a88ba7344da05f&id=c26173f86b&e=e7zyhHfiqG> On Mon, Oct 9, 2023 at 10:45 PM Patrice Pederson <[email protected]> wrote: > Wow. I so appreciate all of the thought and consideration that you Birgitt > and others have given to this! What an incredible community!! > > As for the Code of Conduct, I absolutely love everything you wrote > Birgitt. The phrase "safe spaces" is actually a bit triggering to me, > because I actually think that safety and growth are juxtaposed. And at the > same time, while this event is my baby, I have a large planning committee > for whom this event feels extremely radical. One of our partners is an > inter-governmental > body > <https://www.state.gov/international-religious-freedom-or-belief-alliance/> > comprised > of 43 nations. Moreover, we have just pivoted from a one-to-three > invitation method, to promoting the event publicly on social media. So an > application to participate and the code of conduct are the only guardrails > we have for my partners to not feel completely out of control. > > But we haven't yet nailed down the exact content of the code, so I am > *very* open to suggestions. Our seed document (which is used by the > International Religious Freedom Roundtable) was six single-spaced pages > long with addendums! But in our last meeting we agreed that ours should be > no more than five memorable bullet points. Basically, I want the > participants to realize, in advance, that literally every single person > there is going to disagree with them about something, and most of them are > going to disagree with their most deeply held personal beliefs, and that's > the whole point. Even in the previously mentioned Roundtable with all of > the rules, fights break out semi-regularly--and this is among adults who > work in this field professionally! The law of two feet is a great way to > frame it. At the Roundtable we say that "we work on an opt-in basis" (ie, > if you don't agree with someone, just don't support their initiative), and > yet still with the fights. > > Bottom line, we need to have something, but I want to frame it with a lens > of personal responsibility--both about giving and receiving offense. Very > open to suggestions on wording here. > > As for your other comments, this is exactly what we are trying to do. I am > always saying "we are building a movement, not just a meeting." We already > launched a secure chat platform for participants to communicate before, > during, and after the event. We have and are massively upgrading a > resources directory for jobs, internships, other events, and trainings that > people can participate in after. And we have various avenues for ongoing > support of initiatives that either spring from or develop through the > event. This is the part that I have given 1,000x more thought to than the > actual event (which is perhaps why I may be making mistakes like having > everyone in one room). > > But I'm not sure that I understand what you mean by all one room actually. > We'd all be in the same room for the opening "circle," but then after that > in 50 breakout rooms. What am I missing? > > As for tech support, we are recruiting volunteers to help with that--more > at the beginning while we get things nailed down, and then we'll have small > backup teams in Manilla/Bangkok, Erbil/Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, and > London/Lagos. My husband is a tech genius, and he and I will both be online > for the first 15 hours, and then when he sleeps we have one other technical > member of the planning committee who will be on duty, and then while I > sleep the lovely Maria from above will facilitate from Spain. Either my > husband or I will be online the whole time. > > I am still very much figuring out what facilitation will look like for > this event, and I am sure that Maria will know a lot about that, but I am > very open to suggestions on that as well! > > I'm attaching our Instagram campaign which we are launching tonight (late > yes, but like I mentioned we recently pivoted invitation strategies). And > for more information, our website is pretty good, https://forbsfuture.org/ > > > I'm open to any and all other suggestions! > > Thank you! > Patrice > > On Mon, Oct 9, 2023 at 3:41 PM Birgitt Williams via OSList < > [email protected]> wrote: > >> Hi Patrice, >> I have followed the thread about your 24 hour summit using Open Space >> Technology as your method. I'll offer my perspective. >> >> Ditch the Code of Conduct--it doesn't belong in an OST meeting. It is >> usually counter-productive in any participatory meeting as it closes the >> space. Instead, include something in your opening that emphasizes that it >> is up to each person to see to their own safety within the meeting. If they >> are not learning something, nor contributing, use the Law of Two Feet (Law >> of Mobility) to be somewhere that they are contributing, are learning. You >> could include that in this meeting method, self-leadership is expected and >> the Law of Two Feet applies if a person isn't feeling safe in a particular >> topic group. People are capable of looking after their own safety with the >> Law of Two Feet. In my experience, a facilitator cannot guarantee safe >> space for anyone. As soon as two people are together, there is no guarantee >> of safe space. The Law of Two Feet places the responsibility for feeling >> safe, with the person themselves. >> >> You still have time to create a good wrap around for your OST-Rather than >> planning for it as an event, plan for it to be more than that. If it were >> me setting out to do what you are doing, I would talk to Lucas Cioffi >> <http://[email protected]> at QiqoChat. He has a wonderful product that >> includes a wrap around the OST meeting. He can set up a garden for >> butterflies and bumblebees to find each other. His product can be organized >> for people to stay connected, have chats, keep adding to their topics, and >> so much more. It is my assumption that you want to create something that >> makes the greatest difference possible, and not limit the outcomes >> unnecessarily. Lucas can help you think this through. >> >> Why all the people in one OST room? - I am wondering what you want to >> accomplish by doing so. Why not have a few OST rooms available with >> separate meetings of the summit taking place simulteneously ie 60-100 >> people per room. The set up you are creating all depends on what you are >> setting out to accomplish. Please do share. I don't think you have yet >> shared the invitation that people have been sent. I would like to see what >> they are being invited to. >> >> Technology - I see you asking for a co-facilitator for part of what you >> are doing with this OST. How are you providing the tech support as well as >> the facilitation support? We usually have some people responsible for the >> tech support and others responsible for the facilitation. What have you got >> sorted? >> >> From what I have seen you post, you have your arms around an event with a >> lot of potential to create positive outcomes for the participants and in >> the world. I am not sure, from what I have read, that you are making the >> most of your opportunity for longer term outcomes...something sustainable, >> not just an event. >> >> Please tell us more about your behind the scenes thinking. >> >> Warmly, >> Birgitt >> >> [image: Picture] >> >> >> *Birgitt Williams* >> *Senior consultant-author-mentor to leaders and consultants * >> *Specialist in organizational and systemic transformation, leadership >> development, and the benefits of nourishing a culture of leadership.* >> www.dalarinternational.com >> >> *Upcoming Workshops* >> *Whole Person Process Facilitation* | September 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2023 | >> Online >> *Individual Health and Balance* | November 24, December 1, 8 & 15, 2023 >> | Online >> *Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way *| January 8-13, 2024 | >> Online >> >> >> Learn More & Register >> <http://www.dalarinternational.com/upcoming-workshops/> for any of these >> workshops here. >> >> >> >> >> >> 16 Sunny Acres Dr., Etowah, North Carolina, USA 28729 >> Phone: 01-919-522-7750 >> Like us on Facebook >> <https://dalarinternational.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35ed818c946a88ba7344da05f&id=6677c35b38&e=e7zyhHfiqG> >> >> Connect on LinkedIn >> <https://dalarinternational.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35ed818c946a88ba7344da05f&id=c26173f86b&e=e7zyhHfiqG> >> >> >> >> On Mon, Oct 9, 2023 at 12:08 AM Patrice Pederson via OSList < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> Yes we are working on a Code of Conduct that everyone must agree to in >>> advance. For this event that could get serious. >>> >>> So, I need even more help. I had someone who was going to be able to >>> take over facilitating while I sleep for a few hours who was perfect. She >>> has been on my planning committee for all of these months, so she knows all >>> of the things. She was actually trained by Harrison Owen in OST. And she >>> lives on the other side of the planet from me. >>> >>> But she lives in Israel and her whole world is in chaos now. And we're >>> 11 days out from the event. Oh yeah, and I have no budget to hire anyone. >>> >>> Is there anyone out there who would be willing to step in sometime >>> between 11pm-7am PDT on the morning of the 20th? I have a baby so I don't >>> need much sleep. But I'll want some shut-eye to be sharp for the closing >>> circle. >>> >>> Thanks! >>> Patrice >>> >>> On Sun, Oct 8, 2023 at 7:14 AM Funda Oral via OSList < >>> [email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> Dear Patrice, >>>> >>>> This is not insane at all. Thanks for taking responsibility to bring up >>>> such a crucial discussion and organizing this event. >>>> >>>> I took part in the following 24 hours virtual event in 2022 and i have >>>> participated in several preparatory meetings before the actual event. >>>> >>>> Future of Work 24 Hours 2022 — Unimagined Possibilities >>>> https://qiqochat.com/e/2022fow24hrs >>>> >>>> I will be happy to share my experiences with you. >>>> >>>> Lucas Cioffi, the creator of QiqoChat, is very experienced about >>>> various virtual open space meetings. >>>> >>>> In addition, in your case, I would mention a few "safe space" rules in >>>> addition to OST principles: Respectful language, no stereotypes and >>>> prejudices, no mockery,don't exclude, don't embarrass, no gossip, no >>>> discriminatory jokes,no sexualised language, fast in encouragement and >>>> appreciation, slow in criticism, Take as much time to listen as to talk. >>>> >>>> Good Luck, >>>> Funda Oral >>>> https://sites.google.com/view/fundaoraltoussaint/main-page?authuser=0 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Le ven. 6 oct. 2023 à 08:23, Patrice Pederson via OSList < >>>> [email protected]> a écrit : >>>> >>>>> Hello everyone! >>>>> >>>>> I'm a first time poster. I asked a couple questions in a facebook >>>>> group and was told about this group. I do have a couple of specific >>>>> questions, but honestly I mostly need a little reassurance that what I am >>>>> attempting to do is not completely insane. And if it is, then maybe some >>>>> ideas for how to mitigate the damage? >>>>> >>>>> I've committed to literally everyone in my professional field to host >>>>> a Global Youth Summit for Freedom of Religion or Belief. >>>>> <http://email.mail.firstfreedomfoundation.org/c/eJwcybFqwzAQANCvOW0NJ8mxo0GDa2MChYbQ0KFLsa27yMWuhKQY-velXd7ynGXlWAqysjb1sdEKpfCWjHGIyPNELGVFrtbj3NDEI56ITigW27Wv55d0MbED3d-kP39-bLs2T7OMPl6PzdC3oJ5v5fL21b9XZucppLa7QoXbuKyH-79z2MRqfSkxg25BDaAGDmnK_CiPRIeQ7qAGkSztlH7CN0GFIa9LLn_1GwAA___SYTt7> >>>>> I've >>>>> got a few dozen countries co-sponsoring the thing as well as several NGOs. >>>>> It's something I have had on the backburner for years, until the UK Prime >>>>> Minister's Special Envoy heard about it, lit a fire under me, and now it >>>>> is >>>>> spreading like wildfire and I can hardly keep up. >>>>> >>>>> So here are the questions: >>>>> 1) So far we have young people from around 65 countries registered. >>>>> Instead of doing three eight hour days, I decided to do one 24 (well 25 >>>>> really) hour day so that people can participate from wherever they are in >>>>> the world--during work, before or after school or work, etc. I genuinely >>>>> have no idea when people will participate or for how long, and I know that >>>>> this violates one of the rules of Open Space which is that it is no good >>>>> to >>>>> pop in and out. But for this purpose I really don't see an alternative. >>>>> >>>>> So, insane? Any way to mitigate the damage? I did schedule the Opening >>>>> Circle for a time when people should at least be awake from LA to Bangkok >>>>> (and we don't have many Pacific Islanders registered yet anyway). And for >>>>> those who are working we will record that event for later consumption. >>>>> >>>>> 2) Does anyone have experience with multilingual Open Space events? My >>>>> first instinct was that everyone needs to speak English. But the result is >>>>> that we have only three participants from Latin America. So we are a >>>>> "global" summit minus one entire continent. So then my second thought is >>>>> that, if we could get like 50 people, with enough bilingual people to >>>>> cross-pollinate, then we could have a sort of an event within an event. >>>>> >>>>> Again, crazy? Or totally fine because Open Space is Open? >>>>> >>>>> Finally, this event is already going to be wild. We have a ton of >>>>> Nigerians coming, many of whom have personally seen their friends and >>>>> family members stabbed, burned, disappeared, etc., by Islamists. And then >>>>> we have Muslims whose friends and families are getting lynched by Hindus >>>>> in >>>>> India, or genocided in Burma and China, and Hindus who are being >>>>> persecuted >>>>> in Pakistan, and LGBTQ youth who are getting bullied by so-called >>>>> Christians, etc. etc. etc. Basically, everyone is a victim somewhere, and >>>>> everyone is an aggressor somewhere, and I'm getting them all together in >>>>> one big virtual room with 50+ breakout sessions and just one me. >>>>> >>>>> So, is co-facilitation a possibility? Would anybody be interested? >>>>> Also, I do need to sleep at some point. We're going to need mechanisms to >>>>> enforce a code of conduct (nonviolence at a minimum), but I think that I >>>>> shouldn't be the one to enforce it because I need to hold the space, yes? >>>>> >>>>> Basically I could just really use some support, and I read that this >>>>> group is good for that. It has been a minute since grad school when I >>>>> studied all of this stuff. And while I have taken liberties with the >>>>> OST model in the past, this time I'm worried that I might have gone too >>>>> far. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for any words. >>>>> >>>>> Patrice >>>>> OSList mailing list -- [email protected] >>>>> To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >>>>> See the archives here: >>>>> https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org >>>> >>>> OSList mailing list -- [email protected] >>>> To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >>>> See the archives here: >>>> https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org >>> >>> OSList mailing list -- [email protected] >>> To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >>> See the archives here: >>> https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org >> >> OSList mailing list -- [email protected] >> To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >> See the archives here: >> https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org > >
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