David, I just facilitated a day of Open Space with 27 people. They generated 17 topics, which during the marketplace distilled to 13 sessions. We had three 90 minute time periods which included a working lunch. I had identified and wrote up post-its for five breakout rooms; if more space was needed, I suggested that people write their own choice for space on the post-it and attach it to their topic. We had a closing circle in the late afternoon; they will continue their conversations online, because they reside and work in different parts of the continent.
I continue to be amazed at how well Open Space unfolds. Let the passions of the participants and the magic of the marketplace and Law of Two Feet do the work. I like to pay particular attention to the organic quality of the marketplace. I asked each participant to sign up for every topic they are interested in; if any participant wishes to see two topics brought together, they must ask the originator of each topic whether they are willing to do so. I wish you well - Jeff __________ Jeff Aitken Consultant/Facilitator [email protected] 415-663-8789 PO Box 1092 Inverness CA 94937 "Why would we avoid participation and worry only about its risks, when we need more and more eyes to evoke reality? Why would we resist the rich visions and strong futures that emerge when we come together to create the world? Why would we choose rigidity or predictability when we are invited to be part of the generative processes of the cosmos?" - Meg Wheatley
