Hi Susan, I'm a little late into this discussion, so forgive me if what I have to say has already been said. I recently did a session that mixed youth and adults . . . and despite some hestitation early in the day, the spirit of Open Space prevailed and the kids spoke up loudly and clearly. In fact, many youth in the closing circle stated their appreciation that adults had been present to hear and validate their concerns. The trouble with closing space AT ALL (by having "kids only" sessions) is that these sessions rob the kids involved of experiencing the magic of adults listening with open eyes, ears and hearts. I think the process itself (the principles and POWERFUL law of two feet) takes care of making the space safe.
I have experience in videotaping an Open Space event. Last year our health region developed our Philosophy of Care in Open Space. I was a cofacilitator of the event, and was also in charge of working with a professional video crew. We taped sessions as they happened, and folks were so engaged in the discussions, and the crew so non-intrusive, that folks really didn't notice they were being taped. Anyone we DID tape, however, we approached afterward and asked their permission to use the footage for a video of the event. We augmented the discussions by finding a small group of people who we followed throughout the event and interviewed before, several times during, and after the event. The 15 minute video we produced was quite wonderful, and we are using it to help roll-out the Philosophy of Care throughout the region, to illustrate how we came to develop the ideas and to demonstrate that the process was inclusive and the participants representative of our region. Everywhere it is shown, folks want to experience Open Space. The plan is that we take the OST process on a travelling road show, so to speak, to explore the questions, issues (both personal and professional practice) and opportunities that arise as we begin to live our new Philosophy of Care. That way people can really experience both the process we used and the sense of community that emerges from an Open Space event. Pretty exciting stuff. Best of luck! Laurel. Laurel Doersam, RN, MA Employee Wellness Coordinator Capital Health Region Victoria BC -----Original Message----- From: Susan Partnow [mailto:susan...@home.com] Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2001 3:15 PM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: Seeking advice: mixing youth & adults at OS + video Plans continue for the MAVIA/SAVE conference on "Victory Over Violence" converence in Tacoma, WA Saturday, April 21... THanks to all of you on this listserve who have supported us in the past. One concern that continues to be raised is how the presence of adults and youth in OS sessions will work. Some students are concerned their voices will be less likely to be heard -- and/or individuals able/willing to speak up in mixed sessions. Some students want to be able to post "youth only" sessions. One of our OS facilitators feels such restrictions would close the space and thus violate the spirit of OS... What experience do any of you have with this issue of adult/youth? Recommendations? Thanks for your advice! One other issue: we have an opportunity for a team of students, led by an experienced teacher, to do some intereviewing and videotaping of the event - - leading to a needed outreach/educational/inspirational video. Do you have expereince with the presence of videographers? Any sense of how it might impact the spirit and openness of discussion? With appreciation and thanks for the wisdom of this list, Susan Partnow in Seattle, WA * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html =========================================================== osl...@egroups.com To subscribe, 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign up -- provide an email address, and choose a login ID and password 3. Click on "Subscribe" and follow the instructions To unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@egroups.com: 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign in and Proceed * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html =========================================================== osl...@egroups.com To subscribe, 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign up -- provide an email address, and choose a login ID and password 3. Click on "Subscribe" and follow the instructions To unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@egroups.com: 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign in and Proceed
