WHAT IS OPEN SPACE?
Open Space Technology (OST) is a great way for groups to think, talk and
take action together. It can work for as few as 5 people, and as many as 5000.
Participants self-organise to create their own agenda on the day, allowing a
dynamic and immediate response to the issues at hand. The process allows
free-flowing conversations about the things that really matter to the people in
the room.
The process starts with all the participants meeting in a circle. The facilitator
explains the process, and then there is a chance for anyone present to
timetable the topic they want to work on. Once all the topics are timetabled,
participants move into smaller, informal and flexible break-out conversations
to work on the topics they are interested in. It’s up to the participants how they
work. Participants are invited to make notes and create reports on their
sessions which can be directly loaded onto the Dilemmas and Decisions
Facebook page.
There are five principles that help participants to navigate Open Space:
- Whoever comes are the right people.
- Wherever it happens is the right place.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
- Whenever it starts is the right time.
- When it is over, it is over.
There is only one law in an Open Space event: The Law of Two Feet, also
called The Law of Mobility. This states that if you find yourself bored, not
learning or not contributing, use your mobility to take yourself where your time is better spent.
At the end of the event, the group meets together again to share any
observations or action points with each other.
Carnon Downs Drama Group has been pleased to host two Open Space events to discuss these current issues affecting amateur performers in Cornwall. To see what has been discussed, visit the Facebook page, Decisions and Dilemmas.