Open Space

Open Space (aka Unconference) is a way to run meetings in a self-organizing manner with very little upfront planning.

The process involves these steps:

• • the meeting or session begins with participants sitting together

  • facilitator greets, explains laws, and introduces the theme

  • facilitator invites people (hosts) to come up with topics related to theme

  • hosts come to center and write topics on post-its and announce to the group

  • hosts choose a time and place and posts these details on a wall

  • the wall becomes the 'agenda'

  • participants sign up and attend desired sessions

  • hosts should have passion for their topics and ability to start a discussion

  • they need to ensure report of discussion is done and posted on another wall

  • groups return to gathering area

  • share comments about experiences of individual sessions with everyone

Four Principles

• • whoever comes are the right people

  • whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened

  • whenever it starts is the right time

  • when it's over, it's over

Law of Two Feet

"If at any time during our time together you find yourself in any situation where you are neither learning nor contributing, use your two feet. Go to some other place where you may learn and contribute."

References

Harrison Owen's (originator) intro to Open Space - http://www.openspaceworld.com/brief_history.htm

Examples of Open Space sessions - http://www.openspaceworld.org