What is Open Space Technology?
 There is much confusion about the Open Space “thing” and it’s origins. It was actually first developed (or stumbled upon as he describes it) by Harrison Owen in 1984 and “it has now been used around the world with all types of organisations including corporations, community groups, government agencies, schools and churches.”
Having participated in an Open Space Conference some years ago and been very excited by the process, it was immediately apparent that because of the ethos of this way of conferencing or meeting, this was another potential “tool” that we could incorporate into our work.
What Happens?
- Open Space begins with an open question. This is decided upon by the commissioning group and must encapsulate the issue that needs addressing e.g. “How can we ensure that all members of the community are involved in decisions that effect them?”
- We then devise a piece of theatre or a series of images that are shown at the beginning of the conference or event. This acts as a stimulus for dialogue and by its nature generates questions and gets the creative juices flowing!
- Delegates/participants who attend are then asked to write down the specific questions and issues that they would like to discuss. These are then pinned onto a blank timetable with break-out spaces allocated. Thus the agenda is created.
- All of the delegates/participants then chose the break-out groups that they would like to go to, regardless of whether they have provided a question or not.
- Delegates, who ask the questions take responsibility for keeping bullet point notes within their group, (they either write them themselves or delegate someone else who is willing to do so).
- These are then collated by the organisers and can be used to create a document, strategy, policy, or for research etc.
- The Technology bit refers to the fact that if enough computers are at hand at the event, the notes that are taken can be typed up straight away and given out to the delegates/participants before they leave. Very cost and time effective!
Four Principles
There are 4 principles and one law to Open Space Technology which though simple are quite profound. They are:
- Whoever comes are the right people.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
- Whenever it starts is the right time.
- When it’s over it’s over.
One Law
The law of 2 feet (or mobility) simply implies that if at any time you (as a participant) find yourself unable to contribute anymore or if you are not learning anything, then take personal responsibility and move to a new group. In fact the whole ethos of OST is about personal responsibility, empowerment and the recognition that everyone is an expert in their own right. (E.g. no podiums or key note speakers). It also recognises that often the lunch times are the best part of conferences not just because of the food, but also because of the networking opportunities. So in fact OST is like one long lunch break but without the need to eat for the entire day!
In the past we have applied and used OST at conferences and events including, how vulnerable groups can access legal services, community partnerships, community regeneration, admission procedures for people who self-harm, for consultation on the advocacy needs of young people with mental health issues, for producing “homelessness” strategies and at AGMs etc. etc. |
