The World Café In 1995, a small group of business and academic leaders were meeting at the home of Juanita Brown and David Isaacs in Mill Valley, California.

Café Design Principles

Café Etiquette A few simple practices... Focus on what matters. Contribute your thinking. Speak your mind and heart. Listen to understand. Link and connect ideas. Listen together for insights and deeper questions. Write, doodle, and draw on the tablecloths. Have fun!

Let’s do it!

Question: What’s going on in the community that you want the rest of us to know?

What people need these days is a good listening to! (Peter Kenyon)

OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY A method to run meetings (of any size) Truthfully, I suspect it has been around as long as Homo sapiens has gathered for one purpose or another, from the days of the campfire circle onward. Harrison Owen, OST Founder about Open Space

Open Space Technology is an excellent meeting format for any situation in which there is: A real issue of concern Diversity of players Complexity of elements Presence of passion (including conflict) A need for a quick decision

What topic, question or issue are you willing to start work on, right now?

How does it work? Blank wall – it’s your agenda for this meeting! Passion and responsibility: – Write name, question/issue, announce – When all sessions have been announced, choose all the ones you want to join – This is not brainstorm – Responsibility: convene group, document session, track time, bring back 3 pieces of gold!!! Four Principles, One Law and Two Animals

Whoever comes are the right people Little point worrying about those who “should” have come Concentrate on those who are there We don’t need everybody, just those who care Only one? When was the last time you had quiet time to think and write about something you really cared about? Go for it!

When it starts is the right time Creativity does not happen according to a schedule The clock can get in the way creativity and of real learning Focus on the creative process rather than the clock

Whatever happens is the only thing that could have Let go of expected outcomes A good facilitator raises the expectations of the group and helps create an atmosphere open to possibilities Trust the group to find its own way

When it's over, it's over Done in 10 minutes? Great! Move on Corollary: when it’s not over, keep going until you’re done

The Law of Motion…

It’s up to you to take a stand & get your own needs met THE LAW OF MOTION

The Animals

Bumblebees Can choose more than one session at the same time; it’s possible to be in multiple places at once Cross-pollinate ideas between groups

Butterflies May take some time out for reflection May never attend a session; they hang out in the kitchen or outside A small talk with one might impact on your thinking and the large group So, don’t be irritated by those who don’t join sessions. If you’re one, know that you’re always welcome at Open Space meetings

The host Offers a question Picks a time and place to meet Ensure notes are taken of the meeting Brings back two or three “pieces of gold” for the rest of the group

The participants Joins a group that interests them Participates in discussion Can change role to bumblebee or butterfly Observes law of two feet

Let’s do it! 1.Come to the middle 2.Write down your question/issue 3.Announce it 4.Place it in the wall – choose time and location

What topic, question or issue are you willing to start work on, right now?