Looking around the world we live in, we notice that there is no such thing as a closed living system, a non-self-organizing system. More to the point: we live in open space — and Open Space Technology works because it acknowledges this deep reality very clearly and cleanly. In it’s essence, we could say that Open Space Technology is nothing more (and nothing less) than the conscious and intentional practice of invitation, circle, bulletin board, marketplace and breathing in organization.
To be sure, there are a number of other processes and approaches that incorporate some of this essence that makes Open Space Technology so effective. The websites below suggest other ways of working that have significant similarities, alignment and/or affinity with Open Space. The notes in OpenSpaceExplanations make some useful distinctions between working-as-usual and working in Open Space, which help point out the open spaces inherent in the processes and projects listed below. Generally speaking, the more open the spaces, the more healing, vision, speed and power in the results.”’
Most of the following do not call themselves “Open Space Technology,” but do exhibit open, spacious tendancies. See the [KindredSpirits] category of our weblog for more of the same.
tools and approaches
- http://www.change-management-toolbook.com – collected resources and stories for leading change in large systems
- http://www.genuinecontact.net – working for successful change in organizations, based on Open Space Technology
- http://www.openspace-online.com – software for facilitating Open Space meetings online
- http://www.northwestern.edu/ipr/abcd.html – asset-based community development
- http://www.theworldcafe.com – large group conversations
- http://appreciativeinquiry.cwru.edu/default.cfm – appreciative inquiry portal
- http://www.meetup.com – local conversations convened globally on all kinds of issues
- http://www.playbacktheater.org
- http://www.cnvc.org – center for non-violent communication
- http://www.ica-associates.ca – ICA Associates Inc. for ToP? (Technology of Participation) Methods training and more
projects, programs and organizations
- http://www.albany.edu/cpr/gf/ – electronic discussion forum for group facilitation and process expertise
- http://www.agilemanifesto.org – software development in a form of open space
- http://www.holmacollege.org – integral studies program in sweden
- http://www.americansforthearts.org/AnimatingDemocracy/ – various projects
- http://www.thoughtleadergathering.com – the heartland institute
- http://www.conversationcafe.org – convening conversations
- http://www.thataway.org – national coalition for dialogue & deliberation
- http://www.peerspirit.com – building communities of reflection, adventure & purpose
- http://www.co-intelligence.org – catalyzing sustainability and conscious evolution of human culture
- http://www.touchstones.org – promoting discussion based education for children and adults
- http://www.beyondborders.net – working for justice and peace by fostering transformative learning
- http://thinkg.net/TT – an experiment in david bohm-inspired dialogue online
- http://www.ica-international.org – ICA International to find regional organizations and networks:
- http://www.ica-usa.org – ICA USA to access the ToP? trainer’s network
- http://www.iaf-world.org – international association of facilitators
- http://www.leancoffee.org – a kind of pop-up, portable version of open space for small groups