Open Space Resources

PLEASE NOTE: A number of links here have rotted over the years, and I will be gradually replacing and updating them in the next few weeks.  

This collection of resources, notes, stories and references is intended to support facilitators and sponsors in convening and running Open Space Technology events. There are also resources here that may extend deeper learning in the four practice areas of opening, inviting, holding and grounding, and help you find ways to open and hold space in bigger ways.

An example of opening space

This is a longer form opening recorded at a provincial gathering of social service providers who were looking at addressing issues arising from the death of a young person in the care of the state.  It is an example of my basic script, which has a few pieces to it:

1. Acknowledging who is present
2. Articulating the invitation
3. Explaining the process
4. Describing the principles
5. Restating the invitation
6. Opening the space

Opening the conversation

Use these resources for opening the conversation with sponsors and preparing yourself for facilitating OpenSpace events.

• Questions for preparation and other facilitator resources from OpenSpaceWorld.org
• Logistics Planning
• Open Space overview (.pdf) – A useful handout describing the process, including a scenario and links to resources.

Creating Invitations that rock.

Use these resources in working with sponsors to prepare invitations.

• Open Space Invitation Guide – a great resource by Michael Herman.
• 30 snappy definitions of Open Space (.doc) – Useful for including in invitations.
• Four longer definitions of Open Space

Holding space and supporting emergence

Use these resources to understand the role of the facilitator, and to help plan and layout the space in which you will be working.

• Sample opening script for facilitator
• Checklists, forms and handouts
• Logistics planning checklist (.doc)
• Session report form (.doc) – For handing out to session conveners
• Action planning session form (.doc) – For handing out to action champions
• Open Space evaluation form (.doc) – A simple and effective way to record impressions and results
• For some people, the notion that a meeting has no pre-set agenda is a little hard to swallow. For those within your group who require a piece of paper with times and activities listed on it, feel free to provide them with the following:
  • Sample 1 day agenda (MS Word)
  • Sample 1 day agenda with graphics (MS Word)
  • Sample 1.5 day agenda (MS Word)
  • Sample 2.5 day agenda (MS Word)

Books and other resources

A collection of online books that support Open Space, including the first edition of Harrison Owen’s User’s Guide.

• Open Space Technology: A User’s Guide. by Harrison Owen. The original User’s Guide online for free.
• Open Space Technology: a User’s NON-guide edited by Chris Corrigan and Michael Herman
• The Tao of Holding Space by Chris Corrigan.  A deeper reflection on facilitation practice
• Inviting Organization by Michael Herman.
• Tales From Open Space by Harrison Owen.
• A list of books in my library

Three excellent starting places for exploring the world wide Open Space on the internet.

• OSLIST – International practitioner community listserv.
• Open Space World – International community web site with links to hundreds of resources around the world.
• Michael Herman’s collection of resources