Open
Space Technology Meeting November 22, 23, 2004
National
Culture of Peace Program
Held
at
Prepared by
Pono
Consultants International
Facilitator: Judith Richardson, MA, BEd, CCC
Guiding Principles for our meeting:
Whoever comes is the right people
Whenever it starts is the right time
Whatever happens is the only thing that could
Whenever it is over, it’s over’
One Law for our meeting:
Law of Mobility – if you are neither learning or contributing in your discussion group, move to another one !
The
Book of Proceedings is a compilation of the raw data (uncensored/unedited) that
arose from the Open Space Technology Meeting of November 22 and 23, 2004, to
which participants
were invited. It is a
snapshot of the brainstorming sessions recorded at the moment they were spoken
(cranial eruptions!). Some of the conversations were recorded on handout sheets
and others were taken from flip charts.
For a full report see the web site at http://www.peace.ca/CanadianAgenda2004.htm
"The
path of violence moves from sharp to sharper to sharpest, while the path of
nonviolence moves from gentle to gentler to gentlest."
Dwarko Sundrani, last active disciple of Mahatma Gandhi
INVITATION LETTER - NATIONAL CULTURE OF PEACE PROGRAM SYMPOSIUM
Dear
Canadian Peacebuilders and "Concerned Others",
Re:
As
a result of discussions among many peacebuilders and peace educators in
The Symposium will commence at
I
would like to take this opportunity to invite you and/or your delegate to
participate in our Symposium. The Agenda and background information is available
at the web site http://www.peace.ca/nationalcultureofpeace2004.htm
. The Earlybird Fee prior to October 31 is $200.00 for the 2.5 days
($250.00 after; Registration Form at http://www.peace.ca/registrationformCPI.htm
; reduced rates for students and retirees). The Fee is designed to cover
our costs, and any surplus will be contributed to the Canadian Peace Education
Foundation. Coffee and juice will be provided during the morning and afternoon.
You may also be interested to know that we are hosting two other major
concurrent events at
(1) Peace and Leadership 3-day workshop
(2) Third Annual Peace Education Conference in
You
may wish to take some or all of these into account in your planning to visit
If
you would like any further information, I would be pleased to discuss it. I
would also be interested in your input, feedback, comments and suggestions. I
can assure you that your participation will be well appreciated by Canadian
peace educators (and Canadians generally), and look forward to your response.
Yours
truly,
CANADIAN
CENTRES FOR TEACHING PEACE
Robert
A. Stewart,
and
Douglas Roche, Canadian Senator 1998 - 2004 and Chair of the Middle Powers
Initiative
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
A Two-day Open Space Technology Meeting
following a week of previous meetings, including engaging Youth! (see http://www.peace.ca/CanadianAgenda2004.htm
)
The first day opened with remarks from Doug Roche, retired Canadian Senator, Chair of the Middle Powers Initiative and author of the book ‘The Human Right to Peace’.
Judith Richardson opened the space and invited Topics for discussion to be generated by participants.
The
workshop was facilitated using Open Space Technology. Open Space Technology is one
of the leading large group methodologies used around the world by corporations,
community groups, public sector organizations, and associations. The process
creates the conditions for the agenda to be built during the meeting and for all
identified issues and opportunities to have a chance to be discussed by whoever
is interested. The meeting starts with the chairs arranged in a large circle and
breaks into small groups. The methodology ensures that all participants have the
greatest opportunity to learn from the expertise amongst participants, to
problem solve together, to be innovative and creative, and to identify any
issues and opportunities. Open Space Technology enables people to connect and
create a community of practice in a constructive and supportive manner like few
other meeting methodologies.
What
happens when you take the tools of dialogue, self-organization, learning
communities, presencing, and profound change, and apply them to community
engagement? Deliberative collective
conversation, at its essence, is the inner experience of interconnectedness.
Many
of us have experienced moments of participatory consciousness in a group that
suddenly found itself on the same wavelength, moving in synch, creating
effortlessly, or connecting in warm silence. Deliberative collective
conversation is a pattern of such moments. Through small daily acts of
engagement, practiced actions become “habits” that grow into new cultural
patterns of interaction. A master
plan, experts, or government officials do not create deliberative collective
conversation, small daily acts of engagement does.
Imagine how the following three habits, if embedded in our culture, could
build the basis for respectful workplaces:
•
the habit of listening to understand the “other” before advocating a
position
•
the habit of reflecting on, and revealing, one’s own assumptions, agreements
and values
•
the habit of sensing together the emergent future of the collective, the whole.
An
important catalyst to deliberative collective conversation is the process
leader—the one who facilitates the experience of participatory
consciousness. Process leaders
create the container for building trust and shared understanding amid diversity
and difference. The process leaders
embody the values and attitudes of deliberative collective conversation, model
the practices, deepen the conversation, and raise the octave for the
transformation from separation to connectedness to occur.
Robert Stewart played a role as process leader in nurturing the capacity
of individuals and the group to find their voices and connect with others, as
well as the conveners in the groups.
People
describe times in the group when the boundaries normally experienced between
them seem to dissolve. At these
times, people seem to make the deliberate choice not to see their interests as
separate from anyone else’s, and in so doing they begin to experience the
sweetness of unity, and the harmonious forward movement of the whole.
The gathering settles into a graceful and profound flow of communication,
understanding, and knowing with all present.
There is no loss of identity; rather there is a heightened sense of each
one’s essential part in the whole, and rightness about every word that is
offered and every action that is taken. This
is a liberating formation in which people are able to practice knowing their
sameness, and simultaneously offer their unique gifts.
The
law of mobility in OST is central to encouraging participants to be intentional
and responsible with regard to their own energy -- their learning and
contribution. If the
"connection" is not there, move to a new group, have coffee.... --
thus making new patterns of interaction possible.
Of the four principles, “Whenever it starts is the right time and
Whenever it’s over, it’s over”, encourage participants to take
responsibility for using the time and space productively -- rather than having
the time and space (meeting format) manage what they can do.
“Whoever comes are the right people and Whatever happens is the only
thing that could” help to put the moment in context and encourage letting go
of judgments and connecting in the now. Neither
is part of our dominant culture and the permission and reminder are helpful.
A
large part of leadership is learning to be in the creative tension of
exploration – where different questions arise – rather than moving to the
habitual tendency of action without reflection.
For the most part the groups on Wednesday stayed in that exploration. A
total of 19 topics were posted. Full
reports are attached in the Book of Proceedings, Agenda Topics and description
of proceedings follow. At
the end of the day, participants expressed surprise and gratitude. They were
surprised at how much they learned and the common issues. They expressed
appreciation for the chance to connect and to talk about what mattered to them
rather than a pre-planned agenda.
Agenda Topics generated by participants:
Participants
were invited to create the agenda. They came to the centre of the circle and
wrote down their topics in a few words. Each topic was announced and posted on
the wall. This wall became the “Bulletin Board”. Times for discussion and
room numbers were assigned for each topic.
The
agenda creation process continued until all topics were exhausted. Participants
were reminded that if any topic that was important to them did not get
discussed, the responsibility would rest with the person who had the idea and
did not post it on the agenda.
Nineteen
agenda items emerged:
Create a Minister of Peace for
Leadership, Empowerment, Followership, Influence, Psychology, Change Management
How to maximize the potential of existing peace organizations and peace education, activism in promoting a culture of peace – is a separate organization necessary?
Engaging the Media
How can the concept of the culture of peace be mainstreamed to the Canadian Public? (highlighting the national culture of peace program)?
Gathering/collating information for the
2005 mid-decade report from
Conflict transformation mechanism so “we” “don’t fight”
Language and the culture of peace (non-violent communication)
Resources – how to sell peace (marketing strategy) –info --people –money --time
Why should I support a culture of peace – what’s in it for me?
Building a culture of peace in a consumer culture.
Contradictions in Canadian Foreign Policy – problem of co-optation
Exploring linkages with universities/post-secondary institution
An invitation to bring Canadian perspective on culture of peace to International projects: Peace Trees - Bethlehem 2005, Peace Trees - Siberia 2006, Global leadership Forum Istanbul – Annually
Canadian – US Dialogue
Does it take revolutionary means to transform the state?
What are the impediments to achieving a culture of peace?
Why do so many of us come to accept systemic violence?
Economic inequities (promoted by WTO policies) promote violence in and between States.
Media and mainstreaming
Note: Mid-afternoon of day two we opened space for final actions. The invitation of OST is to follow individual interest, passion and learning styles. The question arose around how to create an identity of something that had not been defined. Although several topics were generated, the group began to suggest other processes so that they could stay together. The group decided to all join in a concept map of a Canadian Culture of Peace Program – some chose not to participate. During the discussion a passionate discussion erupted.
Afternoon Topics for next steps:
Concept map of CCOPP
Create an identity
Seek Funding for CCOPP Projects
Prepare Canadian report on Culture of Peace activities
Identify Potential Stakeholders in CCOPP and convene conference of stakeholders
Plan of Action
Explore relationship between Canadian Culture of Peace Program and U of Alberta
Reports Follow for those topics discussed.
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of
Topic:
Name of
Convener:
Renee Vaugeois
Name of
Participants:
Marina Tyasto
(visiting from
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Resources
Required:
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of
Topic:
Name of
Convener:
Sue McGregor
Name of
Participants:
Everyone remaining
Highlights
Discussed:
Everyone wrote down their ideas of what needs to be done, placed sticky notes on the wall. We formed a concept map that leads us to the future actions.
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Form an interim group to continue energy. Will use a transparent, interactive feedback/input process to take the initiatives forward to next year’s conference.
The organization entity
1. CCOPP Summary Statement (in
HTML) (in
Microsoft Word)
2. CCOPP Initial Action Plan (in
HTML) (in
Microsoft Word)
Resources
Required:
Energy, compassion, internet, e-mail, time, people.
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of Topic: Building a culture of peace in consumer culture.
Name of
Convener:
Sue McGregor
Name of
Participants:
Sue, Adam, Marina, Renee, Shall, Adele, Megan, Stephanie, Don
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Resources
Required:
Identify and
connect with others who are interested in this issue in
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of
Topic:
Name of
Convener:
Saul Arbess
Name of
Participants:
Bob Stewart,
Saul Arbess, Joanna
Highlights Discussed:
Basically, seen as a good and viable idea to affect cabinet-level decisions in the direction of non-violent outcomes of conflict. The idea of a stand alone commission on peace made up of NGOs and prominent Canadians for oversight and input to minister also supported. Issues which arose were how long it would take to establish an under resourced minister, how long to build a constituency, perhaps better to try to create influence across government instead of in one minister. However, an identified minister to coordinate all government peace-related activity seen as a good thing.
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Resources
Required:
Funding of our working group to carry on and to liaise with other global initiatives.
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of Topic: Media and mainstreaming
Name of
Convener:
Stephanie and David
Name of
Participants:
Stephanie, David, Ray, Adam, Megan
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Develop alternative media from culture of peace (CPNN, etc). Message should be: we live in a culture of violence and we need to change society toward a culture of peace in all its aspects. There is already a paradigm shift (conscious that violence is outmoded, need for change).
Resources
Required:
Ambassador for peace (like Angelina Jolie, war child)
Tom Rippon avalon100@pacificcoast.net is facilitating the development of CPNN-Canada
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of Topic: Contradictions in Canadian foreign policy and Canadian/US dialogue
Name of
Convener:
Anne Goodman / David Adams
Name of
Participants:
Anne Goodman, David Adams, Saul Arbess, Ray Cunnington, Adele Buckley
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
1. Overpowered by other ministries (as the ambassador of Disarmament was)
2. Issue of interdisciplinary vs disciplinary of ministers
Resources
Required:
Maybe a better idea would be a civilian initiative/peace commission that would then make recommendations to all ministries and departments.
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of
Topic: Mid decade report for UN (UNESCO culture of
peace in
Name of
Convener:
Don Grayson
Name of
Participants:
Sue McGregor, David Adams, Shall Sinha, Renee Vaugeois, Stephanie Manson
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Resources
Required:
In place, passion, commitment, hang-to-it-ness
Donald Grayston grayston@sfu.ca is following up as facilitator, with a group of volunteers
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of Topic: Locate impediments to culture of peace
Name of
Convener:
Ray Cunnington
Name of
Participants:
Wendy Hamblet, Pramila Sinha, Adam Khan, Anne Goodman
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Resources
Required:
Define peace positively (not the mere absence of war), ongoing exploration of its ideals
Open
Space Report
Issues
and Opportunities for a National Culture of Peace Program
November 22, 23, 2004
Name of
Topic:
Infrastructure
Is a new organization necessary, or should we work with the existing one?
Name of
Convener:
Bob Stewart
Name of
Participants:
Bob Stewart,
Saul Arbess, Joanna
Highlights
Discussed:
Future
Action/Next Steps/Recommendations:
Resources
Required:
Lots of money, people, information - see tomorrow’s report.
Conflict transformation mechanism (so we
do no fight with each other).
I appreciate the ongoing activity and momentum, enormous strength and commitment to get us to this point. I applaud the news it will be ongoing.
Glad to see intent of so many people fighting for airtime. Looking forward to progress.
Looking forward to future and my involvement. Glad to see something forming
Happy to see culture of peace alive. All part of peace continuum.
I don’t think one can move forward without arguing.
Can only learn through arguing. This weekend is a turning point.
Wonderful to see open space work. Was disillusioned and now see a culture of peace alive
No way to peace….. peace is the way
A lot of effort this week
Growing experience for me
I believe conflict is the life line of growth. Need conflict to create dialogue or listen. Hope I will be a part of this movement.
Enjoyed being part of this circle – invigorating and frustrating
Takes a lot of time – disagreement to move to agreement
Great people. Privileged to be a part of the big circle and the smaller circle.
Flexible single mindedness – strengthen resolve.
I learned a lot about Culture of Peace.
To see people such as you inspires and makes me want to work harder in communities.
I live in a culture of war – work with groups who come home from war. A lot of people outside this room don’t know there is a culture of peace. Yellow is the color of a CoP.
This is the greatest cause to be involved in.
Program valuable - I am sure in a few years we are going to look back and thank the hosts for organizing this meeting
Went to a level of depth I couldn’t imagine during our time together and with this process
I’m fully confident we can do it together.
Some of the most violent people I’ve met are peace people – don’t walk the talk. Need to ground the vision as sensitively as possible. Inclusivity is very important to me. Honor bound to try to incorporate in all that we do.
The program concluded with Robert Stewart, David Adams (advisory), Doug Roche (Honourary Chairman), Sue McGregor, Don Grayson all working on a steering committee.
I am attaching the following Canadian Culture of Peace Program ("CCOPP")
Reports for your information:
1. CCOPP Summary Statement (in
HTML) (in
Microsoft Word)
2. CCOPP Initial Action Plan (in
HTML) (in
Microsoft Word)
3. CCOPP Leadership & Peace Workshop Report (in
HTML) (in
Microsoft Word)
4. CCOPP Organization Network (Draft) (in
HTML)
and our amazing, 60 page Youth Day Report (in pdf)
My work, speaking
and writing is in convening conversations in businesses, corporations and
communities that shift attitudes and behaviors to embrace potential, high
performance and profitability. This
work has taught me how much can be learned by observing the best of what is
already happening. We are listening
to the stories of individuals who have become quiet leaders—change agents.
With solidity and spaciousness, their experience of connectedness can simply
burst out as acts of love for the community.
Their stories inspire and show the way.
So where do we jump in? As process leaders we can help to build the
container for a culture of dialogue and connectedness, while we pursue our own
inner work—some call it spiritual practice—that lies at the heart and soul
of deep democracy. Aware of the collective importance of each of our own small
efforts to create new habits, we can also observe our own practice of engaged
citizenship. Let us begin by cultivating just one habit of deliberative
collective conversation. I propose
this one: to smile and listen to understand the “other” before advocating a
position. This one act alone could
be the ripple in the pond that creates waves.
Judith Richardson, MA ( www.ponoconsultant.com
) ( www.emergentfeminine.com )
Resource Ideas from participants!
www.bp208.ca/contest_checklist.php
Books and other resources:
Shake Hands with the Devil- Romeo Dallaire
The Human Rights to Peace- Doug Roche
How to Win Friends and Influence People- Dale Carnegie
Servant Leadership- Robert Greenleaf
Open Space Technology - www.ponoconsultants.ca ; www.openspaceworld.org
The Practice of Peace, by Harrison Owens
Classroom Interactive CDROM – Peaceful Expression of Difference
(see www.ponoconsultants.com )
Avril Lavigne DVD (#3) “ My World” – Knockin’ on Heavens Door (with War Child references)
Peace Songs CD http://www.warchild.ca
Organizations:
Canadian Peace Research and Education Association (“CPREA”)
Leaders Today
Social Capital Partners
Corporate Knights
Rotary International http://www.rotary.org
Classroom connections http://www.classroomconnections.ca
Ashoka Foundation
Montessori Schools http://www.peace.ca/montessorisites.htm
Canadian Centres for Teaching Peace http://www.peace.ca
For more information, contact Bob Stewart at stewartr [at] peace.ca