The Haiti Response Coalition is based on the framework of an Open Space Technology meeting where the goal is to create the time and space for people to engage deeply and creatively around issues of concern to them. The agenda is set by people with the power and desire to see it through. Open Space operates under four principles and one law. The four principles are:
Whoever comes are the right people.
Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.
When it starts is the right time.
When it's over it's over.
The Law is known as the Law of Two Feet: "If you find yourself in a situation where you are not contributing or learning, move somewhere where you can." The four principles and the law work to create a space motivated by the passion and bounded by the responsibility of the participants (read more here or here.)
Using Open Space Technology
Open Space Technology is one way to enable all kinds of people, in any kind of organization, to create inspired meetings and events. Over the last 30+ years, it has also become clear that opening space, as an intentional leadership practice, can create inspired organizations, where ordinary people work together to create extraordinary results with regularity.
The process envisioned by Open Space is one where anyone who is a participant of the coalition can suggest a meeting or working group on any topic they wish (relevant to Haiti). How does this work?
First: Create a compelling topic: Things to consider: Why is this important for Haiti? For HRC? Are there time constraints/deadlines that are important for the group to keep in mind?
Second: Decide when and where the meeting will take place. These days, this means picking a day and time for a Zoom meeting. Be sure to run the date and time by the HRC coordinator to make sure there is not already a competing meeting.
Third: Let people know how to connect: Once a theme statement is written, and meeting time and place is determined for the proposed gathering, submit the proposal directly to the HRC email list and see who shows up.
Finally: Report back: Be sure that someone is taking notes so there can be a report back to the HRC coordinator. This is crucial if a working group is formed out of the effort so that future meetings can be scheduled in a coordinated fashion. Even if the theme only leads to the one meeting, it is still important that there be a record for the HRC. So, take good notes!
