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The Practice of Peace:
Embracing Chaos, Confusion and Conflict
A Learning Expedition in Open Space
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2005 Conference THE PRACTICE OF PEACE
Explore ideas, share insights, and create new projects and networks with participants and invited guests who are opening space for peace. Download Brochure (PDF) Quotes from the depths of Open Space Outcomes from The Practice of Peace 2003
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Join Harrison Owen, Originator of Open Space Technology, and colleagues working in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Kashmir, Colombia, U.S. urban communities, and Haiti who are opening space for peace. November 9, 7:00 PM – November 12, 5:00 PM (Sunday evening dinner through Wednesday) The Whidbey Institute, Whidbey Island, Washington |
Whether in the workplace or the world, Open Space expands the field of possibilities for peace. This self-organizing gathering invites you to participate in sharing tools and knowledge for the "practice of peace" -- within organizations and communities; between segments of society, nations and individuals; and even peace within ourselves.
Genuine Peace will never be attained with the elimination of chaos, confusion and conflict. In fact all three are essential to the continuance of life. Without chaos, there is no open space for future possibilities. Without confusion, old ideas and ways of thinking stick around well beyond their time. And without conflict, ideas and approaches fail to reach their full potential, never having been sharpened in the intense conversation of critical assessment. Peace of the sort that brings wholeness, harmony and health to our lives only happens when chaos, confusion and conflict are included and transcended.
- Harrison Owen, creator of Open Space Technology
What is Open Space Technology?
Open Space Technology, created by Harrison Owen, is a self-organizing practice that releases the inherent creativity and leadership in people. By inviting people to take responsibility for what they care about, Open Space establishes a marketplace of inquiry, where people offer topics they care about, reflect and learn from one another, to accomplish meaningful work. It is recognized internationally as an innovative approach to creating whole systems change and inspiring the best in human performance.
Some Stories
The human and intellectual openness of the Open Space promoted attentiveness and helped the two sides abandon the positions in which they were respectively entrenched, in an effort to connect one with the other and develop an awareness of the individual hardships perpetrated by the conflict.
-- Peera Chodorov,
Senior Advisor to former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres
Here are some stories about opening space for peace.
Purpose and Outcomes
¨ Understand the essential role of chaos in organizational and community life.
¨ Engage your own role as Peacemaker, including the critical and difficult role of Silent Witness
¨ Enable the creative power of emerging new order by letting go of the old (order).
¨ Perceive the critical opportunities and empathize with the pain in the moments of transformation.
¨ Engage in the practice of peace.
¨ Understand the function of leadership.
¨ Maximize your own power of leadership at the junction of passion and responsibility.
This workshop is not intended to teach the practice of opening space but to explore the the practice of peace using this process. If you are interested in learning more about the process, take a look at Open Space Technology: A User's Guide by Harrison Owen.
Who Should Come?
¨ Leaders interested in peace in their organizations, communities and the world
¨ Mediation, conflict resolution, organizational and other specialists interested in practical ways to help organizations, communities, and cross-cultural contacts be successful in complex and turbulent times
¨ Activists and community leaders wishing to involve a wide variety of stakeholders
¨ Youth who are engaged in peace work
¨ Anyone interested in learning more about bringing peace
The Program
Sunday Evening, 7:00 pm – 10:00pm
Dinner, and
A Fishbowl Discussion among colleagues from around the world on the practice of peace
Monday, 9:00 am – 5:00pm
Short Lecture by Harrison Owen: Using Open Space as an entry to the Practice of Peace
Open Space: Enabling Peace for our Organizations and our World
Tuesday, 9:00 am – 5:00pm
Short lecture by Harrison Owen
The Open Space continues
Optional evening sessions
Wednesday, 9:00 am – 5:00pm
Short lecture by Harrison Owen
Open Space: Becoming Peacefull Leaders
Logistics and Other Important Information
Location
The workshop will be held at the beautiful Whidbey Institute.
Fees
Payment is due in full to reserve your space.
Your fee helps defray the costs of bringing our guests from overseas. We have priced the conference to be accessible to as many people as possible. Every dollar makes a difference. Please pay the rate that you can best afford.
* Rate for attendees with for-profit support: $750.
* Non-profits and individuals without organizational affiliation: $450.
* Students: $350.
Financial assistance may be available. Please contact Mary Ella Keblusekat maryella@pobox.com or 360.221.8185 for information. Or, check out these ideas for funding yourself.
Fees include tuition, meals, and materials.
Lodging
On the Chinook Land at Whidbey Institute
Overnight accommodations include the Farmhouse, Granny’s and three cabins near the woods.
($210 for the workshop, arriving November 9 and staying for 3 nights)
Contact Mary Ella Keblusek at 360-293-2853 or maryella@pobox.com to make reservations.
Aldermarsh
Down the hill and a close walk to Whidbey Institute, Aldermarsh accommodations include the Main House, the North House and two cabins in the surrounding alders.
($175 for the workshop, arriving November 9 and staying for 3 nights)
Contact Mary Ella Keblusek at 360-293-2853 or maryella@pobox.com to make reservations.
For help with home stays, contact Mary Ella Keblusek at 360-293-2853 or maryella@pobox.com.
The Bunkhouse
This unique, artistic retreat house offers delights for the heart and solace for the soul. Handcrafted by artist Jerry Wennstrom, the large group seminar room, lovingly called "The Moon Temple", is complete with life-size mythical murals, a whimsical fountain, a gallery of mysterious masks, and other creations including a "vending machine of the gods" which dispenses ancient Nordic Runes to give direction to the innermost questions of your heart. The retreat space includes a twelve-bunk bedroom, two baths and one shower. Bring your own sleeping bags and towels, but pillows and pillow cases are provided. Extra towels and bedding are availabe if needed. Walking distance to the Whidbey Institute. ($75 per person for the workshop, arriving November 9 and staying for 3 nights)
Contact Mary Ella Keblusek at 360.221.8185 or maryella@pobox.com to make reservations.
Silver Cloud Inn
We have made arrangements for rooms at the Silver Cloud Inn, on the mainland just a block from the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry. A warm and hospitable staff offers an expanded continental breakfast, including fresh fruit and waffles every morning. The Silver Cloud Inn offers attractive guestrooms that are well appointed and comfortable. Room rates: $89-109 per night.
Phone: 800.311.1461. 718 Front Street, Mukilteo, WA, US 98275
Suggestions of other places to stay
There are many wonderful hotels and bed and breakfasts on Whidbey Island. This list will help you find a location that meets your needs.
Materials
You will receive a copy of the recently published Practice of Peace by Harrison Owen.
Meals
Sunday dinner, Monday and Tuesday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Wednesday breakfast and lunch are included in the cost. The food prepared is mostly organic, often locally raised. Vegan or vegetarian available on request. No wheat, no dairy available at every meal.
Donations
Among attendees, we envision youth and others with limited financial means who are drawn to participate. If you'd like to support their attendance, contribute to our grant fund. Checks can be sent to:
Open Space Institute/PoP Fund
15347 SE 49th Place
Bellevue, WA 98006
To donate by credit card, contact Peggy Holman at usa@openspaceworld.org or 425-746-6274.
Cancellation
Cancellations may be sent to sacred@anacortes.net. Refunds will be made in full for cancellations received before October 25. No refunds will be granted after November 2.
The Law of Two Feet
Our Promise
We promise you an experience that will open new possibilities — a lively program, a chance to meet others, an exciting picture of the future and some practical ways to make it happen...
come join us…
To enrich the gathering, invited OST practitioners are bringing their experiences of living and working in regions of war and conflict:
Tova Averbuch & Avner Haramati, Israel, pioneered OST in Israel in 1999.
Susan Coleman, U.S., an international conflict resolution expert uses large group processes with communities and systems in conflict.
John Johnson & Gladys Clark-Johnson, open space for social justice in U.S. urban communities.
Carol Daniel Kasbari, Israel/Palestine, facilitator for Israeli Palestinian groups in conflict, and practitioner of OST within the Palestinian people.
John Engle, U.S. citizen living in Haiti, brought OST to networks and organizations throughout Haiti.
Harrison Owen, U.S., originated Open Space Technology in 1984.
Pablo Restrepo Saenz, Colombia, uses OST with a negotiation process in violent conflicts.
Arun Wakhlu, India, opens space for peace and prosperity in India, Pakistan, and Kashmir.
Convenors
On behalf of Spirited Work at the Whidbey Institute and the Open Space Institute (US), we invite you to join us.
Peggy Holman
Therese Fitzpatrick
Lisa Heft
Ellison Horne
Mary Ella Keblusek
Joy Moulton
Susan Partnow
Toni Petrinovich
Gabriel Shirley
Anne Stadler
Jan Strout
Marti Turner
Co-sponsors
Thanks to the many people and organizations who have helped to get the word out. These are just a few:
Conflict Resolution Center International www.conflictres.org
National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation www.thataway.org
Pathways to Peace www.pathwaystopeace.org
Spirit at Work www.spiritatwork.com
Yes Magazine www.futurenet.org
To Learn More
Contact Mary Ella Keblusek at maryella@pobox.com or 360.221.8185.
Registration
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We've established a discussion group for those attending the conference. It is a space where we can begin to connect even before we begin.
What attracts you to the conference?
What do you believe about peace and/or chaos, conflict and confusion in the the world?
What are your hopes for our time together and beyond?
When you register, you'll receive an e-mail message inviting you to subscribe. Come join us.
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