Report back - Follow up - Extended Open Space (OS-list and OS Gardens)
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple!
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to ~450, fewer active voices).
*
Less glue/passion holding the community together.
*
A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
*
Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity, especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
*
Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
*
Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.
*
Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
*
It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more than ever.
*
Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
*
OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
*
Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
*
Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
*
The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has "always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report back after.
*
If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers, inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
*
Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence, dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
*
Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for what you love.
*
Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
*
Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.commailto:thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.comhttp://www.openspaceconsulting.com/ / www.5toFold.comhttp://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsulthttp://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registrationhttps://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring – leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
[cid:ce33b675-ee81-4373-bff2-b232681e687d]
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the OSlist
and the Open Space Gardens was:
*On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS
list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we
want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple! *
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the assistance
of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The meeting went
on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois
Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic on
OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an
invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a
weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our meeting.
You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
- The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to ~450,
fewer active voices).
- Less glue/passion holding the community together.
- A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
- Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
- Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
- Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
- Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s
world.
- Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or
“pyramidness.”
- It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open Space
brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
- Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more
than ever.
- Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of
practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
- OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
- Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city
sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
- OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
- Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there are
certainly other channels available and free to develop)
- The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has "always"
been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report back
after.
- If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
- Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers, inviting
introductions, asking curious questions.
- Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence,
dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
- Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering
that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
- Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for what
you love.
- Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
- Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping the
community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com / www.5toFold.com
http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och
samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration
https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring –
leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Hi John
I don't know and I think we touched on it tonight.
What do you think about this question?
Good night from me
Thomas
Skickat från Outlook för iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
Från: John Warinner johnwarinner@gmail.com
Skickat: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:47:35 PM
Till: Thomas Herrmann thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Kopia: everyone@oslist.org everyone@oslist.org
Ämne: Re: [OSList] Report back - Follow up - Extended Open Space (OS-list and OS Gardens)
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner
(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.commailto:johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <everyone@oslist.orgmailto:everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple!
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to ~450, fewer active voices).
*
Less glue/passion holding the community together.
*
A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
*
Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity, especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
*
Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
*
Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.
*
Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
*
It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more than ever.
*
Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
*
OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
*
Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
*
Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
*
The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has "always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report back after.
*
If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers, inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
*
Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence, dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
*
Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for what you love.
*
Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
*
Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Swedenhttps://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.commailto:thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.comhttp://www.openspaceconsulting.com/ / www.5toFold.comhttp://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsulthttp://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registrationhttps://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring – leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
[cid:ii_1999c2910156692a3081]
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.orgmailto:everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.orgmailto:everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList everyone@oslist.org:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner
(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com <> mailto:johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple!
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to ~450, fewer active voices).
Less glue/passion holding the community together.
A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity, especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.
Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more than ever.
Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has "always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report back after.
If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers, inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence, dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for what you love.
Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com mailto:thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com http://www.openspaceconsulting.com/ / www.5toFold.com http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring – leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
<Outlook-qdezmyeh.png>
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Hi Marai -
What I meant by a Succession Plan
By Succession Plan, I meant an intentional, structured strategic process
that identifies and develops potential future leaders and/or key
contributors within an organization to ensure continuity and
organizational stability, capability and growth during transitions when
important roles become vacant.
What I meant by a Succession Plan for OST
This is what came to my mind when I read the notes that Thomas provided
regarding the State of the OS Community:
-
The OSlist feels less alive... (1500 members to ~450, fewer active
voices). - Less glue/passion holding the community together.
- A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
-
Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed. - Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
- Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
- Need new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.
- How to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
What I see occurring in the case of OST
Much more broadly than the specific case of OST, I perceive an interesting
cultural practice of tying practices to charismatic individuals as a
shorthand for legitimacy. Even with Harrison Owen explicitly proclaiming
OST to be "owned by the commons," our prevailing cultural practice appears
to be to continue associating "ownership" of the practice to the
charismatic founder and their closest disciples (with which it is
culturally associated). Others adopt the practice, but they do not embody
"ownership" or "custody" or "ongoing stewardship" of the practice. When
the charismatic founder passes, the important role of founder/evangelist
becomes vacant. No one else feels like they are "legitimate" successors
with the "standing" to assume ongoing "stewardship" of the practice.
Going forward, it seems (to me) that the fate of the OST "practice" is to
continue some degree of ongoing practice in its "pure" form (by those
"purists" so inclined) and some degree of composting and integration into
"derivative" practices (perhaps like what we have see with business model
canvas and its derivatives).
One key question to the OST Community seems (to me) to be whether there is
something valuable enough about OST in its "pure" form that merits
maintaining and stewarding it in this "pure" form... or whether the
essence of OST (trusting people to self-organize around what matters, the
four principles and one law, convening in circles, and the marketplace) is
simple, fundamental and archetypal enough that it cannot/will not die, and
whether it is enough for it to compost naturally into derivative practices.
If it is unique, valuable, and important enough to be culturally preserved
and sustained in its "pure" form, then some form of organization will
probably need to arise to "institutionalize" it.
Does that perspective resonate with anyone else?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM Marai Kiele via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org>:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the OSlist
and the Open Space Gardens was:
*On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS
list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we
want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple! *
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the
assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The
meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois
Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic
on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an
invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a
weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our meeting.
You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
- The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to ~450,
fewer active voices).
- Less glue/passion holding the community together.
- A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
- Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
- Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
- Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
- Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s
world.
- Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or
“pyramidness.”
- It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open Space
brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
- Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more
than ever.
- Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of
practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
- OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
- Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city
sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
- OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
- Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there
are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
- The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has
"always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report
back after.
- If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
- Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers,
inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
- Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence,
dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
- Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering
that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
- Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for
what you love.
- Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
- Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping the
community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com / www.5toFold.com
http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och
samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration
https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring –
leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
<Outlook-qdezmyeh.png>
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
John,
As I read your message, I recoiled from your thoughts on a succession plan as it seemed to me too out of character with the spirit and practice of Open Space.
As I read further, you bring up some important questions about whether there’s a need to preserve and sustain Open Space as we’ve known it. I believe there is. But that may just be my attachment to what it has meant in my own development. Imagining the future of the Open Space community is a question I plan to take to WOSonOS in Kenya. Seems like a good place to build on the conversation Thomas hosted and that you and others have continued here on the list.
As Michael said, it is simple, not easy. I see the “it” as both Open Space and as its implications for how humans organize, whether in organizations, communities, or some other form entirely.
Peggy
Peggy Holman
peggy@peggyholman.com
Bellevue, WA 98006
206-948-0432
www.peggyholman.com
Enjoy the award winning Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval into Opportunity https://peggyholman.com/papers/engaging-emergence/
"An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get burnt, is to become
the fire".
-- Drew Dellinger
Join the Open Space practitioner’s conference - the World Open Space on Open Space (WOSonOS https://www.wosonos2025.org/) - in Kenya, November 6-8.
On Sep 30, 2025, at 6:21 PM, John Warinner via OSList everyone@oslist.org wrote:
Hi Marai -
What I meant by a Succession Plan
By Succession Plan, I meant an intentional, structured strategic process that identifies and develops potential future leaders and/or key contributors within an organization to ensure continuity and organizational stability, capability and growth during transitions when important roles become vacant.
What I meant by a Succession Plan for OST
This is what came to my mind when I read the notes that Thomas provided regarding the State of the OS Community:
The OSlist feels less alive... (1500 members to ~450, fewer active voices).
Less glue/passion holding the community together.
A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity, especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
Need new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.
How to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
What I see occurring in the case of OST
Much more broadly than the specific case of OST, I perceive an interesting cultural practice of tying practices to charismatic individuals as a shorthand for legitimacy. Even with Harrison Owen explicitly proclaiming OST to be "owned by the commons," our prevailing cultural practice appears to be to continue associating "ownership" of the practice to the charismatic founder and their closest disciples (with which it is culturally associated). Others adopt the practice, but they do not embody "ownership" or "custody" or "ongoing stewardship" of the practice. When the charismatic founder passes, the important role of founder/evangelist becomes vacant. No one else feels like they are "legitimate" successors with the "standing" to assume ongoing "stewardship" of the practice.
Going forward, it seems (to me) that the fate of the OST "practice" is to continue some degree of ongoing practice in its "pure" form (by those "purists" so inclined) and some degree of composting and integration into "derivative" practices (perhaps like what we have see with business model canvas and its derivatives).
One key question to the OST Community seems (to me) to be whether there is something valuable enough about OST in its "pure" form that merits maintaining and stewarding it in this "pure" form... or whether the essence of OST (trusting people to self-organize around what matters, the four principles and one law, convening in circles, and the marketplace) is simple, fundamental and archetypal enough that it cannot/will not die, and whether it is enough for it to compost naturally into derivative practices.
If it is unique, valuable, and important enough to be culturally preserved and sustained in its "pure" form, then some form of organization will probably need to arise to "institutionalize" it.
Does that perspective resonate with anyone else?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner
(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com <> mailto:johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM Marai Kiele via OSList <everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList <everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org>:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
John Warinner
(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com <> mailto:johnw@watersolving.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple!
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to ~450, fewer active voices).
Less glue/passion holding the community together.
A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity, especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
Language and presentation may not resonate with younger generations.
Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.
Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more than ever.
Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has "always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report back after.
If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers, inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence, dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for what you love.
Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com mailto:thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com http://www.openspaceconsulting.com/ / www.5toFold.com http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring – leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
<Outlook-qdezmyeh.png>
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org mailto:everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org mailto:everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org mailto:everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org mailto:everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
**
OST’s power lies in self-organization. To honor Owen’s method while
adding ethical, social, and ecological depth, the practitioner doesn’t
/add rules/ but /designs the invitation, space, and harvest/ so that
these dimensions are naturally present in the conversations and outcomes.
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
On 10/2/2025 8:24 PM, Peggy Holman via OSList wrote:
John,
As I read your message, I recoiled from your thoughts on a succession
plan as it seemed to me too out of character with the spirit and
practice of Open Space.
As I read further, you bring up some important questions about whether
there’s a need to preserve and sustain Open Space as we’ve known it. I
believe there is. But that may just be my attachment to what it has
meant in my own development. Imagining the future of the Open Space
community is a question I plan to take to WOSonOS in Kenya. Seems like
a good place to build on the conversation Thomas hosted and that you
and others have continued here on the list.
As Michael said, it is simple, not easy. I see the “it” as both Open
Space and as its implications for how humans organize, whether in
organizations, communities, or some other form entirely.
Peggy
Peggy Holman
peggy@peggyholman.com
Bellevue, WA 98006
206-948-0432
www.peggyholman.com
Enjoy the award winning Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval
into Opportunity https://peggyholman.com/papers/engaging-emergence/
"An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get
burnt, is to become
the fire".
-- Drew Dellinger
Join the Open Space practitioner’s conference - the World Open Space
on Open Space (WOSonOS https://www.wosonos2025.org) - in
Kenya, November 6-8.
On Sep 30, 2025, at 6:21 PM, John Warinner via OSList
everyone@oslist.org wrote:
Hi Marai -
What I meant by a Succession Plan
By Succession Plan, I meant an intentional, structured strategic
process that identifies and develops potential future leaders and/or
key contributors within an organization to ensure continuity and
organizational stability, capability and growth during transitions
when important roles become vacant.
What I meant by a Succession Plan for OST
This is what came to my mind when I read the notes that Thomas
provided regarding the /State of the OS Community/:
- /The OSlist feels less alive... (1500 members to ~450, fewer
active voices)./ - /Less glue/passion holding the community together./
- /A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space./
- /Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed./ - /Difficult for younger people to enter and engage./
- /Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations./ - /Need new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world./
- /How to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”/
What I see occurring in the case of OST
Much more broadly than the specific case of OST, I perceive an
interesting cultural practice of tying practices to charismatic
individuals as a shorthand for legitimacy. Even with Harrison Owen
explicitly proclaiming OST to be "owned by the commons," our
prevailing cultural practice appears to be to continue associating
"ownership" of the practice to the charismatic founder and their
closest disciples (with which it is culturally associated). Others
adopt the practice, but they do not embody "ownership" or "custody"
or "ongoing stewardship" of the practice. When the charismatic
founder passes, the important role of founder/evangelist becomes
vacant. No one else feels like they are "legitimate" successors with
the "standing" to assume ongoing "stewardship" of the practice.
Going forward, it seems (to me) that the fate of the OST "practice"
is to continue some degree of ongoing practice in its "pure" form (by
those "purists" so inclined) and some degree of composting and
integration into "derivative" practices (perhaps like what we have
see with business model canvas and its derivatives).
One key question to the OST Community seems (to me) to be whether
there is something valuable enough about OST in its "pure" form that
merits maintaining and stewarding it in this "pure" form... or
whether the /essence/ of OST (trusting people to self-organize around
what matters, the four principles and one law, convening in circles,
and the marketplace) is simple, fundamental and archetypal enough
that it cannot/will not die, and whether it is enough for it to
compost naturally into derivative practices.
If it is unique, valuable, and important enough to be culturally
preserved and sustained in its "pure" form, then some form of
organization will probably need to arise to "institutionalize" it.
Does that perspective resonate with anyone else?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner
(541) 815-4103
*johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM Marai Kiele via OSList
everyone@oslist.org wrote:
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList
<everyone@oslist.org>:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner
*(541) 815-4103*
*johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList
<everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted
on the OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
/On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS
list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we
want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple!
/
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With
the assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and
checked it over. The meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele,
Francois Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just
post a topic on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever
audio/video software. And an invitation to post back
something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there
is also a weekly Open Space Café every Thursday!
https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in
our meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and
comment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*State of the OS Community*
*
The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500
members to ~450, fewer active voices).
*
Less glue/passion holding the community together.
*
A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of
the space.
*
Desire to experience again the strong support and
solidarity, especially for newcomers, that once existed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Generational Shift & Inclusion*
*
Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
*
Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.
*
Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that
fit today’s world.
*
Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding
hierarchy or “pyramidness.”
*
It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in
Open Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes
for youngsters and others!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Relevance & Application of OST*
*
Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today,
perhaps more than ever.
*
Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing
communities of practice, cities, experiments, continuous
OST everywhere.
*
OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST
meeting.”
*
Opportunity for local and global gatherings
(weekly/monthly city sessions, camps).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Tools & Communication Channels*
*
OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
*
Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion
and there are certainly other channels available and
free to develop)
*
The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions
has "always" been and continues. Nice to announce on
OSlist and post a report back after.
*
If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really
well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Caring for Community & Eldership*
*
Importance of tending to the community—nurturing
newcomers, inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
*
Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their
presence, dignity, refraining from dominating but
embodying care and wisdom.
*
Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community
gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Fundamentals of OST*
*
Returning to the essence: invitation to take
responsibility for what you love.
*
Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains
valid.
*
Congruence between practice and values is essential for
keeping the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g>
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com
<http://www.openspaceconsulting.com/> / www.5toFold.com
<http://www.5tofold.com/>
Profile on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
<http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult>
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor,
organisationer och samhälle.
/We release lifepower in people, organizations and society./
*Trainings/workshops (Info & registration
<https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/>)*
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby,
Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren,
the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren,
the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren,
the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren,
the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for *online learning - selfstudy +
mentoring* – leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
<Outlook-qdezmyeh.png>
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
Well said, Tony.
On Thu, Oct 2, 2025, 9:06 PM Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
OST’s power lies in self-organization. To honor Owen’s method while
adding ethical, social, and ecological depth, the practitioner doesn’t add
rules but designs the invitation, space, and harvest so that these
dimensions are naturally present in the conversations and outcomes.
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
On 10/2/2025 8:24 PM, Peggy Holman via OSList wrote:
John,
As I read your message, I recoiled from your thoughts on a succession plan
as it seemed to me too out of character with the spirit and practice of
Open Space.
As I read further, you bring up some important questions about whether
there’s a need to preserve and sustain Open Space as we’ve known it. I
believe there is. But that may just be my attachment to what it has meant
in my own development. Imagining the future of the Open Space community is
a question I plan to take to WOSonOS in Kenya. Seems like a good place to
build on the conversation Thomas hosted and that you and others have
continued here on the list.
As Michael said, it is simple, not easy. I see the “it” as both Open Space
and as its implications for how humans organize, whether in organizations,
communities, or some other form entirely.
Peggy
Peggy Holman
peggy@peggyholman.com
Bellevue, WA 98006
206-948-0432
www.peggyholman.com
Enjoy the award winning Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval
into Opportunity https://peggyholman.com/papers/engaging-emergence/
"An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get
burnt, is to become
the fire".
-- Drew Dellinger
Join the Open Space practitioner’s conference - the World Open Space
on Open Space (WOSonOS https://www.wosonos2025.org) - in
Kenya, November 6-8.
On Sep 30, 2025, at 6:21 PM, John Warinner via OSList
everyone@oslist.org everyone@oslist.org wrote:
Hi Marai -
What I meant by a Succession Plan
By Succession Plan, I meant an intentional, structured strategic process
that identifies and develops potential future leaders and/or key
contributors within an organization to ensure continuity and
organizational stability, capability and growth during transitions when
important roles become vacant.
What I meant by a Succession Plan for OST
This is what came to my mind when I read the notes that Thomas provided
regarding the State of the OS Community:
- *The OSlist feels less alive... (1500 members to ~450, fewer active
voices).*
- *Less glue/passion holding the community together.*
- *A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.*
- *Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.*
- *Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.*
- *Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.*
- *Need new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.*
- *How to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”*
What I see occurring in the case of OST
Much more broadly than the specific case of OST, I perceive an interesting
cultural practice of tying practices to charismatic individuals as a
shorthand for legitimacy. Even with Harrison Owen explicitly proclaiming
OST to be "owned by the commons," our prevailing cultural practice appears
to be to continue associating "ownership" of the practice to the
charismatic founder and their closest disciples (with which it is
culturally associated). Others adopt the practice, but they do not embody
"ownership" or "custody" or "ongoing stewardship" of the practice. When
the charismatic founder passes, the important role of founder/evangelist
becomes vacant. No one else feels like they are "legitimate" successors
with the "standing" to assume ongoing "stewardship" of the practice.
Going forward, it seems (to me) that the fate of the OST "practice" is to
continue some degree of ongoing practice in its "pure" form (by those
"purists" so inclined) and some degree of composting and integration into
"derivative" practices (perhaps like what we have see with business model
canvas and its derivatives).
One key question to the OST Community seems (to me) to be whether there is
something valuable enough about OST in its "pure" form that merits
maintaining and stewarding it in this "pure" form... or whether the
essence of OST (trusting people to self-organize around what matters,
the four principles and one law, convening in circles, and the marketplace)
is simple, fundamental and archetypal enough that it cannot/will not die,
and whether it is enough for it to compost naturally into derivative
practices.
If it is unique, valuable, and important enough to be culturally preserved
and sustained in its "pure" form, then some form of organization will
probably need to arise to "institutionalize" it.
Does that perspective resonate with anyone else?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner *(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM Marai Kiele via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org>:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner *(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the
OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
*On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS
list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we
want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple! *
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the
assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The
meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois
Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic
on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an
invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a
weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our
meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
- The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to
~450, fewer active voices).
- Less glue/passion holding the community together.
- A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
- Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
- Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
- Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.
- Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s
world.
- Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or
“pyramidness.”
- It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open
Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
- Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more
than ever.
- Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of
practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
- OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
- Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city
sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
- OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
- Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there
are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
- The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has
"always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report
back after.
- If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
- Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers,
inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
- Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence,
dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
- Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community gathering
that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
- Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for
what you love.
- Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
- Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping
the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com / www.5toFold.com
http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och
samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration
https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring –
leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
<Outlook-qdezmyeh.png>
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
For me, the living question is this:
Do some members of this community feel, and take responsibility for the
feeling, that OST must be sustained as a distinct cultural practice?
Or is it enough that the principles of OST flow into other emergent
forms of human gathering and collaboration, whether or not the name and
specific details of “Open Space Technology” endure?
If the former, then the work may be to self-organize to find ways to
“steward without possessing” to ensure that OST is sustained as a cultural
practice.
If the latter, then perhaps we can let go and allow OST to compost
gracefully, trusting that the “natural patterns” embodied in OST will
continue to seed what comes next.
Thank you and best wishes to all those attending WOSonOS in Kenya.
John
John Warinner(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com johnw@watersolving.com
On Thu, Oct 2, 2025 at 6:09 PM Rain Warren via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
Well said, Tony.
On Thu, Oct 2, 2025, 9:06 PM Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
OST’s power lies in self-organization. To honor Owen’s method while
adding ethical, social, and ecological depth, the practitioner doesn’t add
rules but designs the invitation, space, and harvest so that these
dimensions are naturally present in the conversations and outcomes.
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
On 10/2/2025 8:24 PM, Peggy Holman via OSList wrote:
John,
As I read your message, I recoiled from your thoughts on a succession
plan as it seemed to me too out of character with the spirit and practice
of Open Space.
As I read further, you bring up some important questions about whether
there’s a need to preserve and sustain Open Space as we’ve known it. I
believe there is. But that may just be my attachment to what it has meant
in my own development. Imagining the future of the Open Space community is
a question I plan to take to WOSonOS in Kenya. Seems like a good place to
build on the conversation Thomas hosted and that you and others have
continued here on the list.
As Michael said, it is simple, not easy. I see the “it” as both Open
Space and as its implications for how humans organize, whether in
organizations, communities, or some other form entirely.
Peggy
Peggy Holman
peggy@peggyholman.com
Bellevue, WA 98006
206-948-0432
www.peggyholman.com
Enjoy the award winning Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval
into Opportunity https://peggyholman.com/papers/engaging-emergence/
"An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get
burnt, is to become
the fire".
-- Drew Dellinger
Join the Open Space practitioner’s conference - the World Open Space
on Open Space (WOSonOS https://www.wosonos2025.org) - in
Kenya, November 6-8.
On Sep 30, 2025, at 6:21 PM, John Warinner via OSList
everyone@oslist.org everyone@oslist.org wrote:
Hi Marai -
What I meant by a Succession Plan
By Succession Plan, I meant an intentional, structured strategic process
that identifies and develops potential future leaders and/or key
contributors within an organization to ensure continuity and
organizational stability, capability and growth during transitions when
important roles become vacant.
What I meant by a Succession Plan for OST
This is what came to my mind when I read the notes that Thomas provided
regarding the State of the OS Community:
- *The OSlist feels less alive... (1500 members to ~450, fewer active
voices).*
- *Less glue/passion holding the community together.*
- *A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.*
- *Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.*
- *Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.*
- *Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.*
- *Need new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.*
- *How to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”*
What I see occurring in the case of OST
Much more broadly than the specific case of OST, I perceive an
interesting cultural practice of tying practices to charismatic individuals
as a shorthand for legitimacy. Even with Harrison Owen explicitly
proclaiming OST to be "owned by the commons," our prevailing cultural
practice appears to be to continue associating "ownership" of the practice
to the charismatic founder and their closest disciples (with which it is
culturally associated). Others adopt the practice, but they do not embody
"ownership" or "custody" or "ongoing stewardship" of the practice. When
the charismatic founder passes, the important role of founder/evangelist
becomes vacant. No one else feels like they are "legitimate" successors
with the "standing" to assume ongoing "stewardship" of the practice.
Going forward, it seems (to me) that the fate of the OST "practice" is to
continue some degree of ongoing practice in its "pure" form (by those
"purists" so inclined) and some degree of composting and integration into
"derivative" practices (perhaps like what we have see with business model
canvas and its derivatives).
One key question to the OST Community seems (to me) to be whether there
is something valuable enough about OST in its "pure" form that merits
maintaining and stewarding it in this "pure" form... or whether the
essence of OST (trusting people to self-organize around what matters,
the four principles and one law, convening in circles, and the marketplace)
is simple, fundamental and archetypal enough that it cannot/will not die,
and whether it is enough for it to compost naturally into derivative
practices.
If it is unique, valuable, and important enough to be culturally
preserved and sustained in its "pure" form, then some form of organization
will probably need to arise to "institutionalize" it.
Does that perspective resonate with anyone else?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner *(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM Marai Kiele via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org>:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner *(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the
OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
*On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS
list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we
want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple! *
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the
assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The
meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois
Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a topic
on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an
invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a
weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our
meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
- The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to
~450, fewer active voices).
- Less glue/passion holding the community together.
- A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the space.
- Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
- Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
- Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.
- Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s
world.
- Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or
“pyramidness.”
- It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open
Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
- Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps more
than ever.
- Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of
practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
- OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
- Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city
sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
- OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
- Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there
are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
- The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has
"always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report
back after.
- If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
- Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers,
inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
- Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence,
dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
- Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community
gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
- Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for
what you love.
- Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
- Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping
the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com / www.5toFold.com
http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och
samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration
https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring –
leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
<Outlook-qdezmyeh.png>
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Interesting question.
In my experience, it's very hard to track and record all the "actions" or
"outcomes" the emerge in Open Space. In many of our favorite and most
frequently told stories, actions and outcomes are featured, but those are
highlights, headlines -- never approaching a full inventory. As we've been
"doing" a kind of OS here on the OSLIST for all these years, of course we
have no way to know all the places these conversations and learnings have
gone, the seeds they've sown, much less what's happened with OS in the
world, seeping into life in Haiti, Africa, Agile, British Theatre and so
many other systems and communities of practice, not to mention all of our
individual practices. The more it works, the less we can know about what
it's doing, where it's goes, and how it is adapted and evolved and mingled
with other practices and systems.
I'm not sure if it's composting... or blooming. But either way, the OSLIST
has surely lost control of it, a long time ago, really. How could it be
any other way? It seems to me that we all have the same job we did when I
arrived back in 1996, the same job Harrison gave us in the intro to the
User's Guide -- keep sharing our learning, keep sharing the story. Nothing
there about growing or preserving the practice or an OSLIST. Just keep
inviting and making more and more of whatever works.
Great when that happens here on the list -- not because elders make it
happen, but because new people bring questions and ideas (like Julie Smith
did once, as captured in the User's Non-Guide
https://michaelherman.com/publications/ost_nonguide.pdf) -- but also
great when it happens anywhere that's not the List. In the end, each of us
is only responsible for maximizing and sharing (contributing) our own
learning. The OSLIST will be over when it's over and whatever happens
before, during and after it's finishing, will be the only thing(s) that
could have.
Even the world's largest OS breakout group is gonna eventually go "poof!"
like all the other breakouts we've known. One minute is's cooking and
three or four people are up now holding markers and capturing rapid-fire
work, and then they've all gone to lunch, or the bathroom, or to walk or
nap, and so many other things.
I think there is still plenty of work to be done. Go Kenya! And still
nothing to "fix."
m
--
Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)
MichaelHerman.com
OpenSpaceWorld.org
On Thu, Oct 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM John Warinner via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
For me, the living question is this:
-
Do some members of this community feel, and take responsibility for
the feeling, that OST must be sustained as a distinct cultural practice?
-
Or is it enough that the principles of OST flow into other emergent
forms of human gathering and collaboration, whether or not the name and
specific details of “Open Space Technology” endure?
If the former, then the work may be to self-organize to find ways to
“steward without possessing” to ensure that OST is sustained as a cultural
practice.
If the latter, then perhaps we can let go and allow OST to compost
gracefully, trusting that the “natural patterns” embodied in OST will
continue to seed what comes next.
Thank you and best wishes to all those attending WOSonOS in Kenya.
John
John Warinner(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com johnw@watersolving.com
On Thu, Oct 2, 2025 at 6:09 PM Rain Warren via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
Well said, Tony.
On Thu, Oct 2, 2025, 9:06 PM Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
OST’s power lies in self-organization. To honor Owen’s method while
adding ethical, social, and ecological depth, the practitioner doesn’t add
rules but designs the invitation, space, and harvest so that these
dimensions are naturally present in the conversations and outcomes.
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
On 10/2/2025 8:24 PM, Peggy Holman via OSList wrote:
John,
As I read your message, I recoiled from your thoughts on a succession
plan as it seemed to me too out of character with the spirit and practice
of Open Space.
As I read further, you bring up some important questions about whether
there’s a need to preserve and sustain Open Space as we’ve known it. I
believe there is. But that may just be my attachment to what it has meant
in my own development. Imagining the future of the Open Space community is
a question I plan to take to WOSonOS in Kenya. Seems like a good place to
build on the conversation Thomas hosted and that you and others have
continued here on the list.
As Michael said, it is simple, not easy. I see the “it” as both Open
Space and as its implications for how humans organize, whether in
organizations, communities, or some other form entirely.
Peggy
Peggy Holman
peggy@peggyholman.com
Bellevue, WA 98006
206-948-0432
www.peggyholman.com
Enjoy the award winning Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval
into Opportunity https://peggyholman.com/papers/engaging-emergence/
"An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get
burnt, is to become
the fire".
-- Drew Dellinger
Join the Open Space practitioner’s conference - the World Open Space
on Open Space (WOSonOS https://www.wosonos2025.org) - in
Kenya, November 6-8.
On Sep 30, 2025, at 6:21 PM, John Warinner via OSList
everyone@oslist.org everyone@oslist.org wrote:
Hi Marai -
What I meant by a Succession Plan
By Succession Plan, I meant an intentional, structured strategic process
that identifies and develops potential future leaders and/or key
contributors within an organization to ensure continuity and
organizational stability, capability and growth during transitions when
important roles become vacant.
What I meant by a Succession Plan for OST
This is what came to my mind when I read the notes that Thomas provided
regarding the State of the OS Community:
- *The OSlist feels less alive... (1500 members to ~450, fewer
active voices).*
- *Less glue/passion holding the community together.*
- *A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the
space.*
- *Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.*
- *Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.*
- *Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.*
- *Need new ways of learning and connecting that fit today’s world.*
- *How to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or “pyramidness.”*
What I see occurring in the case of OST
Much more broadly than the specific case of OST, I perceive an
interesting cultural practice of tying practices to charismatic individuals
as a shorthand for legitimacy. Even with Harrison Owen explicitly
proclaiming OST to be "owned by the commons," our prevailing cultural
practice appears to be to continue associating "ownership" of the practice
to the charismatic founder and their closest disciples (with which it is
culturally associated). Others adopt the practice, but they do not embody
"ownership" or "custody" or "ongoing stewardship" of the practice. When
the charismatic founder passes, the important role of founder/evangelist
becomes vacant. No one else feels like they are "legitimate" successors
with the "standing" to assume ongoing "stewardship" of the practice.
Going forward, it seems (to me) that the fate of the OST "practice" is
to continue some degree of ongoing practice in its "pure" form (by those
"purists" so inclined) and some degree of composting and integration into
"derivative" practices (perhaps like what we have see with business model
canvas and its derivatives).
One key question to the OST Community seems (to me) to be whether there
is something valuable enough about OST in its "pure" form that merits
maintaining and stewarding it in this "pure" form... or whether the
essence of OST (trusting people to self-organize around what matters,
the four principles and one law, convening in circles, and the marketplace)
is simple, fundamental and archetypal enough that it cannot/will not die,
and whether it is enough for it to compost naturally into derivative
practices.
If it is unique, valuable, and important enough to be culturally
preserved and sustained in its "pure" form, then some form of organization
will probably need to arise to "institutionalize" it.
Does that perspective resonate with anyone else?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner *(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM Marai Kiele via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Hi John,
What do you mean with "Succession Plan for OST“?
Would you say more?
Greetings,
Marai
Am 30.09.2025 um 21:47 schrieb John Warinner via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org>:
Hi Thomas -
Has there ever been a discussion of a Succession Plan for OST?
Thank you,
John
*John Warinner *(541) 815-4103
johnwarinner@gmail.com
On Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM Thomas Herrmann via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Here are some notes from our meeting. The invitation posted on the
OSlist and the Open Space Gardens was:
*On June 2nd 2025 the experiment to add a real time opportunity to the OS
list here in Open Space Gardens was launched. You are welcome to this follow up meeting where we will share our experiences and learnings. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate if the experiment was successful and if we
want to let it continue. Also we will see if we come up with any improvements, keeping in mind to keep it simple! *
We used Zoom whiteboard where we also kept some notes. With the
assistance of ChatGPT I have created a summary and checked it over. The
meeting went on for 90 minutes
Convener: Thomas Herrmann
Participants: Peggy Holman (first 15 minutes), Marai Kiele, Francois
Knuchel, Thomas Perret
The experiment goes on, simplified as it is easier to just post a
topic on OSlist, use your own Zoom or whatever audio/video software. And an
invitation to post back something about your meeting to the OSlist.
I will also do some promoting on different channels/ThomasH
The Open Space Garden can of course still be used and there is also a
weekly Open Space Café every Thursday! https://qiqochat.com/lounge
Summary of notes from some of the spaces we were visiting in our
meeting. You are of course invited to add, question and comment
State of the OS Community
- The OSlist feels less alive than before (from 1500 members to
~450, fewer active voices).
- Less glue/passion holding the community together.
- A sense of “elders stepping back” and less nurturing of the
space.
- Desire to experience again the strong support and solidarity,
especially for newcomers, that once existed.
Generational Shift & Inclusion
- Difficult for younger people to enter and engage.
- Language and presentation may not resonate with younger
generations.
- Need to find new ways of learning and connecting that fit
today’s world.
- Question of how to pass on wisdom while avoiding hierarchy or
“pyramidness.”
- It's hard for humans to "get it", what the experience in Open
Space brings if you haven't been there, that goes for youngsters and others!
Relevance & Application of OST
- Strong belief that OST is needed in the world today, perhaps
more than ever.
- Desire to apply OST in wider contexts: ongoing communities of
practice, cities, experiments, continuous OST everywhere.
- OST community itself could be seen as “an infinite OST meeting.”
- Opportunity for local and global gatherings (weekly/monthly city
sessions, camps).
Tools & Communication Channels
- OSlist may no longer be the ultimate forum for engagement.
- Email lists feel outdated (we have had that discussion and there
are certainly other channels available and free to develop)
- The possibility to combine OSlist and realtime sessions has
"always" been and continues. Nice to announce on OSlist and post a report
back after.
- If you have a pressing question the OSlist works really well.
Caring for Community & Eldership
- Importance of tending to the community—nurturing newcomers,
inviting introductions, asking curious questions.
- Role of elders was discussed. Appreciation of their presence,
dignity, refraining from dominating but embodying care and wisdom.
- Micro solidarity was shared as an example of a community
gathering that goes on for a week, twice a year.
Fundamentals of OST
- Returning to the essence: invitation to take responsibility for
what you love.
- Language may need updating, but the heart of OST remains valid.
- Congruence between practice and values is essential for keeping
the community alive.
Thomas Herrmann
Open Space Consulting AB
Pensévägen 4, 434 46 Kungsbacka, Sweden
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pens%C3%A9v%C3%A4gen+4,+434+46+Kungsbacka,+Sweden?entry=gmail&source=g
Telefon: +46 (0)709 98 97 81
Email: thomas@openspaceconsulting.com
Homepage: www.openspaceconsulting.com / www.5toFold.com
http://www.5tofold.com/
Profile on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/thomasherrmannopenspaceconsult
Open Space Consulting frigör livskraft i människor, organisationer och
samhälle.
We release lifepower in people, organizations and society.
Trainings/workshops (Info & registration
https://openspaceconsulting.com/kategori/aktiviteter/kommande-aktiviteter/)
8 Okt: Erfa-utbyte om Open Space (gratis, online)
17-19 Okt: Open Space för Demokrati, Gullbrannagården.
6-8 Nov: WorldOpenSpaceOnOpenSpace, Nairobi, Kenya
2026
20-22 Jan: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Örby Sverige
27-29 Jan: Att arbeta hållbart med Open Space-metoden, Örby, Sverige
11-13 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
15-17 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
2027
16-18 March: Whole Person Process Facilitation, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
14-16 Sept: Working with Open Space Technology, Lunteren, the
Netherlands
Continous opportunities for online learning - selfstudy + mentoring –
leadership and facilitation incl Open Space
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--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
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