A Global Cocktail Party
On December 2nd, Harrison Owen celebrates his 85th birthday. An occasion worthy of great celebration, Open Space style. With lots of camaraderie and cheer, and a touch of “Be Prepared to Be Surprised”!
In 1985, 35 years ago, Open Space Technology was conceived over two martinis ~ a great experiment that continues as vibrantly today as it was then.
Its ritual and refrain, always the same: Sit in a circle, create a bulletin board, open a marketplace and get to work. Four timeless principles (now 5), a law, bumble bee and butterfly are all it takes for dynamic discussions on issues that matter.
In the spirit of Open Space, from morning until late at night (when it starts, it starts; when it’s over, it's over), on Wednesday December 2nd we will gather and toast this special guy who has touched us all and many beyond. Over the years, his shared work has become our work in all kinds of places and settings worldwide.
In the weeks before…
Between now and then, with just the right amount of chaos and confusion, we invite you to visit and contribute to our giant virtual Marketplace Birthday Wall. A simple birthday card would not suffice. Share your good wishes, add a photo, story or memory with Harrison. Our invitation is to play around with the mural technology. Easy when you get the hang of it!
First type your name and log in as a visitor. Then hover your mouse and go exploring. The hand and square at the bottom right allow you to move around and zoom in and zoom out. On the left, a bunch of tools with which to play. So give it a go and have fun creating your own special message.
On December 2nd…
The plan is that we’ll be hanging out in a world-around Zoom. A dedicated link will be provided on the Birthday Wall a few days before. Our space will include a main Zoom room and breakouts. Bring your heart, favorite stories and a glass or cup of good cheer.
The plan is that we’ll be hanging out in a world-around Zoom. A dedicated link will be provided on the Birthday Wall a few days before. Our space will include a main Zoom room and breakouts. Bring your heart, favorite stories and a glass or cup of good cheer.
Harrison will come by mid-morning Washington DC time and drop in throughout the day between naps.
See you soon!
Suzanne, Michael, Barry and Lucas
