The general assumption about OpenSpaceTech meetings is usually that they are totally unstructured. Well, that may be true in the very beginning, but through the preparation and meeting opening processes, a detailed agenda is developed by many many people, including and beginning with the sponsors. This agenda is not so much created as it is surfaced from the minds and hearts of those involved. That is why the agenda always fits the people and the situation so precisely.
In a discussion today on the OSLIST about preparations, expectations, “givens,” and boundaries, Elwin Guild, who does a lot of work internationally in developing countries and conflict situations, offered a beautiful bit on preparation and opening space:
I do find something very useful in dealing with the sponsor