WE CALLED those who are working toward co-creating a world that works for all TO EXPLORE:What can we learn from each other, do together?
Many of us have broken barriers and used novel processes and technologies to connect across time and space to make a difference. What are you noticing? What principles guide you? What would support your work? How might we bring together what each of us has learned to amplify our usefulness on behalf of people, communities, and our shared planet? Even if you are skeptical about co-creating a world that works for all, you may find insights and partners to do what matters to you. And others may learn and grow from your perspective. The Berrett-Koehler Foundation, in partnership with Berrett-Koehler Publishers and other organizations, hosted an online, self-organizing, participant-led summit. |
WE HELD A two-part experiment in self-organizing!
Phase 1 was an Open Space summit that ran over two days in three time zones to cover the globe. Open Space Technology is a process to self-organize conversations among a diverse group by setting an agenda in real time, meeting in breakout sessions, and reflecting on the experience. See who came via the Summit Map below. Session notes are here.
Phase 2 was an opportunity for self-organized deep dives that ran from June 30-July 25, supported by the "Phase 2 Invitations and Responses" view on the Summit Map. Notes are here.
What we did
Phase 2 was an opportunity for self-organized deep dives that ran from June 30-July 25, supported by the "Phase 2 Invitations and Responses" view on the Summit Map. Notes are here.
What we did
- 590 people registered from every continent except Antarctica. Over 400 put themselves on the Summit Map.
- Over 200 people joined Zoom calls during Phase 1 stimulating ideas, partnerships, and that feeling that you’re not alone.
- During Phase 2, nearly 50 invitations were made, leading to ~40 open Zoom calls, many conversations in privately organized sessions, and at least four in-person meet-ups.
- And almost 1/3 of participants contributed to $4,600 in donations to support this collective effort.
ABOUT the Summit Map
The Summit Map is a participant directory. It was also the primary tool for self-organizing around participant invitations during Phase 2. Click here to open the map in a separate window.
WHAT WE LEARNED
We set out to discover what the appetite was for connecting people from around the world to amplify their usefulness on behalf of one another, our communities, and all life on our shared planet. We confirmed our hunch that there were at least three ways we could make a difference:
What’s next?
A group has formed to learn from this first iteration and potentially do it again.
- Provide space for participant-driven conversations as a complement to expert-led events.
- Provide space to cross-pollinate across sectors for systemic transformation as a complement to single domain gatherings.
- Create infrastructure to stimulate and support new collaborations and innovations in response to yearnings for meaningful ways to participate in co-creation that generates increased coherence and synergy across movements.
What’s next?
A group has formed to learn from this first iteration and potentially do it again.
FAQs
What was our intent?
To create connections that support people and organizations who are working to co-create a world that works for all. Connections invite novel possibilities that open hearts, cultivate empathy and belonging, generate hope, energy and resources, and inspire action
What were our aspirations?
We sought to connect a network for sharing knowledge and practices, finding partners, and amplifying the support infrastructure and the impact of all of our work.
Whom did we invite?
People who are transforming ineffective systems. Practitioners, researchers, educators, funders, storytellers, artists, technologists. Young, old, rich, poor, indigenous, immigrant, rural, urban, differently abled, attracted to or put off by the phrase co-creating a world that works for all.
Who came?
People young, old, and in between. From a wide array of backgrounds and from every continent (except Antarctica):
- North America 51.5%
- Europe 13.9%
- Africa 8.9%
- Asia 5.0%
- Oceania 3.0%
- Latin America 2.0%
- Middle East 1.0%
- Unidentified 14.9%
What motivated Berrett-Koehler Foundation?
The summit activated our mission: We create equitable, regenerative, and loving spaces that draw wisdom from all of the BK community to support disruptors in co-creating a world that works for all. It strengthened ties to Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
What motivated our partner, Berrett-Koehler Publishers?
Connecting BK's community through its mission: connecting people & ideas to create a world that works for all. Discovering authors who are creating a world that works for all. Expanding the market for BKP books. Connecting stakeholders to each other to amplify their impact. Energizing staff & board.
What was in it for you?
Participants left
...Refreshed with ideas and energy to take their next steps.
...With connections to people and organizations who affirm and support them.
Belonging to a network of networks that they can call on when needed.
...Refreshed with ideas and energy to take their next steps.
...With connections to people and organizations who affirm and support them.
Belonging to a network of networks that they can call on when needed.
What was in it for all?
Together, we inspired
… Storytelling and artistry about the remarkable work underway that moves others to get involved.
...Innovations that can humanize access to resources.
...A self-organizing network, a community that amplifies hope and action.
… Storytelling and artistry about the remarkable work underway that moves others to get involved.
...Innovations that can humanize access to resources.
...A self-organizing network, a community that amplifies hope and action.
What happens after the Summit?
A group has formed to learn from this first iteration and potentially do it again.
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Tell me more about the Open Space approach
The agenda is created in real-time by participants. By inviting questions that matter, the wisdom, experience, and curiosity of participants takes center stage. The resulting networking and community connections inspire innovative actions large and small.
Partners
Our partners were organizations with complementary values who made the event possible by sharing the invitation with their networks. In the spirit of learning as we go, when approached by a long-time member of the Berrett-Koehler community about being a partner, we said, “why not?” and made that option available. These organizations got involved.
DONATIONS
The summit operated on a gift economy basis. There was no fee to participate. We did have expenses, like the honoraria to provide internet access for participants who would otherwise find the cost prohibitive. One-third of participants contributed $4,600 to support this collective effort.