Open Space Day

Transition Town Lewes are holding the latest of their Open Space workshops in the Market Lane Garage on North Street, on the subject of ‘housing Lewes in an energy scarce future’. The meeting will be following the procedure known as ‘Open Space Technology’, devised by American author and photographer Harrison Owen. The procedure of an OST meeting is designed to involve as many people in the decision-making process as possible. A ‘facilitator’ explains the process, and various discussion groups form in different parts of the space - in this case the rather wonderful former Garage in North Street.

Participants are free to flit between discussion forums (according to the ‘Law of Two Feet’ principle) and have their say on the particular subject in process. Some people prefer to go from space to space, others tend to stay with one project. The discussions last as long as the participants feel it is useful to continue with them. The resolutions made are recorded, and at the end of the day participants reconvene to reflect on what decisions have been made. It is impossible to predict the subjects for each ‘breakout space’: on this occasion subjects to be debated are likely to include solar energy panels, the use of sustainable local building materials and rainwater harvesting. Everybody is welcome to attend, and can participate as much or little as they desire. AG