What to Expect at NWJF Open Space 2021: First, we gather virtually in one large Zoom room. Then, after a brief explanation of the logistics, the meeting gets underway: all participants have a chance to put forward a topic or a question that they want to discuss that day. These topics get assigned a breakout room and a start time – this becomes our schedule.
We then have two or three rounds of going to a breakout room that interests us most, participating in the discussion there, and moving between rooms if we choose.
The result is that the topics that matter the most to the participants are the ones we end up discussing. Cross-pollination of perspectives, questions, insights, and ideas follows. Many of these sessions take on the richness of the between-workshop conversations that you may have encountered at other conferences: in the hallways or over coffee, pursuing new connections and emergent themes.
An Open Space event is exactly as relevant and energized as the participants choose to make it. Also, because the work is non-linear and cumulative, we urge you to consider whether you can participate on both days. This is a powerful and proven structure, and it will probably make more sense to you once you’ve experienced it. We hope to see you in the circle!
The NW Justice Forum fosters the gathering of individuals committed to, or interested in learning about, the principles and values of restorative justice. We gather to increase understanding, share practical application, ensure cultural inclusion, and explore theoretical implications of living and working restoratively in the Northwest.