The reading titled “Creative Collaboration” explains the various features of different collaborative process. I found the open space principles to be very informative and precise. I have had the opportunity to attend and participate in several community meetings during my coursework and as an intern with the Alameda Business Association. Below are the four principles that Allen talks about along with my take on them:· "Whoever comes are the right people”: It very important to remember that as facilitators you have to accommodate everyone who has made an effort to be there and listen to them. You have acknowledged them as the right and motivated people who care about the project as much as you do. Of course there will always be those who will rebel and try to derail the process, but having a unified goal and reiterating that often will overcome those hurdles.
· "Whenever it starts is the right time": Again another important factor that is often ignored but is so common. Conducting an open space charade that is strictly time bound and does not involve many members present because of time constraints is superficial and hence it is flexibility with practicality is needed.
· "Whatever happens is the only thing that could have" A very useful mantra that an energized discussion that is not stuck in the could haves, would haves and should haves is important to sustain the ultimate goal through the process.
· “When it's over, it's over”: I think this a very common situation that community planning has to deal with. Every process has to reach a conclusion and members have to focus on getting work done all along.
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