Defining Halifax Meeting Model (from Larry Loomis)

"The Halifax Meeting Model is a part of Open Space Technology. Moving a group from Group Discussion Model (Directed Space) into Dialogue Model (Open Space) needs a bridge for Skillful Discussion (Maitri Space), i.e., Halifax Meeting Model!

All belong in the Open Space Technology -- Naropa style. This can work for 5, 50, or 1,000 depending on the willingness and understanding of the participants. Check out Community Building (Dr. Scott Peck) or the well-worn Fifth Discipline (Peter Senge), Open space builds on all of the above because Open Space can accommodate all the above.

It is all Open Space Technology with three distinct phases. A group needs not only to intellectually understand these subtle distinctions but actually feel these subtle distinctions, which we can testify is a very, very difficult practice."

This group used the Buddha families as a way to explore relationships, creative conflict and communication. Leadership involves the ability to be directive, supportive, collaborative, and to delegate. Leadership is an important part of the job of Warrior of the Lodge, the group role played around a particular Lodge. Convenor (Vajra) sets the agenda, Timer (Ratna) is providing earth, Facilitator (Padma) facilitates communication in the four directions, and Recorder (Karma) is the historian, so we don’t have to make the same mistake again. Altogether, the energies create a maitri court which can rouse and bring down drala energies, creating sacred space and protecting sacred space from space invaders (individual and group neurosis) It’s chaotic, but by paying attention to form we can establish such sacred space (Orderly Chaos) and within that the "roles" of the Buddha family representatives are fluid, not fixed. This process is called the

Halifax Meeting Model (Larry Loomis was workshop leader)

What is Natural Hierarchy?

Out of the pregnant flow of the milk’s blood of community,

Space combines inclusivity, commitment, and consensus

Naturally repelling space invaders

with the organisational heart’s blood of respect, appreciation, and trust

Hierarchy has manners for enjoying creative conflict

thus the joyous spacious intercourse

gives birth to the sweet child of loyalty-the black tiger’s cub!

Natural Hierarchy! Hip, Hip, Hooray!.