wfn.org | ELCA Youth Organization Implements Open Space Technology

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 23, 2000

ELCA YOUTH ORGANIZATION IMPLEMENTS OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
00-037-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In an attempt to connect with "young people in
the pew," the Council of Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Presidents
(CSLYOP) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has
implemented a new plan called "open space technology."   More than 95
high school- and college-age Lutherans gathered here Feb. 17-20 to learn
more about the plan for effective ministry among young people.
     Open space technology is a process where participants come
together as one group for conversation.  Participants identify issues
related to young people in church and society, and contribute ideas for
small group discussions.  Information from small groups is compiled into
a report, which are then considered for action, strategy and
implementation by CSLYOP.
     The board for the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) -- the youth
organization of the ELCA -- will act as a "resource" and provide
leadership training to CSLYOP.  The council -- made up of 63 leaders --
serves as the liaison between the LYO board and the ELCA's 65 synod
LYOs.
     "The council is responsible for providing information about the
activities of the Lutheran Youth Organization to young people in the
ELCA.  It serves as an information relay center," said Ben Nicol,
Reading, Pa., chair of CSLYOP.
     One synod LYO president noted that conversations were more
productive under open space.   She said fellowship and the exchange of
ideas and resources are strong elements of the technology.  Another
participant said the work of his synod LYO will become better organized
under open space technology, because it allows for more communication
and accountability.
     Open space technology is a new approach to meeting and leadership,
said the Rev. Kelly Chatman, ELCA director for youth ministries,
Division for Congregational Ministries.  He said the approach allows for
more support, communication and the exchange of information, ideas and
proposals.
     "There is a new responsibility for everyone to work together.  We
are entering into a new partnership venture," said Nicol.
     Under the theme "A Call for Partnership," participants meeting
here generated a list of topics addressed in small groups.  Topics
ranged from homosexuality to substance abuse, from violence to faith
development.
     Information from small group discussions was compiled into a
report for all participants.  Synod LYO presidents were divided into
nine caucuses, representing the nine regions of the ELCA, to review the
reports for action and implementation within their synods.
     "We're here for one purpose, which is to serve God.  We are young
Lutheran leaders gathered here for that purpose," said Rafael Malpica,
Lake in the Hills, Ill.  Malpica was elected chair of CSLYOP.
     Open space will be used at the LYO triennial convention this
summer.  LYO holds its triennial convention in conjunction with the ELCA
Youth Gathering -- a gathering that will bring together about 45,000
high-school-aged Lutherans from across the United States and Caribbean,
as well as from other countries around the world.  About 500 delegates
conduct the business of the ELCA's youth organization.
     The LYO Convention will take place July 2-5 in St. Louis.  The
ELCA Youth Gathering will take place June 28-July 2 and July 5-9 in St.
Louis.  The Gathering theme is "Dancing at the Crossroads."
     A leadership event for "definitely-abled" (DAYLE) young people
will take place June 25-28, 2000, at Southern Illinois University,
Edwardsville, Ill.  The Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) will
take place June 25-28, 2000 at Southern Illinois University.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html