How did this Map come into being?

The Open Space World Map is a follow up to a former model created in 2001. That model simply showed the countries in which Open Space Technology has been used. Since 2003 a new version has been in the making incorporating inputs from many Open Space practitioners from all over the world.

2004 – A new version

This new version continues to keep track of the spread of Open Space Technology (112 countries presently). In addition, it provides space for everyone working with Open Space (estimated to be more than 10 000) in all of those countries.
All are invited to use the possibility to include themselves in this Map.
Inclusion is self selected. It confers neither title, nor certification nor endorsement through others.
Expenses are covered through fees that are structured so that nobody is excluded by reason of cash. Surpluses are invested into projects that support the spread of Open Space worldwide.
The Map is a service of Michael M Pannwitz.

What are its features?

• This map shows all countries that are part of the United Nations.
• As you pass the cursor over the map the names of the countries are shown.
• Countries in which Open Space Technology has been used are highlighted (blue).
• A number in brackets behind the name of a country indicates how many open space workers from that country have included themselves in the map
• Each of the „Open Space Countries“ has a pop-up window („Country Information“) that shows „General links for Open Space“ in that country and an alphabetical list of those in that country that have included themselves in the Open Space World Map.
• For each individual practitioner equal space (a „Contact Information“ window) is available for name, organisation, address, phone, email and website as well as a list of further countries in which this particular practitioner has worked with Open Space.
• And space for a picture.
• Both the „Country Information“ and the „Contact Information“ windows have a „search“ function for the data base (Items typed into the left field, such as the name of a colleague or a country, etc. can be combined with the contact information for each entry: „Name“, „Address“, „Organisation“, „Phone“, „email“, „www“ and „other countries I work in“).
  An alphabetical list of every one listed in the Map can be obtained simply by clicking on the search button only.
• There also is a „search“ button in the upper right hand corner of the Map itself right next to the „impressum“ button
• To assist in localizing practitioners in large countries with many practitioners such as USA and Canada, these countries are divided into regions (time zones). In the future, other countries might also be regionalized.
• A regionalization by postal codes was installed for Germany with presently 77 participants in April of 2005.
• Additional features of the map are eight directional buttons, a zoom function (helpful when you are looking for a very small country such as Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean just west of Senegal), a reset button, a separate alphabetical list of all Open Space Countries, and a procedure for including oneself in the map which is now also available in German.
• In April of 2005 an additional button was installed in the upper right hand corner of the map listing the existing stammtische in 10 different locations with more in the planning stage.

How is the Map financed?

The map finances itself through sliding fees for inclusion and maintenance set and paid by those who include themselves. Support and contributions are invited from Open Space Institutes, other organisations and from individuals.

What about surpluses?

Surpluses are invested into projects that support the spread of Open Space worldwide. This might be contributions to the travel expenses for regional and worldwide gatherings (access queen), scholarships for people wanting to attend trainings and other projects.

Dedication and Thanks

The Open Space World Map is dedicated to all working with Open Space and especially to Harrison Owen who „discovered“

„Open Space Technology and then proceeded to give it away.
Special thanks to Daniel Pannwitz who helped in many ways over many months building the Map and continues to help in maintaining it. And to the „novanauten“ who finally designed this complex project along with the content management system to support the ongoing care of the Map.
And very special thanks to the many colleagues who looked at the draft of this Map and continue to contribute to its development through suggestions, critical comments, encouragement and advice.

How can you support this project?

• Include yourself in the Map (as of May 1, 2005 there are 232 Open Space-workers from 45 countries that included themselves) and pay as much of an inclusion fee as you can afford.
• Make a one time donation which will support inclusion of colleagues from countries where resources are scarce.
• Spread the word about this idea among your colleagues and encourage them to include themselves.
• Have a look at all the details and send ideas und suggestions for improvement to mmpanne@boscop.de
• Translate the Information in this section (ABOUT THIS PROJECT) into your language presently, there are 16 languages represented (May 2005) with further translations in the making.
• Open Space Institutes and other organisations are invited to report on this new venture in their newsletters, on their websites and spread the word in other ingenious ways.