TheExperimentFund

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The Experiment's Training Program

a project of John Engle and associates in Haiti

Financial help for training in Open Space and Reflection Circles


Building Democracy

Transforming Education

Encouraging Servant Leadership

Fostering an Entrepreneurial Spirit

Cultivating Peace and Self-Determination

Developing Communities of Learning and Practice


“We believe that Open Space and Reflection Circles are among the most interesting and encouraging things happening in Haiti in terms of fostering sustainable change.” Bryan Sirchio, Codirector, Harvest Time

FieldReportsfromPractitionersDoingTraining

The Goal

The Experiment Fund helps Haitian institutions and groups with limited financial resources—schools, grassroots organizations, churches, etc.—to contract with local Open Space and Reflection Circle practitioners for training in these new and effective methods. The Fund itself is innovative in addressing the reality of the financial needs while also avoiding structures that create dependence.

The Context

According to official estimates, 80% of the Haitian population of 8 million is unemployed. Hunger is a constant reality. Many Haitians who have invested substantial amounts of time learning how to facilitate Open Space and/or Reflection Circles are not employed and struggle for survival. Institution and group leaders may be convinced of the value of these methods but can’t afford to pay practitioners for training. This situation not only makes it very difficult for Haitian institutions and groups to begin to use Open Space and Reflection Circles, it also sacrifices the skills of local practitioners who would like to promote these methods but can’t do it for free.

The Structure

Open Space and Reflection Circles are methods, not organizations. There are no employees. This means people learn these methods because they think they are valuable, not as a means to gain employment. In the six years since the Reflection Circle Project was launched, these two methods have spread significantly—due in large part to the strong commitment of local practitioners.

Several thousand students and adults are participating in weekly Reflection Circles, and thousands more have been introduced to servant-oriented leadership through their involvement in Open Space gatherings. While it's admirable that people are motivated to gain skills that enable them to find jobs, our shared goals are doomed if the spread of ideas and practices so essential for social change depend on providing employment for all those involved.


Here's how The Experiment Fund works:

1. Institution/group leaders become interested in Reflection Circles and Open Space.

Using various means including The Experiment’s documentary about Open Space and Reflection Circles in Haiti, practitioners introduce institution/group leaders to the value of these methods. Interested leaders then decide to pursue training for themselves and their staff/members.

2. A proposal is prepared.

The leadership of the institution/group works together with a practitioner to prepare a proposal for a training program that meets their specific needs. The proposal includes a budget for materials and a stipend for the practitioner’s time.

3. The Experiment Fund Committee reviews the proposal.

The Experiment Fund Committee reviews the proposal. Once approved, the leaders and the associated practitioner are invited to develop and sign a contract, based on the approved proposal.

4. Training is carried out and stipends are paid.

After The Experiment Fund Committee approves the contract, funds are deposited in Fonkoze bank, training is carried out, and practitioners receive payment once the leadership of the institution/group receiving training signs-off on requisitions.

5. Visit and report

A member of The Experiment Fund Committee visits with the leaders and others who participated in the training. This person writes a report and shares it with other Committee members. FieldReportsfromPractitionersDoingTraining

The Training and Cost

We've pioneered Learning Cooperatives for helping people learn these methods and skills. A Learning Coop is 18-25 people who engage in weekly sessions using Reflection Circle method lasting 1-2 hours over 6 months; in addition, there are 3 Open Space meetings, each lasting 4-to-6 hours. The practitioner works with participants to develop themes for their Open Space meetings relevant to their concerns and passions. The total cost for starting a LearningCoop? is $3,000. This covers fees for two practitioners, books and other necessary materials, and two evaluations, plus 10% for administration.


“I hold your program, your long range view, your committed approach, and your financial steward-ship up as a measure against all the programs we support.” Allan Beverly, CEO of Aztec Products, Inc. and Chair of Tony Campolo's nonprofit ministry, EAPE
Members of The Experiment Fund’s Coordinating Committee:


“Because of Open Space and Reflection Circles, I no longer believe that someone else needs to help me to take responsibility for myself. Also, when I am in a position of responsibility, I no longer possess the spirit of being ‘chief.’” Vana Edmond, teacher, Matenwa, Haiti

Key Concepts

Peace and Self-Determination: These concepts are broadly conceived—from the inner peace of an individual, for example, to world peace; similarly, self-determination may describe an individual, a group, or a nation.

Servant Leadership: The leader exists to serve the needs of the group, which may include helping them to identify their goals.

Open Space: A method for meeting and organizing that opens up space for new ideas, concerns, and questions to emerge, giving participants both individual and group responsibility. The participant group can be of any size, from seven to a thousand or more and a typical gathering is held during 1-3 days.

Reflection Circles: A strategy for promoting discussion-based education in classrooms and for building trust in organizations.

Community of Learning and Practice: A group of people committed to improvement who are engaged in an ongoing process of reflection and action. They are intentional about cultivating and sharing their individual and combined talents, skills, wisdom, and passions.

Entrepreneurial: Taking initiative and assuming personal responsibility for realizing one’s dreams.


A few of the many organizations using Open Space/Reflection? Circles in Haiti:


Open Space has been used in more than 80 countries. Learn more at http://openspaceworld.org.

Reflection Circles are being used with children throughout schools in the U.S. and among executives in corporations as well. Learn more at http://.touchstones.org.


The Experiment Fund is part of The Experiment in Alternative Leadership. Pledges from Core Partners cover The Experiment’s Coordinator’s stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses. This ongoing commitment by those who best know The Experiment’s work assures new people that their contributions go directly toward spreading the application of Open Space and Reflection Circles.

Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to Beyond Borders at P.O. Box 2132, Norristown, PA 19404; telephone, 610-277-5045. Please write “The Experiment” on the memo line of your check. Contributions may also be made by credit card. Audited financial statements are available on request.

John Engle is cofounder of Beyond Borders, Limye Lavi Foundation, the Reflection Circle Project, and Rotalpha. He serves on the board of directors of the Open Space Institute (USA) and is a reservist with Christian Peacemaker Teams.

For more information or to receive the 20-minute documentary (VHS/DVD), “Circles of Change,” contact John Engle: 717-433-0059 or mailto:John@TheExperiment.info.

For traditional website: http://TheExperiment.info


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Last edited October 19, 2006 11:05 am USA Pacific Time by Jengle
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