ELCA Youth Organization Implements Open Space Technology

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