Simple design principles, when working in tandem with passion and energy, can create fantastic results. An example of this occurred in this morning's Open Space session when a small group spontaneously formed in the hallway with a flipchart and the question, "How might Systems Thinking in Action for 2015 open itself to a full generational spectrum?" In other words, where are the youth, and how can we get them here?
A design team formed and a compelling image emerged: 50 in '15. By this time next year, fifty youth will comprise the STIA+ conference community. They'll be fully funded. And their experience will weave in age-specific, core systems learning with the community-wide experience. It's an ambitious goal, and it came from the confluence of passionate people gathered in the group, many of whom have youth experience, teenagers at home, and a background in education (or all three!)
What's exciting is how the thinking generated in the group has implications for the design and delivery of the conference as a whole. Stay tuned as the group presents its "prototype" vision to the community.