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Open Space Technology

a method for organizing and running a meeting or multi-day conference, where participants have been invited in order to focus on a specific, important task or purpose.

Open Space Technology

Open Space Technology offers a new paradigm – regarding theory, practice, terminology and approach – for conflict resolution, organizational development, organizational transformation and facilitation. Emerging in the late 1980s, Open Space manifested the revolutionary shift from organizational development to organizational transformation as a result of the analysis by just a handful of consultants and facilitators.
Based on Chaos Theory, the Theory of the Self-Organizing System and the Concept of Complex Adaptive Systems, Open Space Technology stands out from and surpasses all other approaches in the realm of transformation. It is particularly characterized by the “invisibility” of the facilitator, the absence of a prefixed agenda, its apparent lack of structure and control, its welcoming of both conflict and surprise and its reliance on the individual’s responsibility and participation based on passion. In fact, Open Space Technology meetings turn out to be very structured and controlled – by the people involved. In this way they meet the needs of the participants infinitely better than any pre-planning could ever achieve. Open Space unleashes all the potential of groups and systems
What is Open Space Technology?In conferences, important things happen during the coffee breaks. Participants discuss what really matters to them in small groups. They exchange ideas, make contacts, network and plan projects. This is the phenomenon that Open Space Technology is based on. In other words, Open Space captures the spirit of one big break – with all its characteristics: energetic, self-organized, adapted by participants to their needs, unpredictable, chaotic, spontaneous and very productive."Open Space Technology (OST) is (...) a deceptively simple approach to better, more productive meetings in which groups of from five to one thousand [recent event: 2108 participants people quickly self-organize to deal effectively with complex issues in a very short time. Open Space events last from several hours to several days, depending on the circumstances and the pursued goals. People might gather for a one-day workshop, a three-day conference or a weekly staff meeting. The optimum length and design of an event requires 16 hours spread over a three day period, preceded by a half day preparation meeting and followed by a half day next meeting
Who uses Open Space Technology?
Public and private organizations, small businesses, large corporations, associations, cooperatives, community based groups, communities, governments and families meet in Open Space to enhance the quality of collaboration.

Our Story

Illustration

In the warm summer of 2016, a spark of inspiration led three passionate advocates of the Open Space Technology—Taras Tymchuk, Maryana Zaviyska, and Oleksandra Tselishcheva—to come together with a visionary goal. They saw the transformative power of this method in driving change and fostering collaboration in Ukraine. With a shared passion and purpose, they formed an informal group, laying the foundation for what would soon become a beacon of innovation and community engagement in Ukraine. This group aimed not only to exchange their rich experiences with Open Space Technology but also to spread the high standards of organizing events in this format across the nation.

Thus, the Open Space Works Cooperative was born, aptly named to reflect the effectiveness of the Open Space Technology it championed. From those early days, the team embarked on a journey filled with over 30 diverse Open Space gatherings, contributing significantly to the vibrant global community of Open Space facilitators by participating in the regular WOSonOS meetings. This initiative not only paved the way for meaningful conversations and collaborations but also set new benchmarks in the realm of collective problem-solving and event facilitation in Ukraine.

By 2023, the cooperative evolved into Open Space Works Ukraine, marking a new chapter in its journey. This transformation from a small group of enthusiasts to a company signifies the enduring impact of our work and the ever-growing promise of Open Space Technology in creating spaces for dialogue, innovation, and collective action. This is not just a story of a group's formation but a testament to the power of shared vision and commitment in creating lasting change and fostering a community of practice that thrives on openness, collaboration, and mutual support.

Open Space Facilitators


Heading photo

Maryana Zaviyska

An independent management consultant, facilitator, research and development expert

Expertise: organizational development, leadership coaching, stakeholder dialogues and collaborations, mentorships for individuals and organizations, and action research processes.

Open Space Practitioner
Since 2014 
Heading photo

Taras Tymchuk

An independent management consultant, facilitator, research and development expert

Taras has learned OST on Liza Heft Workshops (Krakow 2015) and every year facilitates 5-6 OS meetings for international agencies, national CSO, local communities, and companies.
Taras has been a Member of the Global OS Facilitator Network since 2015.

Open Space Practitioner
Since 2014 
Heading photo

Oleksandra Tselishcheva

A facilitator, civil society, MEL, strategic planning professional

Expertise: developing monitoring and evaluation tools for project, programs and organizations, trainings design and facilitation. Oleksandra is good in development policies, procedures and guidelines, preparation analytical materials



Open Space Practitioner
Since 2013

Open Space Reports

Here is the list of Open Space meetings, facilitated by members of OSWC 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Myshkove-Pohorilove Community Strategy 2024-2027:  What new processes, activities, initiatives and projects will help the community recover from the negative effects of the war and become more cohesive, safe and attractive for living and business development? 

    Sponsor

    Legal Development Network

    Category:

    Participatory Planning Session

    Facilitator:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Residents of various settlements that are part of the Mishkovo-Pohorilivska community, Educational managers, representatives of youth initiatives and CBA organisations, local business.

    Place

    Mykolaiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    January 18-19, 2024

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How to ensure the child's right to a family in current conditions: challenges and opportunities during the war and reconstruction of Ukraine

    Sponsor

    Everychild

    Category:

    Stakeholders brainstorm session

    Facilitator:

    Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Experts, specialists, regional project coordinators, representatives of all project partner organisations

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    March 23, 2023 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How Should the Adult Education System In Community Change to Ensure Sustainable Post-War Recovery Of Mykolaiv?

    Sponsor

    DVV International in Ukraine, ALC Pivden

    Category:

    Stakeholders brainstorm session

    Facilitator:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    CSO managers, educators, local authorities, municipal managers, entrepreuners, thinkers;

    Place

    Mykolaiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    November 4, 2022 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How can I/we improve our daily work right now to help Caritas Brody become a reliable partner for communities in overcoming the negative impact of the war?

    Sponsor

    Caritas Brody

    Category:

    Workshop to share practical experience and generate new ideas 

    Facilitator:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Caritas team

    Place

    Brody, Ukraine

    Date:

    July, 9-11, 2022 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Impact-investments in accelerative post-war Ukraine recovery: who, in what, how and why?

    Sponsor

    World of Communities LLC

    Category:

    Stakeholders brainstorm session

    Facilitator:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Urban planners, CSO managers, educators, impact-inverstors,  engineers, psychologists, military specialists, creators, media, local authorities, municipal managers, entrepreuners, scientists, thinkers;

    Place

    Lutsk, Ukraine

    Date:

    2 April 2022 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Youth cluster in my community: how we can use the gamification and game-based approach and SYAP results to engage young people on a large scale in community development?

    Sponsor

    UNDP, IPID

    Category:

    Learning exchange 

    Facilitator:

    Oleksandra Tselishcheva 

    Participants

    SYAP fellows, youth, activists

    Place

    Berdiansk, Ukraine

    Date:

    September 2021 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    What should be a comprehensive city program for civic and professional adult education so that everyone can participate in the community life of Melitopol: content, professionals, money, stakeholders?

    Sponsor

    UNDP, Adult Education Centre "The first" (Melitopol) 

    Category:

    Learning exchange 

    Facilitator:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Adult educators, CSO, activists

    Place

    Melitopol, Ukraine

    Date:

    September 17-18, 2020 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    What kind of projects and services could help to transform the library and house of culture into the vibrant public space of our community?

    Sponsor

    GIZ

    Category:

    Participative Community Meeting

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Maryana Zaviyska

    Participants

    Community members, educators, media, local authorities, municipal managers, entrepreneurs, youth, NGO

    Place

    Petropavlivka, Ukraine

    Date:

    17 April 2019 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Congress of Culture: key achievements and challenges in the field of culture for the last 5 years: what and how to store and develop?

    Sponsor

    UCU

    Category:

    Learning & networking exchange meeting

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Maryana Zaviyska

    Participants

    Culture managers, thinkers, creators, educators, municipal managers

    Place

    Lviv, Ukraine

    Date:

    13 October 2019 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Open Business Space

    Sponsor

    Owners for Owners business community

    Category:

    Learning & networking exchange meeting

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Maryana Zaviyska

    Participants

    Entrepreneurs, CEO, founders

    Place

    Bukovel, Ukraine

    Date:

    April 2018

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Lost illusions of the public budget.
    How can we transform and support the public budget process?

    Sponsor

    PROMISE Project, Irpin city council, Solidarity Fund PL, GIZ, Foundations for Freedom

    Category:

    Learning & networking exchange

    Facilitators:

    Oleksandra Tselishcheva, Pavlo Kozeletskyi

    Participants

    NGO managers, municipal servants, donors

    Place

    Irpin, Ukraine

    Date:

    26-27 October 2018

  • Illustration

    Topic

    What kind of projects and services could help to transform the library
    and house of culture into the vibrant public space of our community?

    Sponsor

    GIZ

    Category:

    Participative Community Meeting

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Maryana Zaviyska

    Participants

    Community members, educators, media, local authorities,
    municipal managers, entrepreneurs, youth, NGO

    Place

    Dnipro, Ukraine

    Date:

    11-12 April 2019 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How do make the cooperation between the government institutions and the public In the decision-making process more effective?

    Sponsor

    Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, OCSE

    Category:

    Public Consultations and Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Maryana Zaviyska

    Participants

    Public servants, communication GOV professionals, NGO representatives

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    15 September 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Desinformation forum

    Sponsor

    Google, Jigsaw

    Category:

    Learning Exchange, Solutions Design & Prototyping

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Oleksandra Tselishcheva

    Participants

    IT, media professionals, NGO representatives, disinformation experts

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    5-6 December 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Civil Society During Reforms. Why Should Local Non-Governmental Organizations Unite?

    Sponsor

    Local Initiatives of Ukraine

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Oleksandra Tselishcheva, Yurii Stepanets

    Participants

    NGO representatives

    Place

    Chernivtsi, Ukraine

    Date:

    30 June 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How and why non-governmental organizations fromdifferent regions should work together?

    Sponsor

    Local Initiatives of Ukraine

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Oleksandra Tselishcheva

    Participants

    NGO representatives

    Place

    Uzhhorod, Ukraine

    Date:

    21-22 June 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    The Problem Of Early Traction Or How To Get First 100 Users?

    Sponsor

    Approval Studio, Hub24

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    IT professionals

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    19 January 2019

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How can we strengthen the prevention of human trafficking in our region, using the project results and resources of our group?

    Sponsor

    UNAEDI

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    NGO representatives

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    15-17 November 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How will youth councils ensure youth participation?

    Sponsor

    Youth Platform [Lutsk]

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    NGO representatives, Youth, Local authorities

    Place

    Lutsk, Ukraine

    Date:

    2-4 July 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How can we work together to achieve personal business goals?

    Sponsor

    East European Cooperation

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Maryana Zaviyska

    Participants

    NGO representatives, business-women

    Place

    Skadovsk

    Date:

    2 June 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Community Innovations: Administrative services, inter-municipal cooperation, sustainability

    Sponsor

    GIZ

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Jo Toepfer, Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk, Oleksandra Tselishcheva

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, donors

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    3-5 June 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Participation that fails: How to ensure real community engagement?

    Sponsor

    PACT Inc

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk, Oleksandra Tselishcheva

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, donors

    Place

    Slavutych, Ukraine

    Date:

    2-4 May 2017 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Open Business Space: From co-opetition to network development: why should Ukrainian businesses unite?

    Sponsor

    Owners for Owners business community

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Lada Kanevska

    Participants

    Entrepreneurs, CEO, founders

    Place

    Bukovel, Ukraine

    Date:

    March 29 - April 2, 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    In what kind of community we would prefer to invest?

    Sponsor

    Institute for political and information research

    Category:

    Product Development 

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, donors, community managers, IT professionals 

    Place

    Lutsk, Ukraine

    Date:

    8-10 April 2016 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    What Services Will Make Communities Successful?

    Sponsor

    GIZ

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, donors, community managers

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    26 April 2017 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Public consultations

    Sponsor

    Zhytomyr city council

    Category:

    Public consultations

    Facilitators:

    Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, community managers, media

    Place

    Zhytomyr, Ukraine

    Date:

    9 August 2017 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How can we strengthen the prevention of human trafficking in our region using creative technologies? International learning exchange conference

    Sponsor

    Hanns Seidel Stiftung

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    NGO representatives, donors, media, IDPs

    Place

    Irpin, Ukraine

    Date:

    20-22 June 2017 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    How can we together keep the media's attention to the protection and representation of IDP’s rights? Final conference of the project

    Sponsor

    Thomson Foundation

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, media, IDP

    Place

    Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

    Date:

    5 September 2017 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Civil Peace Building: What Initiatives Will Strengthen Our Impact to Overcome the Consequences of the Armed Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

    Sponsor

    German Embassy

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    NGO representatives, donors, media, psychologists

    Place

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Date:

    16 December 2017 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Leadership in Transforming Communities:
    Challenges And Opportunities for Community Development

    Sponsor

    Ukrainian Social Investment Fund

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Maryana Zaviyska, Taras Tymchuk

    Participants

    Public servants, NGO representatives, community managers

    Place

    Dnipro, Ukraine

    Date:

    22-23 March 2018 

  • Illustration

    Topic

    Coopetition In Ukrainian: How to Build Business Effective Partnerships in Instability? Annual Meeting of Open Business Space Owners and CEOs community

    Sponsor

    Open Business Space Community

    Category:

    Learning Exchange

    Facilitators:

    Taras Tymchuk, Lada Kanevska

    Participants

    Entrepreneurs, CEO, founders

    Place

    Bukovel, Ukraine

    Date:

    30 March - 2 April 2017 

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