The process was not done at this point, however! On the third morning Larry and Birgitt shifted the attention of the group to the west, the place of management. Every participant received her own copy of the "book of proceedings," was given time to read it and was given five votes to show the items amongst the various topics that she had energy for. Eventually, four topics were identified for CCLOW to focus upon at this time. The opportunities identified for action now (again, not prioritized) were: project-based funding; restructure of the organization; draft a vision and mission statement; development of on-line communication.

The process then involved identifying how those items not chosen at this time would make it onto the agenda in the future, what the next steps were for the identified items including who would champion those items and work on them as well as identification of the resources needed. The stage was set for the strategic directions for CCLOW to be implemented rather than simply remaining as an interesting document.

The vision and mission statement immediately evolved. The vision: women's social, political, and economic equality. The mission: to provide and connect educators of adults with women-centered resources related to policy research, practice, and advocacy, and to lead in the development of such resources where gaps exist. Also a first attempt to develop a new organizational structure was diagrammed. Since that meeting, PAC has continued the development of policy. This commemorative issue is one outcome: it attempts to bridge past, present, and future aspirations; to communicate with members and to recruit resources.

With the assistance of Birgitt and Larry in their use of Open Space Technology and the medicine wheel, great wisdom from the gathered group was enabled to emerge. CCLOW was rebirthed with a new vision, a clear purpose, and actionable strategic directions. Some aspects of the future are still cloudy while others clearly present challenges. But, perhaps CCLOW will continue to make worthwhile contributions in am emergent field of study: the education of adult women. During the twentieth century Canada has been a leader in struggles to provide girls and women with educational opportunities, appropriate to their changed life expectancies and aspirations. The volunteer work and professional development activities of organizations such as CCLOW suggest the journey toward the next century will be characterized by a more clear vision of equity.

Birgitt Bolton has worked in and with organizations for over 20 years, specializing in organizational and community development and transformation. She is a founding member of the Open Space Institute of Canada and was Hamilton Woman of the Year in the workplace in 1996. Birgitt has worked with organizations in Canada and the U.S., including the Canadian Red Cross (Blood Services), Navigation Canada, Chedoke/McMaster Hospitals, and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Larry Peterson has facilitated over 120 Open Space events since his first workshop with Harrison Owen in 1990. For 25 years, he has assisted organizational transformation and spiritual performance in non-profit, church, government, and business organizations. He is a founder of Open Space Technology Canada, a workshop leader, and has written numerous articles. He can be reached through Larry Peterson and Associates in Transformation, 41 Appleton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6E 3A4, tel: (416) 651-6913, fax: (416) 653-4829.

E. Lisbeth (Betty) Donaldson is the CCLOW Alberta Director and Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. Her research interests are students in transition, women and education, and comparative analysis of policies about school violence. She may be contacted at edonalds@acs.ucalgary.ca.