Some people were obviously upset and felt excluded when a facilitator proposed an Open Space session and then said it wasn't really open. A group of people who had done much important, transformative work together before needed time and space together. Yet, there were plenty of clenched jaws and flared nostrils--a palpable sense of frustration and maybe even anger at being excluded.

I'm afraid that the body language was interpreted as hostility towards the equity work or hostility towards the people who are leading this work.

However, I think it's much simpler than that--it was a reaction to being excluded, left out, not picked for the team.

My daughters' preschool has a policy that families may pass out birthday party invitations at school only if the entire class is invited. Otherwise, the invitations must be mailed. This respects a family's right to associate with whomever they please while recognizing that the school itself must maintain an inclusive--not exclusive--environment.

I'm wondering if there is a way for the Sonoma Group to continue meeting during national events that are really geared towards other work or if their meetings would more appropriately take place at other times. It's very awkward now.