About OPAQUE / A field guide
A movement you
can step into.
OPAQUE is a movement about people. It begins with the possibility of saying hello, sharing an interest and spending a little time together as ourselves.
We are beginning in Oslo, as part of everyday Norwegian society. The invitation is for everyone, across neighbourhoods, generations and backgrounds. We are developing the first ways to make it happen.
01 / Everyday openings
It could begin
almost anywhere.
A free chair, a familiar path, something you are making. Ordinary moments can give us a reason to talk. Try a few possibilities.
“Would you like
some company?”
You notice an empty chair and ask. A yes makes room for company. A no leaves the moment as it was.
These are possibilities to explore, rather than events to book. Talking, listening and making can each be a way in.
02 / The meaning
Six letters.
Something to practise.
Open People. Asking Questions. Understanding Everyone. The name holds three intentions we can put into practice.
You can stand by your view and still be interested in another one. A conversation does not need to end in agreement.
Your perspective stays yours.A little more about understanding everyone
Understanding Everyone asks us to keep listening and learning. We will not always understand, and we do not need to rush into advice. We can respect a person while disagreeing with an idea.
Harassment and behaviour that drives people away have no place in that welcome.
03 / Your choice
You can belong.
Even when you’re busy.
Being part of the movement does not make you available all the time. Welcoming a hello and representing OPAQUE are separate choices, with different responsibilities.
Part of the idea.
Still yourself.
Hello?
There is room.
A hello is welcome right now. Ask first and leave room for the answer.
We are exploring a separate invitation you could show or put away. Its form is still being developed.
Representing OPAQUE
comes with responsibility.
We are proposing a distinct role for people who represent OPAQUE and make an agreed contribution. It would involve vetting and clear responsibilities. Wearing the mark or taking part would not make someone a representative.
Explore the organization04 / What follows
Give openness
some substance.
A hello can lead to a shared interest or a small offer. What matters next is how we listen, what we agree and whether we follow through.
01Recognise an opening.A visible invitation could help. Asking still matters.+
“Is this a good moment?”
Listen to the answer. Continue if the invitation is welcome; let it end comfortably if it is not.
02Find a shared interest.A question, a place or something to try together.+
“What are you making?”
A book, a place, a question about nature or a new way of making something. You only need enough interest to ask.
03Take care of what follows.Keep an agreement small, clear and possible.+
“I’ll send you that idea tomorrow.”
Keep the offer small enough to keep. Send the idea when you said you would, or explain what changed.
We are exploring everyday encounters, conversations around a table and creative sessions. Before offering an activity, we would explain where it happens, how to take part and any cost.
05 / The organization
An idea to carry.
A structure to build.
We intend to establish a nonprofit organization to support the movement. The structure is still being developed.
Care for the idea.
Make commitments clear.
Support useful action.
The organization would look after the idea as it grows: who can represent it, how contributions are agreed and what people can expect from us.
What is still being worked through
We still need to define contribution roles, decisions, funding and a way to raise concerns. Those arrangements need to be clear before anyone takes on a formal role.
We want to begin honestly and learn with people.