transitionnorthfield Mailing List: consensus

[Olivia Frey (oliviafrey209]

Hello Transitioners:

 

Here is the message/description of concensus process that I sent out way back 
when.

 

I am for the organic consensus model, which follows the description of the 
formal process, but, of course, because I'm for the organic model, I will 
support the process that we come up with together.

 

See you Saturday morning.

 

Olivia
 
> From: oliviafrey209 [at] hotmail.com
> Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 11:51:17 -0500
> Subject: [transitionnorthfield] consensus
> CC: transitionnorthfield [at] centerforsustainableliving.org
> To: oliviafrey209 [at] hotmail.com
> 
> 
> Hello Everyone:
> 
> 
> 
> Will try to make this brief.
> 
> 
> 
> A. Formal process of consensus (that I have used in several groups):
> 
> When a group decides to use consensus, an agreement is made about what 
> process will be used. The group also commits itself to entering into the 
> process in a certain spirit--to put ego aside and to make decisions based on 
> the good of the group as well as the project.
> 
> 
> 
> The process looks like this:
> 
> 
> 
> 1. Decision to be made is introduced to the group.
> 
> 2. First go-around, each person in turn, is clarifying questions. If more 
> information is needed, and questiomns are raised that can't be answered, then 
> decision is postponed until more fact-finding is done.
> 
> 3. If group is satisfied that questions have been answered, then there is a 
> second go-around, this time getting a sense of the group--Is the group readsy 
> to come to consensus. Sometimes the group is pretty much ready. There might 
> be someone who has concerns, but can live with the group decision. Sometimes 
> a concern can be dealt with later, if the person does not see the concern as 
> interfering with their support of the decision.
> 
> 4. With #3 above, it could be discovered that one or more people have issues 
> that require more discussion or more information. More discussion takes 
> place--not in a confrontational way, but in an effort to understand someone's 
> concerns, and in an effort to clarify viewpoints. It is important that this 
> step take place without coercion.
> 
> 5. Another go-round. Usually the person who has had concerns will signal that 
> the group should go around again, that they are ready. Consensus usually will 
> now be reached.
> 
> 6. Or More discussion and more clarfication has not alleviated concerns. At 
> this point, two people go off (at the meeting, or later)--one representing 
> the original decision to be reached, and the second person who has concerns. 
> This pair is charged with listening to each other, gathering more info if 
> necessary, and coming back to the group with a new proposal. The purpose of 
> the pair getting together is not to argue with one another or beat the other 
> into submission. Their purpose isn't even to arrive at a compromise. Their 
> purpose is to build something new--with the vision/project of the whole group 
> in mind--which they will bring back to the group.
> 
> 7. In the event of #6, start consensus process over.
> 
> (Takes time, but is worth it in the end, because any decision made should be 
> supported by the whole group. Otherwise, a lot of time, energy, etc. is 
> wasted as some group members fume and work against a decision.)
> 
> 
> 
> B. Organic consensus process--What Rose Ann was referring to. I prefer this 
> now, but have become quite comfortable with using consensus.
> 
> 
> 
> No steps here. I'm simply going to quote a couple of people:
> 
> "Consensus is an organic evolving process that does not follow schedules, and 
> cannot be successfully reached by 5 p.m., when a decision must be made. 
> Natural consensus has a timetable all of its own; it can be nurtured but not 
> controlled. It happens as human growth happens. It can be unpredictable, and 
> excrutiatingly slow."
> 
> --Vera Bradova, "The Un-Organization: Working Together Without Coercion"
> 
> 
> 
> "Consensus is different from other kinds of decision-making because it 
> stresses the cooperative development of a decision with group members working 
> together rather than competing against each other."
> 
> --Avery et al, "Building United Judgment: A Handbook for Consensus Decision 
> Making"
> 
> 
> 
> Following consensus as an organic process is not formulaic, and does not 
> involve following specific steps. The framework may be necessary for members 
> who are learning it and haven't used it. The emphasis when consensus is 
> organic is on the spirit and degree of self-awareness (as well as trust, 
> honesty, courage, etc.) that members have as they enter into it. I also 
> believe that following steps can be a convenient substitute for people, 
> standing in the way of them just facing each other and working it out.
> 
> 
> 
> I also agree that practicing nonviolent communication as a foundation for 
> consensus is a good idea, essential, really. I recommend that rather than 
> taking up transition group time on talking about it, that we self-educate 
> again, and everyone come to our monthly NVC meeting. We have been meeting for 
> almost 4 years now. We could start at the beginning and do a close reading of 
> the handbook. But do this on the NVC nights--or however it could be 
> scheduled. 
> 
> 
> 
> I've been using consensus very effectively in a variety of groups since the 
> late 80's when I was on the board at Prairie Creek.
> 
> 
> 
> That's all for now.
> 
> 
> 
> Olivia
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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