Appendices

 

 

Appendix A: The Consensus Process

This is a group decision making process in which all present must agree before action is taken. It's based on the premise that everyone has a piece of the truth. Eeach person in a meeting is given the time and space to speak their truth and listened to with respect. If done correctly, this method can help spread power and influence throughout the whole group.

In the best case, consensus decisions are more likely to be implemented and followed because there is buy-in from the entire community. Consensus also seeks to identify and illuminate what people actually agree on. In contention, it's nice to be able to agree on something, at least.

Intent. The goal of consensus is to come up with a decision which everyone can live with, rather than a decision which is simply a majority preference (and possibly unacceptable to the minority.) Decisions and policies that meet everyone's needs (if not wants, preferences or desires) are ideal consensus outcomes.

Compromise. Every participant in a consensus process should go into it expecting to compromise on some level. Individuals who don't participate in the consensus meeting, whether or not they elect a proxy, should especially expect to compromise.

Proxy. A good, well-informed proxy: one who knows how you feel about the issue, what you'd prefer to be passed, what you'd prefer not to be passed. Specifically, brief them ahead of time on how you will compromise. A proxy cannot, on principle, block consensus.

Provide a prepared statement (including how you will compromise) to read at the meeting, trusting the group will take into account your concerns and information. You're not sending in a knight to do battle for you. You're sending in a messenger. Briefing a proxy on how you'll compromise will increase your chances of being accommodated -- it shows you appreciate the time invested by the dedicated people in the meeting in sorting out your position.

Fist of Five; a technique used to test for consent in a consensus decision making meeting. Since consensus prohibits voting, fist-of-five usually only comes after all discussion has completed. As such, it's mostly just a formality; but a way to test if there is still anyone who has unaddressed concerns.

One finger = serious concerns that have not been heard or addressed
Two fingers = still have unaddressed concerns
Three fingers = consent with major reservation
Four fingers = consent with slight reservation
Five fingers = full consent
Holding up zero fingers constitutes a Fist Block which is the strongest form of dissent.

Synergy Snaps
1) A way to indicate agreement during a consensus meeting, without disrupting the meeting's flow. Snaps are given by physically snapping one's fingers.

Appendix B: Conflict Resolution
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Appendix C: Member Criteria
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Appendix D: Leave of Absence
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Appendix E: Membership Provisions
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Appendix F: Membership Agreements
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