How we use the Consensus Process
Introduction:
At the heart of building community is the group's decision making process. In most situations groups choose to have the majority rule. Majority voting can be a simple way to make a decision. However, this usually creates a minority that do not favor the decision. Divisions may occur in the group which can prevent the building of a strong community.
At Liberty Village we have chosen to use the consensus model of decision making. We feel this model is more community oriented. Consensus is a democratic, egalitarian process. Therefore, members are more likely to contribute to the community and division among members is less likely.
All groups tend to have a vast amount of experiences and knowledge among its members. We at Liberty Village believe that everyone has a little bit of the truth. When a decision is made by a group all perspectives, experiences and wisdom of all members are brought together to create the best decision for the group as a whole.
Consensus Definition:
The root word of consensus is consent, which means to give permission to. The goal of consensus is a decision that is agreed upon by all group members. Full consent does not mean that everyone must be completely satisfied with the final outcome. The decision must be acceptable enough, however, that all will agree to support the group in choosing it, Consensus means that you give permission to the group to go ahead. The decision is in the best interest of the group. Full group satisfaction is rare. The best interests of the group are put ahead of self-interest.
Requirements for Consensus:
- Active participation.
- Respect for the contribution of every member.
- Every member is considered important. Everyone has a little bit of the truth.
- Trust to be able to speak what you feel and not be judged or personally attacked.
Advantages:
- Everyone is part of the decision. This usually means everyone is willing to support it.
- Issues are well discussed. Often new options are explored and creative solutions are discovered that would otherwise be overlooked.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes consensus can be time-consuming.
- A disgruntled person, not acting in the best interest of the group, can block a decision.
Options to Consenting:
- Standing aside: When a member stands aside, they are saying that although they do not personally agree with the decision, they are willing to let the group make the decision. The member may stand aside but is still bound by the decision.
- Blocking a decision: Blocking a decision means that you have some wisdom or experience that is greater than the group's and in the best interest of the community you cannot let the group proceed. Blocking stops the issue from going forward and forces the group to reexamine it in a new light.
Conflict:
In the consensus process argument and conflict -can and often do occur In fact, conflict is an important element and spurs people on to clearer thinking, better understanding and greater creativity. Although consensus groups may experience intense and heated disagreement, behind the conflict is an assumption of cooperation. People are committed to working together to meet everyone's needs as best they can.
Back-up Voting
Many cohousing communities throughout the USA use a back-up voting system in the event that consensus cannot be achieved. In our Community Association bylaws we also have put in provisions for back-up voting. It reads “If consensus cannot be reached at the second business meeting following presentation, the proposal may be presented and reconsidered at the third business meeting, at which, if consensus is not reached, it may be brought to a vote and passed by 3/4 vote of the Members in Good Standing present at the meeting.” To date, we have not had to resort to back -up voting.
Group Conditions that Support Consensus:
- Unity of purpose
- Equal access to power for all members
- Autonomy of the group from external hierarchical structures
- Time
- A willingness in the group to, attend to process
- A willingness in the group to attend to attitudes
- A willingness in the group to learn skills for meeting participation, facilitation and communication
- Consensus is a never-ending process
Outline of the Consensus Process:
- Introduction of the process by a member of the team that is presenting the proposal.
- Clarification of the proposal This is to seek better understanding of the proposal.
- Requests for additional information.
- Requests for objections or concerns regarding the proposal. The facilitator lists the concerns from the members regarding the proposal and groups them into categories if possible.
- Concerns are discussed. New ideas are generated to resolve the concerns. If unable to resolve the concerns the proposal may be sent back to the team for revision.
- If concerns are resolved, there is a call for consensus.