CONSENSUS

Consensus is a participatory process of decision making in which all members of the group have equal voting power, equal discussion opportunity, and in which the outcome of any decision reflects a synergy of ideas and energy of the group's individual members without the loss of any member's individuality.

THE PROCESS:

An idea is put forth/problem presented, or
A proposal is made

Discussion Phase: Discussion ensues in which every person present has a chance to share/respond specifically to the idea or proposal. (This could be timed to give equal opportunity to all members and keep time boundaries.)

Statement Phase: After discussion, a short, concise proposal statement is made, or reiterated, by any member of the group. Usually the chairperson will restate the proposal for clarity and initiate the response (voting) phase.

Response Phase: In round fashion, individuals in the circle respond either by affirming, (i.e., Yes, I agree, I support the proposal, etc.), by declining (i.e., No, I don't agree, I don't support the proposal, etc.), or by agreeing with reservation (i.e.., I disagree and am willing to support the proposal, I disagree but will not block the proposal, etc.).

The difference between agreeing with reservations and saying no is that a no blocks action, and agreeing with reservation does not block action, letting movement occur with acknowledgment of differing options or wants.

In the response phase, individuals do not add to or modify the proposal statement. They also do not share why they have reservations about a proposal. This is done in the discussion phase.

If consensus is not reached, move back to discussion phase, then to a new statement, then response phase. Repeat process until consensus is reached or allotted time is up. Use attunement and/or mini sessions to keep the energy clean and moving.

Attunement Phase: Group attunes on issue(s) by quiet, reflective time, group meditation, or other heart centering activity. This can be done either in a specified amount of time or by individual's internal"clock." Move back to discussion phase and engage process.

An adjunct to attunement is to do group discharge, i.e., through co-counseling paired time, minis, a group scream, etc. Discharge is a wonderful way to clear distress or break patterned thinking and behavior at any time during the consensus process.

Role of Chairperson/Facilitator: The role of the person facilitating the meeting is to keep track of times: start, end, discussion, process, attunement, minis, etc. "This person will also keep the group on task by assuring that the process is being used. S/he will keep the agenda, restate proposals, and clearly state outcomes (that consensus has or has not been reached). Being a peer process, it is also the role of each member of the group to be self-responsible, to keep on task, call the group on a breakdown, or to ask for co-counseling time or an attunement. Self-responsibility and the steps outlines above combine to co-create inclusiveness and mutually agreeable outcomes which support everybody participating.

Chell 4/90, slightly revised 12/94 by C. Sargent