Consensus Process

Maintain the bond
Dissolve the bond
Calm
Empower
Organize
Make decisions

Goals:

When a group needs to make a decision on a complex topic or a controversial proposal, the consensus process can help lead to a harmonious agreement.

Participants:

2 à 6, 7 à 15

Duration:

30'

Required equipment:

Sticky notes and marker pens.

Space requierment:

Any area in which the group can discuss.

Requirements:

Ideally, the facilitator has already experienced this protocol before leading it. Otherwise, it should be clearly stated that they are discovering it alongside the participants.

Preparation

The facilitator guides the group through the protocol, reading and then executing the entire Process.

Process

Speaking Round on the Proposal:

Conduct a speaking round on the complex topic or controversial proposal.

Instead of discussing problems or raising objections, use the term "concern." For example, say "I am concerned because…" instead of "I am against…".
Expressing concerns opens the possibility of modifying the proposal to address these concerns.

Managing Concerns and Objections:

If one person is alone in their concern, they can choose to "stand aside."
In cases of strong objections, especially ethical objections, an individual may block the process. Blocks are used rarely and with care.

The ability to block gives everyone the ultimate power to influence decisions that affect them.
If a proposal faces strong opposition, it may be abandoned rather than modified.

Distribution of Speaking Turns:

The facilitator manages the speaking order, if turns are not taken automatically, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak.

Notes

An example from Starhawk:

Proposal: "Katie wants to join the group, and I propose we accept her."
Reaction: "I am concerned because we already have a lot of members."

There are several ways to modify the proposal, such as accepting Katie but no one after her, asking Katie to wait, or helping her form her own group.

References

Starhawk: "Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics" Beacon Press (1997).