Consensus decision-making

alternatives to majoritarian votes that protect minority rights

Rockbridge Greens Guidelines for Decision Making

also listed as Rockbridge Greens Decision Making Guidelines

(Use with On Conflict and Consensus: A Handbook on Formal Consensus Decisionmaking)

I. Presentation of issue.

A. The problem.
B. Review of alternatives.
C. Explanation of proposal.

II. Proposal presented in writing.

III. Answer questions for clarification of intent and setting limits of the issue.

IV. Discussion.

A. Friendly amendments. Simple ones may be informal, but all should be in writing for the notetaker.
- 1. Accepted by proposal makers- becomes part of proposal.
- 2. Rejected by proposal makers- becomes the center of temporary discussion until it is understood what the rejected amendment is and why it was rejected.
- 3. The process continues until all offered amendments are accepted or rejected by proposal makers. At this time the list of rejected amendments is taken in order and:
  - a. The maker of the amendment is asked whether they wish to pursue the matter further. If not, it is dropped. If so, it proceeds.
  - b. The amendment is offered to the group without discussion but with clarifying questions. If one-third of the members present wish to pursue the matter it then proceeds to a consensus decision using steps 4.B & 4.C.
B. Agreement. If there is no disagreement the process ends with the adoption of the proposal.
C. Disagreement.
- 1. Without blocking consensus. (abstention/ standing aside/ recorded in minutes)
- 2. Blocking consensus- responsible for alternative proposal. A reasonable amount of time is given to prepare a proper proposal.
  - a. Starts back at step 3 and goes through step 4.C.
  - b. A straw vote may be necessary to determine which proposal is to be used as the vehicle toward decision making.
  - c. An attempt is made to arrive at decision by using step C.a.
- 3. Any member present may call for a halt to consensus and request a vote on the proposal. A vote of 3/4 of those present shall affirm the decision.
D. Should a question become too involved for the committee of the whole it may be appropriate to select a committee representing all views to:
- 1. Rewrite the proposal.
- 2. Prepare minority proposals.
E. Committee reports later in the meeting or the next meeting.
- 1. Start again at step 2.
- 2. A 3/4 procedural vote to postpone to a specific time and place may be taken.

Consensus decision-making

Rockbridge Greens Guidelines for Decision Making

See also

PROMOTE BROWSER FREEDOM

Free speech on the Internet