[CIMC-work] Re: Imc-chicago-working Digest, Vol 11, Issue 16

[Thomas Yun]

Hello,

My thoughts on the current SF / Indybay conflict are that conflict is
inevitable within a group process.  I feel that the Indymedia project has
a framework for dealing with conflict resolution, but it is not
well-articulated.  A consensus model of decision-making can only function
if there is investment the values implied by "consensus".

To my thinking the implied values of consensus include the prioritization
of equal participation and cooperation over authority.

The details are the hard part - how do you articulate these ideals in your
interactions with other members in your collective?

In order to do so we have to look closely at the nature of our
relationships to each other and the collective - what is the give and take
of doing volunteer work?

I think that our collective should have earnest discussions about these
issues.

paz,
t
y

> ----- Begin forwarded message -----
> From: Garth Liebhaber <garthliebhaber at care2.com>
> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2004 15:16:24 -0600
> To: imc-us-process at lists.indymedia.org
> Subject: [imc-us-process] Thoughts on Network Conflict Resolution Process
> Reply-To: "A process discussion list for U.S.-based IMCs"
> <imc-us-process at lists.indymedia.org>
>
> hi gang,
> I have been reflecting upon the recent situations of imc
> conflict, particularly on S.F. and Indybay, as well as the
> ongoing problems in DC of women tiring of sexist
> behavior.  I also took note of John W.'s sentiment in his
> recent letter in which he resigned his inclination to serve
> as moderator.  to paraphrase, he expressed the sentiment
> that a need for a binding conflict resolution mechanism by
> the imc NETWORK seems to be a need.
>
> I am beginning to think that we need some sort of
> mechanism.  There seems to be some very destructive
> conflicts that are crippling separate indymedia projects.
> while I think individual collectives should be the first to
> solve their problems, when this is not happening, the
> Indymedia project in general takes a hit.  It is not fair to
> the people outside of the collectives, particularly to the
> more immediate communities that use the sites.
>
> I don't have a specific proposal in hand, but I think this is
> a very appropriate list to express this thinking and to
> foster discussion.  I think we can also take a look at our
> principles as guiding posts.
>
> Much like the free speech vs. fair speech debates, I think
> we need to be careful of letting the project be hi-jacked
> by abusive people.  If conflicts/complaints are consistantly
> not being resolved within collectives, and we continue to
> see them migrate to the inter-network lists, I think we
> need to be able to respond in a more solid way.
>
> Solidarity is a two way street.
>
> ciao,
> garth
>  from cHiCaGo