[New-imc] RE: [IMC-Process] decision making by consensus

[John Windmueller]

> I've written a text on the subject of decision making and consensus.
> Perhaps it can be used as an introductory guide for newcomers and help
> prevent some misunderstandings about 'blocking', etc.
> 
> If you would like to comment on the article or suggest improvements,
> mail me please, or use the twiki.
> 
> http://docs.indymedia.org/view/Global/DecisionMakingGuide

I think this is a useful document, but I want to point out that this
description of consensus has some significant and substantive
differences from how the term is often used by professional facilitators
and writings on consensus.  It's also different from my own experience
working within and for consensus-based groups.  

The description of what constitutes a consensus and a block varies from
group to group, but very often it *is* possible for an individual or
organization (if a spokesperson model)--even against the view of a
significant majority--to "block" a proposal as an action in the decision
making process.  

It is common that blocks need to be rooted within the agreed on goals,
values, and principles of the group.  And while the process logistics of
this final part vary widely, blocks rarely are an end to discussion and
decision.  Most long-standing consensus processes I've seen in place
have a way of working beyond the block, but not without a very
significant majority and required deliberations and discussions on the
block.  

For some writing on consensus that includes this notion of consensus
there's...

Gastil, John W. 1993. Democracy in small groups : Participation,
decision making, and communication. Philadelphia: New Society.

Kaner, Sam and Lenny Lind. 1996. Facilitator's guide to participatory
decision-making. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.

Schrock-Shenk, Carolyn, ed. 2000. Mediation and facilitation training
manual: foundations and skills for constructive conflict transformation.
4th ed. Akron PA: Mennonite Conciliation Service.

Sheeran, Michael J. 1983. Beyond majority rule : Voteless decisions in
the religious society of friends. Philadelphia, Pa.: Philadelphia Yearly
Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.

C.T. Butler, who is probably best known for his work with Food Not
Bombs, has written a book on activist consensus processes (and does
training in it).  Unfortunately, I don't have the cite for that handy.  

John