[imc-tennessee] Re: [New-imc] network membership application for TN IMC

[rwyoung at chattanooga.net]

Consensus is a process. Not a result.
However if no one ever dissagrees I have to wonder how honest the process
truely is. Sometime you have to stick to you guns to get something aired
out.



> Quoting Arc <arc at indymedia.org>:
>
>> On Thu, May 15, 2003 at 10:37:01AM -0500, Ryan Smith wrote:
>> > g. Adopt a decision-making policy that is in alignment
>> > with consensus principles which include open,
>> > transparent and egalitarian processes,
>> > Regarding consensus, we have adopted the principles of
>> > the peace coalition.  In all efforts we strive for
>> > consensus as the modus operandi of the TN IMC.  When
>> > consensus is not possible we will make decisions by
>> > 3/4 majority vote.
>>
>> 3/4 majority fallback vote is not consensus.
>>
>> The principals of consensus, which are important because they create a
>> positive atmosphere of social change and equal participation, rely on
>> the individual's ability to speak his or her own truth.  The power of
>> blocking, even if it is never used, must be present to ensure that no
>> voice is ignored.
>
> I disagree
>
> What is most important to be present, is not the 'block', but trust and
> mutual respect for individual and group autonomy.
>
> The very idea of a block is questionable in this sort of situation with
> a new imc for example. No individual or group should submit to skewed
> power dynamics or abusive behavior based on ideology, consensus or
> otherwise.
>
> The purpose of the new imc process, is to assist new imc's to get off to
> a good start and to share resources, learned lessons and experience with
> them, not to stand above passing judgement. We are affiliated by mutual
> choice and respect. There is no global entity as such that sits above a
> local imc and can/should wield power over. Portland does not recognize
> any such
> hierarchical structure. All interactions are horizontal and voluntary
> and on that basis, desireable.
>
> deva
> pdx imc
>
>
>
>
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