Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: consensus vote question

[Kay Argyle (argyle]

> I'm wondering how groups cast their consensus votes.

Three phases:  clarifying questions, discussion, call for consensus.  First
the facilitator asks for clarifying questions.  If there are only one or two
people with hands up, the facilitator calls on them in turn; if there are
many people, the facilitator "stacks" (writes names on the easel for people
to speak in order).

Once there are no more questions, we start the discussion phase (again,
using stacking).

During discussion, the facilitator may call a straw poll -- a simple "hands
up if you are in favor," or "hands up if you are opposed."  There's
frequently a little confusion -- "Exactly what are we voting on?"  "Did she
say in favor or opposed?"  "Oh, I need to change my vote, I thought we were
doing 'in favor'."

If the discussion reveals much dissatisfaction with the proposal, it may be
sent back to committee without any consensus vote.

If the discussion slows down or is trending positive, the facilitator calls
for consensus in three steps:  1) Any amendments are read aloud (if
extensive, the entire proposal may be reread).  2) Would anyone block?
(Hands up)  If no one, we have consensus.  If yes, why? and we cycle back
through discussion.  3) Would anyone stand aside?  (Hands up)  Sometimes a
stand-aside also results in further discussion; sometimes it just provides
"I told you so" rights.

Kay Argyle
Wasatch Commons
Salt Lake City
argyle [at] mines.utah.edu

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