Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Vote or Stand aside?

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

> On Nov 9, 2015, at 9:51 AM, Ann Zabaldo <zabaldo [at] earthlink.net> wrote:
> 
> If what you want is a yes or no answer then vote.  If what you want is a 
> solution then do use the time and energy of the group to come up with A 
> solution. 

I agree with Ann. The reason to have a meeting is to discuss and amend the 
proposal to improve it or change it or decide to start over. That is a process.

If all you want to do is present the proposal and vote or call for consensus, 
that can be done on email. Or SurveyChimp.

We have people who want the proposals all vetted with everyone before they come 
to the meeting. They effectively want to avoid the group consensus process 
where everyone understands the objections and needs of others as part of their 
own decision-making process. 

Meetings are where you hear why others are objecting or consenting — people can 
consent for very bad reasons. It’s usually important to play out the process 
together because this process is also one of getting to know each other. Of 
building relationships. Otherwise why have a meeting at all?

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org