Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Question about Consent Governance

[Karen Gimnig (gimnig]

For me, the key point in response to this question is the limit on how much
can be done with rules. The question is more or less about abrule. How many
people must object for the objection to stand?

Being clear about how decisions are made is vital. Rules and processes,
when well written and understood, can bring that clarity.

What they can't do is create a community or consensus mindset. Consensus or
consent decision-making is about culture, communication and relationship.
At the end of the day, if any person wants to use rules as the power to
stop (or start) something, it is a sign that the culture of consensus needs
some help.  Good consensus or consent is driven by foundational beliefs and
values. It requires a sense of safety, the experience of being fully heard
and understood, trust in the community as a whole. It's hard for us
Americans to live that.  We need help reminding ourselves from time to
time.  Also, new members will need orientation on this and help settling
in.

In the meantime, yes there are fabulous structures that can help us with
that.  Sociocracy, Non-Violent Communication, Imago Relationships, many
other bits and pieces that have been mentioned.  Just know that those
structures alone will not be enough if people treat them like rules for
claiming power rather than as tools for caring for one another in
community.

In Community,
Karen Gimnig
Professional Facilitator
678-705-9007
www.
​imago4coho.net