Cohousing-L Mailing List: Consensus Colors

[MartyR707 (MartyR707]

In a message dated 2/25/97 7:56:55 PM, you wrote:

<<we consider using the 5 color, non-linear approach to reach consensus.
 It has certain appeal, yet we were wondering if the original group(s) who
used this process still employ it.  I think Winslow was the group that wrote
about it years ago in the Coho magazine.  Our questions are: 
1.  Do you still use it?  If not, why not?
2.  How do you ensure that people bring their cards?  (this is an issue since
we're not "living" it yet.)
3.  Have you revised it in any way?>>

We have used the cards for quite some time.  They were wonderful in the
beginning because we didn't have much of a process.  They really helped get
us organized.  Now that we've worked together for so long and refined our
process very well, we don't use them as much, but always have them there if
needed.  They're especially useful for intense topics with lots of
discussion, and for important and tight "votes".  Simple topics, we just use
"thumbs up".

As far as people bringing them, they just live in a basket with name tags and
pens that one task-holder brings each time.

I definitely recommend them if you don't have a good tight process already.

Marty Roberts - Jewell HIll Coho in Sebastopol (but about to change our name)
Where we received Planning Commission approval tonight on our tentative map!!
 Next City Council and Design Review, working drawings at full speed - and
with all luck on our side - groundbreaking in May!!!!  (And two houses still
available!!)