Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: the importance of clearly defined process

[Mac & Sandy Thomson (ganesh]

Maggi wrote:
> Do you, or anyone else, have suggestions regarding resources for helping
> a new group come up with a fair, simple decision-making process? 
> Examples would be helpful -- is there a good handbook?  

Here are some resources that we used.  They're probably all avilable
from the FIC book store.  Does anyone have that web address?
? Building United Judgment, A Handbook for Consensus Decision Making
? CoHousing Magazine, Spring 1994, pg 10.
? CoHousing Resource Guide 1995, chapter 1.
? On Conflict & Consensus, a handbook on Formal Consensus decision
making, C.T. Lawrence Butler.

> Would you
> recommend having a professional come in at the beginning and doing a
> workshop with all participants?

YES!  We required all members to take a weekend workshop on
communication and consensus decision making.  I think it really helped
get everyone on the same page with regard to feedback, conflict
resolution, listening, meetings, and consensus.  These are skills that
many of us don't have much experience with, but that we rely heavily
upon in cohousing.

- Mac
-- 
           Mac & Sandy Thomson           Heartwood Cohousing
           ganesh [at] rmi.net                Durango, Colorado
        Web Site:   http://www.heartwoodcohousing.com


Everything in excess!!  To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites! 
Moderation is for monks.
           - Robert Heinlein
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