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

[Cathy Angell (CathyAngell]

Maggie asked :
>Do you, or anyone else, have suggestions regarding resources for helping a
>new group come up with a fair, simple decision-making process?

At Earthsong  we have been working (for nearly seven years now) with
the colour card process for discussion and decision making.

We have made a few refinements of our own to the basic system -  have a look
at how we use a Black Card - "I have an interpersonal difficulty which is
preventing me from participating in the discussion".

An integral part of our process is our commitment to our Interpersonal
Communication Guidelines.

We have a 'fall back' position of voting based on capital contribution, but
only if  we fail to reach consensus after two meetings on a subject.

So far in seven years we have only had to go to a vote on two occasions,
which I find pretty impressive, and a testament to the commitment by our
members to find creative solutions.

You might like to explore our process on our webpage by going to the
*Information Booklet*, then *Group Process*.

Good luck !

Cathy Angell
Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood (West Auckland, New Zealand, where the first 17
of 32 homes are nearing completion!)


www.cohousing.pl.net





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