Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Process cards--decision point

[Tree Bressen (tree]

Hi,

>    4. Consider having separate signals for "voting" versus discussion. In
>our group the color cards are only to facilitate discussion but thumbs up,
>sideways or down for voting.

I hope no one will take offense at me saying this, but i wince whenever i
hear someone in a consensus group refer to "voting" in this way.  As Ann Z.
points out writing in response to the voting backups thread now also in
progress on this list, consensus arises from a whole different paradigm
than voting, one that relies on our ability to synthesize solutions from
the wisdom of the group.  I think it's useful and important to maintain the
integrity of both voting and consensus processes by keeping them distinct
and expressing clearly when you are using each one.  

When it comes to the decision point in the consensus process, i strongly
recommend that groups use language such as "calling for consensus" or
"checking for any unresolved concerns."  As a consensus facilitator, the
word "vote" does not cross my lips unless it's in reference to formal
voting fallbacks or some other mechanism that the group has deliberately
decided to use to supplement or replace the consensus process.

Personally i also avoid use of the thumbs-up/down/sideways method, out of
concern that even that might foster too much of a voting atmosphere.
Rather, i ask for unresolved concerns (or stand-asides or blocks), and/or i
ask if there's consensus and look for a smile, nod, thumbs-up, or some
other overt acknowledgement from each person, during a careful scan of the
circle.

Because in the U.S. we grow up with so much exposure to majority vote
process and so little exposure to genuine consensus process, it's really
easy to fall into a voting mentality.  I think using different language is
part of changing our culture around that.

Peace,

--Tree



-----------------------------------------------

Tree Bressen
1680 Walnut St.
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 484-1156
tree [at] ic.org
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