RE: Meeting Tools
From: Catya Belfer-Shevett (catyahomeport.org)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 16:09:02 -0700 (MST)
> We also use a flip chart on occasion, a LCD computer  projector
> on occasion,
> a talking stick on occasion. We rejected the card system as it has some
> subtle but not good effects on communication, especially the
> whole notion of
> the blocking card. Now instead we use a fingers method and ask that anyone
> that has further issues, concerns or questions to hold up two fingers, or,
> if you are content that the proposal serves the needs of the
> community as it
> exists, show one finger. This type of question is MUCH friendlier to
> dissenting voices and bringing out issues than the notion of RED CARD I
> BLOCK THE WHOLE GROUP.  And by encouraging dissenting voices to bring up
> their issues, we seem to come up with much better solutions. Also
> by framing
> the assent as, does this proposal serve the needs of the community, rather
> than, do you personally like it?, we tend to get better discussions that
> move us to where we need to go, rather than manipulations by
> individuals to
> get what they personally want.

Very interesting reading!  I don't think we've seen the negative effects you
describe for the cards.  Red cards are used extremely rarely - orange cards
(serious concern) are much more common from the dissenting voices, and those
voices are heard.

We do try to frame proposals in terms of serving the needs of the community,
though i think we could focus more there sometimes rather than on the needs
of the individuals in the room.

One of the things I like about the card system is the easy color flash on a
proposal - a show of cards can give you a very good flavor of the room,
between the greens and blues and oranges (and rare reds).

If you hold up an orange card you are given a chance to speak your concerns
before the decision is recalled, so we don't have people redcarding to stop
the decision from happening.  Perhaps that makes a difference?

        - catya
                              ____
Catya Belfer-Shevett      ____\  /      Interested in
catya [at] pobox.com           \  / \/      Cohousing in MA?
www.catya.org              \/       www.mosaic-commons.org

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